What is the definition of gross profit in financial terms?

Gross profit is a key financial metric that represents the difference between net sales and the cost of goods sold (COGS). It provides insight into the efficiency of a company's core business activities concerning production and sales. When calculating gross profit, the focus is specifically on the direct costs attributable to producing the goods sold, which allows businesses to assess how well they are controlling their production costs relative to the revenue generated from sales.

This metric is crucial for understanding the profitability of a company's core operations before accounting for other operating expenses, taxes, and interest. By isolating gross profit, businesses can evaluate their production efficiency and make informed decisions about pricing strategies, cost management, and overall financial health. Therefore, defining gross profit as net sales minus the cost of goods sold accurately captures this financial concept, making it the correct answer.