Which component is not included in the calculation of gross profit?

Gross profit is defined as the difference between net sales (or revenue) and the cost of goods sold (COGS). This figure is crucial for evaluating a company's efficiency in producing and selling its goods. Net sales refers to the total revenue from sales minus returns, allowances, and discounts, while COGS includes all the direct costs attributable to the production of the goods sold.

Operating expenses, on the other hand, are not included in the calculation of gross profit. These expenses encompass the costs incurred in the normal operation of the business that are not directly tied to the production of goods or services, such as administrative costs, marketing expenses, and salaries of non-production staff. This separation helps businesses understand their profitability from core operations versus overall profitability, which includes these additional costs. By excluding operating expenses from gross profit, one can focus solely on the profitability derived directly from sales activities and production efficiency.