Suppose Quik Trip Stores' comparative income statement for two years included these items (dollars in thousands):

_________________      ____   ____________________2017                  2016

Net sales……………........………………………..……$7,200………..$6,800

Income from operations……………………………….49…………….65

Gain on sale of store facilities…………………………28……….……—

Income before income taxes………………………...$ 77…………..$ 65

Which was the better year for Quik Trip: 2017 or 2016? Explain.