pre_text: cash flows from operations .
post_text: in fiscal 2018 , cash provided by operations was $ 2.8 billion compared to $ 2.4 billion in fiscal 2017 . the $ 426 million increase was primarily driven by the $ 462 million increase in net earnings and the $ 736 million change in current assets and liabilities , partially offset by a $ 688 million change in deferred income taxes . the change in deferred income taxes was primarily related to the $ 638 million provisional benefit from revaluing our net u.s . deferred tax liabilities to reflect the new u.s . corporate tax rate as a result of the tcja . the $ 736 million change in current assets and liabilities was primarily due to changes in accounts payable of $ 476 million related to the extension of payment terms and timing of payments , and $ 264 million of changes in other current liabilities primarily driven by changes in income taxes payable , trade and advertising accruals , and incentive accruals . we strive to grow core working capital at or below the rate of growth in our net sales . for fiscal 2018 , core working capital decreased 27 percent , compared to a net sales increase of 1 percent . in fiscal 2017 , core working capital increased 9 percent , compared to a net sales decline of 6 percent , and in fiscal 2016 , core working capital decreased 41 percent , compared to net sales decline of 6 percent . in fiscal 2017 , our operations generated $ 2.4 billion of cash , compared to $ 2.8 billion in fiscal 2016 . the $ 349 million decrease was primarily driven by a $ 493 million change in current assets and liabilities . the $ 493 million change in current assets and liabilities was primarily due to changes in other current liabilities driven by changes in income taxes payable , a decrease in incentive accruals , and changes in trade and advertising accruals due to reduced spending . the change in current assets and liabilities was also impacted by the timing of accounts payable . additionally , we recorded a $ 14 million loss on a divestiture during fiscal 2017 , compared to a $ 148 million net gain on divestitures during fiscal 2016 , and classified the related cash flows as investing activities. .
table: Fiscal Year
table: In Millions 2018 2017 2016
table: Net earnings, including earnings attributable to redeemable and noncontrollinginterests $2,163.0 $1,701.1 $1,736.8
table: Depreciation and amortization 618.8 603.6 608.1
table: After-taxearnings from joint ventures (84.7) (85.0) (88.4)
table: Distributions of earnings from joint ventures 113.2 75.6 75.1
table: Stock-based compensation 77.0 95.7 89.8
table: Deferred income taxes (504.3) 183.9 120.6
table: Pension and other postretirement benefit plan contributions (31.8) (45.4) (47.8)
table: Pension and other postretirement benefit plan costs 4.6 35.7 118.1
table: Divestitures loss (gain) - 13.5 (148.2)
table: Restructuring, impairment, and other exit costs 126.0 117.0 107.2
table: Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions anddivestitures 542.1 (194.2) 298.5
table: Other, net (182.9) (86.3) (105.6)
table: Net cash provided by operating activities $2,841.0 $2,415.2 $2,764.2
question: Analyse this data from a financial earnings document. what was percentage change in net earnings including earnings attributable to redeemable and non controlling interests from 2017 to 2018