Advance Auto Parts Photo: Bloomberg NewsAn unexpected jump in fuel prices during the latest quarter gummed up the supply chain and tapped the brakes on profitability at Advance Auto Parts Inc., said interim finance chief Jeffrey Shepard. Higher energy costs were among the lead pressures that reduced the company’s gross profit margin by 54 basis points, Mr. Shepard said, speaking on the company’s conference call. Overall, gross profit margin improved to 44.3% during its fiscal first quarter from 44% posted during the same period last year.

Source: Wall Street Journal May 23, 2018 19:07 UTC