03:49 PM EST, 02/12/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Consumer stocks were lower late Wednesday afternoon, with the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) easing 0.2% and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) down less than 0.1%.

In sector news, a group of Republican senators on Wednesday proposed a $1,000 tax on new electric vehicle purchases to help pay for road repairs, Reuters reported.

In corporate news, Comcast ( CMCSA ) and NBCUniversal may be promoting "invidious" forms of diversity, equity and inclusion programs not in compliance with the Federal Communications Commission's regulations, Chairman Brendan Carr said Tuesday in a letter. Comcast ( CMCSA ) shares fell 0.7%.

The Chefs' Warehouse ( CHEF ) shares jumped over 9% after the company reported fiscal Q4 adjusted earnings of $0.55 per diluted share, up from $0.47 a year earlier. Analysts polled by FactSet expected $0.51.

Kraft Heinz ( KHC ) offered a downbeat full-year earnings outlook on Wednesday as the company's Q4 net sales fell more than expected. Its shares fell 4%.

Restaurant Brands International (QSR) reported stronger-than-expected Q4 results on Wednesday, driven by comparable sales gains at Tim Hortons and Burger King. Its shares were falling 1.8%.