Ford EV Sales Crater 79% as Costco Posts Strong Growth

Ford Motor ($F) reported total vehicle sales of 170,681 units in August, with electric vehicle sales plunging 79.4% and hybrid sales falling nearly 20%. The automaker is recalling 148,663 Mustang vehicles from the 2024 to 2026 model years due to engine-compartment wiring harness ground connections that could fracture, potentially causing loss of drive power and disabling critical functions including headlights, windshield washers, air conditioning, and engine cooling fans. Despite the sales decline marking the eighth consecutive monthly drop, $F stock gained as investors focused on F-Series pickup production strength. Separately, $F is pushing to market its Ranger pickup trucks for use by NATO militaries, aiming to supply standardized light utility vehicles across member countries with potential armored variants and specialized equipment packages.

Costco Wholesale ($COST) reported net sales of $23.70 billion for the retail month of August, representing the four weeks ended August 30, 2026, an increase of meaningfully from $21.56 billion in the prior year period. For the 16-week fourth quarter, $COST reported net sales of $93.9 billion, an increase of meaningfully compared to net sales of $84.4 billion last year. The warehouse retailer's stock closed at $928.48, moving 1.22% from the previous trading session. The company's consistent sales growth reflects resilient consumer demand for bulk purchasing and membership warehouse value propositions.

Walmart ($WMT) faces mounting account security concerns after account takeover fraud spiked 427% in 2023 alone, with a Florida woman left $2,000 in the hole after a hacked account and now accusing $WMT of reversing her refund. In the restaurant sector, McDonald's ($MCD) CEO explained why the chain's new $3 menu has not delivered for customers or the company, representing ongoing challenges in value menu strategy. Meanwhile, Chipotle Mexican Grill ($CMG) is taking its burritos to Asia as part of international expansion efforts.

PepsiCo ($PEP) is in a transitional phase after conflict-related damage at a Ukrainian production facility and softer demand in North America, putting pressure on operational performance. In athletic footwear, UBS analysts stated that Nike ($NKE) is no longer the industry bellwether as athletic performance continues to be a bright spot for many competitors. The investment bank expressed bullish views on On Holding, Deckers Outdoor, Amer Sports, Wolverine Worldwide, and Under Armour brands, signaling a shift in competitive dynamics within the athletic footwear and apparel market.

The consumer sector faces divergent trends as warehouse retailers demonstrate resilience while automotive manufacturers grapple with weak EV demand and quality issues. Retail security concerns and value menu challenges highlight ongoing operational headwinds for major retailers and restaurant chains. Investor focus will remain on whether automotive sales stabilize and how retailers navigate the balance between growth, security, and profitability heading into the critical fall selling season.