This article compares Kroger (NYSE:KR) and Macy's (NYSE:M) as investment opportunities, particularly for retirement portfolios, ahead of their upcoming earnings reports. It positions Kroger as a long-term "compounder" with a strong dividend track record and defensive cash flows, despite recent dips and regulatory risks, making it attractive for income-focused investors. Macy's, while showing recent strong performance, is viewed as a "turnaround" story with a more volatile history and less certainty for long-term compounding.

TD Cowen has reiterated a Buy rating on American Electric Power (AEP) with a $149 price target, citing the utility's strong position to benefit from data center growth across its service territories. The firm anticipates a significant increase in AEP's five-year capital spending program due to a surge in electricity demand backlog. Despite recently missing Q2 2026 earnings and revenue estimates, AEP raised its full-year earnings guidance, driven by robust large customer demand and favorable regulatory outcomes.

Cooper Companies Inc. is set to release its fiscal third-quarter results, with analysts expecting earnings of $1.12 per share and revenue of $1.1 billion. Investors will be focused on whether the medical device maker can maintain its streak of beating profit expectations and will scrutinize margin performance, updates on its strategic review, and developments regarding ongoing litigation from a product recall. Despite a recent stock gain, the shares are down nearly 19% year-to-date.

AutoZone stock has fallen to a new 52-week low of $2,900.01, reflecting a 31.27% decrease over the past year. Despite being profitable with $19.99 billion in revenue and a 51.75% gross profit margin, InvestingPro data indicates the stock is currently overvalued. Recent company news includes a promotion within its finance team, a lowered price target from TD Cowen due to market challenges, and significant M&A activity in the automotive aftermarket sector.

Annexon presented at the Wells Fargo 21st Annual Healthcare Conference, highlighting a pivotal year with two late-stage programs, vonaprument for geographic atrophy and tanruprubart for Guillain-Barré syndrome, nearing regulatory review. The company also discussed its oral complement program, ANX1502, which is progressing despite formulation challenges, and emphasized its strong financial position, funded into 2028, giving it flexibility for commercialization and strategic partnerships. Annexon aims to expand the market for its therapies by demonstrating functional benefits and plans a lean commercial model, particularly for GBS, while exploring further indications and optimizing its wholly-owned assets.

Exelixis recently discussed its growth strategy at Citigroup’s Biopharma Back to School Summit, focusing on expanding its existing CABOMETYX franchise and developing zanzalintinib as a second major growth engine. The company aims for broader drug use across multiple indications and diversification into various drug types, with a projected $5 billion total addressable market for zanzalintinib. Exelixis also highlighted its disciplined R&D spending, aggressive share buyback program, and the integration of AI across its operations to drive efficiency and growth.

AutoZone (AZO) stock has fallen to a new 52-week low of $2,900.01, representing a 31.27% decrease over the past year. Despite this downturn, the company remains profitable with significant revenue and gross profit margin, though InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently overvalued. Recent news includes a senior finance promotion, a lowered price target from TD Cowen due to market challenges, and consolidation activities in the automotive aftermarket sector involving Mavis Tire and Genuine Parts.

Chevron's stock has reached an all-time high of $214.85 USD, currently trading at $215.17, giving the company a market capitalization of $417 billion. The stock has seen a 35.64% increase over the past year and 41.5% year-to-date, reflecting strong financial health and investor confidence. InvestingPro analysis suggests Chevron is undervalued and highlights its consistent dividend increases for 38 consecutive years.

Vulcan Materials Company (VMC) stock has fallen to a 52-week low of $250.89, reflecting broader challenges in the construction materials sector. Despite a 12.27% decline over the past year, the company has consistently raised its dividend for 12 years. This downturn comes even after Vulcan Materials reported strong Q2 2026 financial results, exceeding Wall Street expectations, with Stifel reiterating a Buy rating.

Euroholdings Ltd (NASDAQ: EHLD) recently announced a $0.14 per share dividend with an ex-dividend date of September 9, 2026. While the company offers an attractive 4.58% dividend yield and a conservative payout ratio of 0.21, its long-term dividend sustainability is questioned due to significant revenue and EPS contraction over the past three years. The article suggests that investors weigh the income potential against the risks associated with the cyclical shipping industry and declining earnings.