Best CAC 40 companies to buy: The CAC 40 companies are particularly well known for their strong returns on the stock market. Since the war in Ukraine and the sharp market volatility that followed, some CAC 40 companies have posted solid figures. This article will therefore help you choose more confidently among the 10 best CAC 40 companies, thanks to the ranking we have drawn up.
1. Air Liquide Stock (AI)
- Market cap: 96,99 billion EUR
- Current price: 184,68 EUR
- Price target: 223 EUR
Air Liquide stands out as a major player in the semiconductor industry, capitalising on growing demand in South Korea for the special gases that are essential to electronic chip production. The recent opening of a diborane plant in the country reflects the company’s commitment to meeting the needs of this constantly evolving market. This strategic expansion confirms Air Liquide’s ability to adapt to the requirements of the sector and to invest in cutting-edge technologies to maintain its leading position. (CAC 40 market).
The newly operational plant showcases Air Liquide’s technical expertise and its ability to manage large-scale projects. With its 7000 meters of piping and a footprint of 5600 m², this facility underlines the company’s commitment to the semiconductor industry. By starting industrial production in May, Air Liquide is positioning itself advantageously to meet the growing demand for special gases in this strategic and fast-expanding sector, offering attractive potential for medium-term investors. (acheter-actions/ai.pa/ »>Buy Air Liquide stock)
2. Lacroix Stock (LACR)
- Market cap: 123,18 million EUR
- Current price: 26,00 EUR
- Price target: 29 EUR
Lacroix Group is a key player in the smart road infrastructure market in France and around the world. This century-old group, founded in 1936, has established itself as a recognised specialist in the design and sale of connected equipment for road management, public lighting, and water, heat and energy networks. With its 5100 employees spread across the world, including 1300 in France, Lacroix Group ranks among the European leaders in electronics outsourcing and connected objects for smart cities.
Lacroix Group stock is showing a promising trajectory on the Paris stock exchange, despite mixed results in 2025. Although profitability has been disappointing, the analysts at Portzamparc remain optimistic, stressing that « the hardest part is behind us ». They recommend strengthening the position and set a price target of 30,40 euros over 9 months, i.e. upside potential of +16% from the current price of 26 euros. An opportunity to seize for investors eager to benefit from the future growth of smart infrastructure and electronics (Buy Lacroix Group stock).
3. Pernod Ricard Stock (RI)
- Market cap: 38,10 billion EUR
- Current price: 149,10 EUR
- Price target: 175 EUR
Pernod Ricard stock ranks among the French blue chips listed on the Paris market. It is also a key player in the global luxury wines and spirits sector. The French group Pernod Ricard is dedicated to creating and selling premium wine and spirits brands. Its portfolio includes iconic brands such as Absolut Vodka, Ricard, Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Jameson and Martell. In the global wines and spirits market, Pernod Ricard holds second place, which justifies its presence among the heavyweights of the CAC 40 index.
Pernod Ricard stock is likewise showing strong momentum on the Paris stock exchange. It is one of the shares offering an attractive yield, with a dividend of 2,2%, while its market cap has reached 52 billion euros. And according to analysts, this upward move should not stop there: they set a price target of €175 over 9 months, i.e. additional upside potential of +21%. All of which makes Pernod Ricard a particularly attractive proposition for investors. (Buy Pernod Ricard stock)
4. TotalEnergies Stock (TTE)
- Market cap: 150,96 billion EUR
- Current price: 6,16 EUR
- Price target: 64,58 EUR
TotalEnergies currently ranks 3rd among the biggest CAC 40 companies by market cap and 6th among the world’s largest energy companies in terms of market capitalisation, which makes it one of the heaviest CAC 40 weights. The TotalEnergies group is one of the biggest oil majors in the world, which earns it a place among the best stocks to buy right now. Its business model remains solid over the long term thanks to its high profitability.
The dividend yield of TotalEnergies stock is around 8%. During the last month of October 2025, TTE shares rose by 20%, which confirms its position in the renewable energy sector. It is therefore a smart move to buy TotalEnergies stock.
5. Engie Stock (ENGI)
- Market cap: 35,13 billion EUR
- Current price: 14,43 EUR
- Price target: 18,43 EUR
Given the current climate emergency and the changes it requires, the Engie group has developed the ambition of becoming the world leader in the zero-carbon transition « as a service ». The group naturally belongs to several major financial indices, including the French CAC 40 index.
From October 2025 through February 2025, Engie stock has been pursuing an uptrend. The share price even reached the 14,61 EUR mark. Engie stock also entitles you to dividends of $0,85 per share on online trading platforms. That works out at a yield of 7,37%, a very attractive rate for investors. (Buy Engie stock)
6. AXA Stock (CS)
- Market cap: 63,57 billion EUR
- Current price: 27,27 EUR
- Price target: 31,57 EUR
The AXA group is the leader of the insurance market across Europe. Its revenue per share is generated by a wide range of activities such as life insurance and property and casualty insurance. Its flagship product is AXA health insurance, which remains one of the most stable in the face of competition. Its inclusion in the CAC 40 guarantees a stock that meets the requirements of certain levels of demand.
The stock is bullish over the short, medium and long term. That is thanks to a dividend yield above 5% and regular payouts without interruption for nearly 30 years. But that is not all: the group generates revenue of more than 24,5 billion euros with operating net income of more than 1,42 billion EUR. Buying AXA stock can deliver good long-term returns.
7. Publicis Group SA Stock (PUB)
- Market cap: 16,16 billion EUR
- Current price: 63,60 EUR
- Price target: 68,36 EUR
Publicis is the leader of the communications and advertising sector in France and the 3rd largest group in the world, thanks to an unusual journey and the unwavering determination of its founder. For years now, the company has kept its place among the best stocks in the CAC 40 index on the Paris stock exchange. Moreover, Publicis Group is one of the three largest communications companies in the world.
Not to mention that the Publicis share price is currently showing a most interesting uptrend. Publicis enjoys an excellent financial position, which is highly appreciated by shareholders. What is more, the dividend amount is not raised every year: it is increased gradually over the long term. Dividends paid rose from 0,183 EUR in 1999 to 2, 40 EUR in 2025, a 13,33x increase over 23 years. Buying Publicis Group stock is a very good idea.
8. Vinci Stock (DG)
- Market cap: 57.42 billion EUR
- Current price: 97.08 EUR
- Price target: 111.45 EUR
Vinci is one of the largest French groups listed on the stock exchange. It is the world leader in construction services, concessions and related services. The group operates a variety of businesses across different sectors: Vinci Concession, Vinci Autoroutes, Vinci Énergie, Eurovie, Vinci Construction, Vinci Immobilier, Vinci Airports.
The past few months have been very productive for Vinci stock, a clear improvement on the 34,40% drop of 2020. As for dividends, the group has been distributing part of its profits to shareholders for 20 years now, with a yield of 6,80%. Vinci is posting revenue of 59 592 billion EUR for 2025, with net income of 3,6 billion EUR, up more than 109% on 2020. (Buy Vinci stock)
9. Carrefour Stock (CA)
- Market cap: 12 737 billion EUR
- Current price: 16.57 EUR
- Price target: 19.88 EUR
The Carrefour group is today one of the leaders in mass-market retail. Better still, it currently holds second place worldwide in this famously profitable market. A global giant in food distribution, Carrefour enjoys promising growth drivers with food e-commerce and organic food.
The evolution of the Carrefour share price over several decades reflects the company’s struggles to create value for its shareholders. However, the results of the French group Carrefour in 2025 are solid and encouraging compared with previous years. Revenue grew by +17.2% in the 3rd quarter of 2025, and the current dividend yield of Carrefour stock stands at 2.7%. (Buy Carrefour stock)
10. Safran Stock (SAF)
- Market cap: 50.11 billion EUR
- Current price: 117.2 EUR
- Price target: 133.80 EUR
Buying Safran stock is every bit as good an idea. The Safran group is a French group with an international outlook, focused on the field of high technology. It offers design, production and sales activities for mechanical and electronic high-tech equipment and systems.
As an aerospace equipment maker, Safran suffered greatly from the 2020 pandemic and decided not to pay a dividend for the time being. The Covid crisis struck just as the share price had never been higher, at almost 150 EUR, only to fall to 66 EUR. That said, it has been recovering since, though it has not returned to that level and now hovers between 100 and 120 EUR.
The CAC 40 index composition also includes Christian Dior (CDI), the holding company that controls LVMH and one of the flagship names of French luxury.
How to Invest in CAC 40 Companies?
- Find a reliable, professional and experienced broker.
- Open an account with your broker that allows you to buy shares.
- Make a deposit to fund the account.
- Buy the best CAC 40 stocks.
Thales Stock (HO)
- Market cap: 26,09 billion EUR
- Current price: 122,80 EUF
- Price target: 144,07 EUR
Buying Thales stock can be a very good investment idea. The French group Thales is today one of the leading manufacturers and sellers of electronic equipment and systems for aerospace, transport, defence and security. Since the beginning of the 21st century, Thales has been organised around a matrix model with six global businesses grouped into three areas: aerospace, with avionics and space; transport, with ground transportation systems; and defence and security, with defence mission systems, not to mention the company DCNS, 35%-owned. All of this secures its position as one of the best CAC 40 stocks.
Why Invest in CAC 40 Companies?
- Investing in CAC 40 companies means supporting the French economy, boosting the return on your savings and giving yourself the means to finance your projects over the long term.
- Investing in CAC 40 companies allows you to benefit from their performance. Indeed, CAC 40 companies are best known for their strong returns on the stock market.
- An investment in CAC 40 companies is an attractive and durable investment, but also a highly profitable one.
Is Now the Right Time to Invest in the Best CAC 40 Companies?
In the end, the best time to invest in CAC 40 companies is none other than now. CAC 40 sectors are among those worth backing on the stock market. CAC 40 companies are strongly and regularly in demand on the stock exchange. Investing in CAC 40 companies, or CAC 40 NR, is therefore a good decision for life. Share prices of French CAC 40 companies may differ from those in New York. Even so, it is important to consider your financial capacity and to set short- and long-term goals as well. It is also recommended to train in trading methods in order to understand how the stock market works.
This article is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. The investments mentioned carry a risk of capital loss.
