The CAC 40 Index retreated this week after LVMH, its biggest constituent company, published weak results that cast doubt on the luxury sector recovery. It retreated to a low of €8,070, down sharply from the year-to-date high of €8,396. This article explores some of the top French stocks to watch next week.
In a statement this week, LVMH said that its revenue rose by 1% in the final quarter of the year, higher than what analysts were expecting. However, sales at the closely watched fashion and leather goods division fell by 3%, a sign that the recovery was still not there yet. Historically, LVMH’s performance hits the CAC 40 Index because it is the biggest constituent company.
BNP Paribas (BNP)
BNP Paribas, the biggest bank in France, will be the top CAC 40 Index stock to watch as it publishes its financial results on Thursday.
These numbers will come as the blue-chip company was trading near its all-time high. It has jumped by over 220% in the last five years and by 56% in the last 12 months.
BNP Paribas’ performance has mirrored that of other European banks, including Lloyds, Commerzbank, and Deutsche Bank.
Its most recent results showed that its revenue rose by 2.5% to €12.51 billion in the third quarter, while the operating income rose by 5% to €5.7 billion.
The upcoming results are expected to show that it business continued doing well in the fourth quarter as key parts of its business thrived. Additionally, the company will benefit from the ongoing recovery in the investment banking business.
Crédit Agricole and Société Générale
The other top CAC 40 Index companies to watch next week will be Credit Agricole and Société Générale, two of the top banks in the country. Like BNB Paribas, these banks have done well, with their shares soaring by 35% and 140% respectively in the last 12 months.
The two companies are expected to publish strong financial results and boost their guidance as Lloyds Bank and Deutsche Bank did this week. They are all benefiting from the relatively resilient economy and the strong net interest income.
Publicis Groupe (PUB)
Publicis Groupe is another CAC 40 Index company to watch next week as it releases its financial results on Monday. These numbers come as its business continues to face substantial challenges. Its stock has dropped to 83 euros, down by over 9% from its highest point in December.
Publicis performance has been relatively better than that of other advertising agencies. For example, the WPP share price has crashed by over 60% from its highest point in 2025.
Publicis Groupe’s financial results were better than expected, with the CEO noting that it experienced no slowdown in client demand. Its organic revenue growth was 5.7%, and its guidance for the full-year being 5.5%.
More CAC 40 Index companies like Kering, TotalEnergies, Dassault Systèmes, Hermes, L’Oreal, and Schneider Electric will publish their numbers a week later.
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