Top 40 companies of France in the CAC index 2019

The largest companies in France greatly impact the country and the world’s economy. The top 40 publicly traded companies of France, making up the CAC index, are presented here together with their activities, logos, sectors, and useful links.

In France, companies must be, or become, Sociétés Anonymes, abbreviated S.A., which means anonymous corporations, or Societas Europaea, abbreviated SE, to get listed on the Paris Stock Exchange (Euronext Paris). Even though they must abide by the rules of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), companies that become publicly listed can then obtain capital from investors who buy shares.

The CAC 40 Index

To ease the comprehension of the evolution of the French stock market and the broader economy, the stocks of the 40 largest companies by market capitalization are aggregated in the CAC 40 index, or CAC, (standing for Cotation Assistée en Continu) which is the benchmark stock market index of France.

The real-time quotation of the CAC 40 index can be followed with convenient graphical tools from a number of sources, including Euronext, Google Finance, Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg, etc.

For more information on other world-leading companies, check our series of posts on Top Companies, and for more information on the country, read our articles on Top Business Resources for France.

List of the 40 largest companies in the Paris Stock Exchange by market capitalization

To help you learn more about French companies, the 40 components of the CAC index, which are also the largest companies in the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange, are listed hereafter. Each company is presented in detail, with its main sector, operations, a direct link to its website, market capitalization, logo, and stock symbol.

Companies are ranked by market capitalization in Euros, as of the effective close of Monday, December 12, 2019.

Note that if you are searching for information on these companies to invest in their stocks, make sure you know what you are doing as your investment will be subject to significant risks with the evolution of stock prices. To learn more about investing in the stock market and managing your portfolio, check our post on the best online courses on stock investing and trading.

Shortcuts to each French company

To ease your browsing in this long list, here are quick links to go directly to the details of any of the top 40 French companies, components of the CAC 40 index.

40. TechnipFMC

Sector: Oil and Gas Services

TechnipFMC plc is a global oil and gas company. It operates in three distinct segments: subsea, offshore/onshore, and surface, and provides complete project life cycle services for the energy industry, including offshore oil and gas exploration, mining platforms, crude oil refineries, and petrochemical plants. Based in London, the company was formed through the merger of the American company, FMC Technologies, and the French company, Technip, and it is quoted on both the NYSE and Euronext Paris.

Website: technipfmc.com – Market Cap.: € 7.68 Billion – Stock symbol: FTI

39. Atos

Sector: It Services

Atos is a multinational information technology service and consulting company headquartered. It provides services in infrastructure and data management, business applications and platform solutions, big data and cybersecurity, e-commerce and payment solutions. Atos operates under the brands Atos, Atos-Syntel, Atos Consulting, Atos Healthcare, Atos Worldgrid, Bull, Canopy, Unify, and Worldline.

Website: atos.net – Market Cap.: € 8.34 Billion – Stock symbol: ATO

38. Publicis

Sector: Media Agencies

Publicis Groupe is a multinational advertising and public relations company. Founded in 1926, Publicis has grown to become one of the world’s largest communication group in the world, owning several subsidiaries that operate in multi-media advertising, media, and marketing services.

Website: publicisgroupe.com – Market Cap.: € 9.62 Billion – Stock symbol: PUB

37. Accor

Sector: Hotels

Accor is a multinational hospitality group that owns, manages, and franchises hotels, resorts, and holiday residences, operating more than 4,800 hotels in 100 countries. With a wide portfolio of brands, it operates across all segments of hospitality: luxury (Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel…), premium (MGallery, Pullman, Swissôtel…), mid-range (Novotel, Mercure, Adagio…), and economic (Ibis, hotelF1…). Accor also diversifies into new hotel services: luxury residences, coworking spaces, concierge, catering and events, and digital solutions.

Website: group.accor.com – Market Cap.: € 10.46 Billion – Stock symbol: AC

36. Carrefour

Sector: Food Retailers and Wholesalers

Carrefour Groupe is a retail group primarily operating in the supermarket sector. Created in 1959, Carrefour was a pioneer of the hypermarket concept in France. It later expanded to other formats, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and wholesale self-service, and abroad, now operating in 10 countries of Europe, South America, and Asia directly, and more through partnerships. Besides the main Carrefour brand and its specialized derivatives, Carrefour Groupe also operates Atacadão, Docks, Globi, Gross Iper, Promocash, Proxi, Rast, Supeco and 8 to Eight.

Website: carrefour.com – Market Cap.: € 12.13 Billion – Stock symbol: CA

35. Renault

Sector: Automobiles

Groupe Renault is a multinational automobile manufacturer. It designs, manufactures, and sells a wide of cars from the Renault main brand as well as Alpine, Automobile Dacia from Romania, Renault Samsung Motors from South Korea, and AvtoVAZ from Russia. Founded in 1899, Renault owns a controlling stake in the Japanese manufacturer Nissan, and it is now part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, the world’s biggest seller of light vehicles. The French government owns a 15% stake in Renault.

Website: group.renault.com – Market Cap.: € 12.38 Billion – Stock symbol: RNO

34. Veolia

Sector: Water, Waste, Transport, Energy

Veolia Environnement S.A. is a multinational company primarily involved in water management, waste management, and energy services. Tracing its origins to 1853, Veolia now operates in France and Europe, China and Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East.

Website: veolia.com – Market Cap.: € 13.13 Billion – Stock symbol: VIE

33. Bouygues

Sector: Heavy Construction

Bouygues S.A. is a diversified conglomerate. It operates in construction through Colas Group and Bouygues Construction, real estate development with Bouygues Immobilier, telecommunications through Bouygues Telecom, and media with TF1 Group.

Website: bouygues.com – Market Cap.: € 14.02 Billion – Stock symbol: EN

32. Sodexo

Sector: Food Services and Facilities Management

Sodexo is a multinational foodservice and facilities management company. It is engaged in a range of food services including staff restaurants, catering, executive dining, vending, and meal delivery, as well as integrated facilities management services. Operating primarily in North America and Europe, it delivers its services for a range of institutional customers, including private corporations, government agencies, schools and universities, hospitals and clinics, assisted-living facilities, military bases, and prisons.

Website: sodexo.com – Market Cap.: € 15.33 Billion – Stock symbol: SW

31. ArcelorMittal

Sector: Steel

ArcelorMittal S.A. is the world’s largest steel producer. Headquartered in Luxembourg, ArcelorMittal was formed through the acquisition of the French company Arcelor by the Indian Mittal Steel. It is involved in research and development, mining, and steel production, especially manufacturing a wide range of products for the automotive industry.

Website: corporate.arcelormittal.com – Market Cap.: € 16.48 Billion – Stock symbol: MT (Amsterdam Stock Exchange)

30. Capgemini

Sector: IT Services

Capgemini SE is a multinational digital services company. It provides services belonging to four categories: strategy consulting and digital transformation through Capgemini  Invent, applications services, technology, and engineering services, other outsourcing services. Headquartered in Paris, Capgemini operates in more than 40 countries with more than 200,000 employees, of whom nearly 100,000 are in India.

Website: capgemini.com – Market Cap.: € 17.71 Billion – Stock symbol: CAP

29. Thales Group

Sector: Defense

Thales Group is a multinational company specialized in electronics and services for aerospace, defense, transportation, and security. Its organization is divided by operational sectors and geographical implantations: Western Europe & North America, other European countries, and emerging markets. Thales is partially owned by the French government.

Website: thalesgroup.com – Market Cap.: € 18.63 Billion – Stock symbol: HO

28. Groupe PSA

Sector: Automobiles

Groupe PSA is a multinational car and motorcycles manufacturer. It sells vehicles under the Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel, and Vauxhall brands. It is primarily engaged in Europe, Asia, South America, Middle East, and Africa.

Website: groupe-psa.com – Market Cap.: € 19.1 Billion – Stock symbol: UG

27. Michelin

Sector: Tires

Michelin is a tire manufacturer. Besides the Michelin brand, it owns the Kléber, Uniroyal-Goodrich Tire Company, Sascar, Bookatable, and Camso brands. Tracing its origins to 1889, Michelin has grown its footprint beyond tires, also becoming famous for its Red and Green travel guides, road maps, and the Michelin stars awarded to restaurants for the quality of their cooking.

Website: michelin.com – Market Cap.: € 19.44 Billion – Stock symbol: ML

26. Legrand

Sector: Electrical Components and Equipment

Legrand is an industrial group involved in the productions of electric and communication network materials and systems. Founded in 1860, Legrand has become a world-leading producer and distributor of electric sockets and switches, cable guides, circuit breakers, and electrical distribution boards, operating in more than 40 countries. The group is now expanding into sustainable development and energy-saving technologies, as well as photovoltaic installations and lighting control.

Website: legrandgroup.com – Market Cap.: € 19.58 Billion – Stock symbol: LR

25. Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

Sector: Real Estate Investment Trusts

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield SE is a European real estate company. Result of the merger between the French and Dutch shopping center operators, Unibail and Rodamco Europe, the company later acquired the Australian shopping center operator Westfield Corporation. It is primarily involved in developing, managing, and investing in retail assets (shopping centers and airports), office buildings, and convention centers in Europe and North America.

Website: urw.com – Market Cap.: € 19.59 Billion – Stock symbol: URW (Amsterdam Stock Exchange)

24. Saint-Gobain

Sector: Building Materials and Fixtures

Saint-Gobain S.A. is a multinational materials company. Established as a manufacturer of mirrors in 1665, Saint-Gobain has diversified to produce and distribute a wide array of materials for construction and industry. It is particularly glass for buildings and automobiles, isolating materials, gardening materials, plasters, roofing materials, as well as innovating and specialized materials for healthcare, plastics, or crystals.

Website: saint-gobain.com – Market Cap.: € 20.4 Billion – Stock symbol: SGO

23. STMicroelectronics

Sector: Semiconductors

STMicroelectronics, commonly referred to as ST, is a French-Italian multinational manufacturer of electronics and semiconductors. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, ST is one of the largest semiconductor chip makers in the world.

Website: st.com – Market Cap.: € 21.06 Billion – Stock symbol: STM

22. Société Générale

Sector: Banks

Société Générale S.A., sometimes referred to as SocGen or SG, is a multinational bank and financial services company. Particularly involved in investment banking, Société Générale is operating in global transaction banking, international retail banking, private banking, asset management, and securities services.

Website: societegenerale.com – Market Cap.: € 25.03 Billion – Stock symbol: GLE

21. Vivendi

Sector: Broadcasting and Entertainment

Vivendi SA is a company involved in media, entertainment, and communication. Vivendi operates through multiple subsidiaries, including Universal Music Group (music), Groupe Canal+ (pay-TV), Gameloft (video games), Havas (communication and advertising), and Editis (publishing).

Website: vivendi.com – Market Cap.: € 29.48 Billion – Stock symbol: VIV

20. Engie

Sector: Gas and Electric Utility

Engie is a multinational energy company engaged in electricity generation and distribution, natural gas, nuclear, renewable energy, and petroleum. Tracing its origins to the construction of the Suez Canal in 1858, Engie now operates both upstream (engineering, purchasing, operation, maintenance) and downstream (waste management, dismantling), as well as in energy transition services. It is listed on the Euronext exchanges in both Paris and Brussels, where it is also a constituent of the Belgian benchmark index, BEL20.

Website: engie.com – Market Cap.: € 35.17 Billion – Stock symbol: ENGI

19. Orange

Sector: Telecommunications

Orange S.A. is a multinational telecommunications corporation. It operates across multiple communications services, including mobile, landline, internet, and IPTV services as well as in online banking, mobile payments, and media. Rebranded from the French telecommunications state company, France Télécom, Orange has expanded throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Website: orange.com – Market Cap.: € 35.8 Billion – Stock symbol: ORA

18. Crédit Agricole

Sector: Banks

Crédit Agricole Group is a cooperative financial institution involved in retail banking and investment banking. It operates a network of local and regional banks and a central holding, Crédit Agricole S.A., and also owns subsidiary banks including LCL, the Italian network, and the CIB unit.

Website: credit-agricole.com – Market Cap.: € 36.38 Billion – Stock symbol: ACA

17. Dassault Systèmes

Sector: Software

Dassault Systèmes SE, often more simply referred to as Dassault, is a European software company. Originally engaged in airplane design, Dassault has expanded to various professional software, including industry, architecture, and life sciences. It operates a number of brands for 3D design, 3D digital mock-up, and product life cycle management software in Europe, America, and Asia.

Website: 3ds.com – Market Cap.: € 38.22 Billion – Stock symbol: DSY

16. Pernod Ricard

Sector: Distillers and Vintners

Pernod Ricard is an alcoholic beverage company. Tracing its origins to 1805, it is originally a producer of anise-flavored apéritifs, Pernod Anise and Ricard Pastis. Having developed its portfolio of beverages in-house or through acquisitions, Pernod Ricard now regroups brands in various types of spirits and wines, including Absolut vodka, Malibu and Kahlua liquors, Chivas and Jameson whiskeys, Martell cognac, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, Havana rums, as well as wine brands from Australia, Spain, Argentina, and the Pacific region.

Website: pernod-ricard.com – Market Cap.: € 43.18 Billion – Stock symbol: RI

15. Danone

Sector: Food Products

Danone S.A. is a multinational food company. It is engaged in multiple brands in 120 markets across four main lines of products: fresh dairy and plant-based products (Danone, Danonino, Alpro, Silk, Activia, Actimel, Danette, Taillefine…), bottled waters (Evian, Volvic, Aqua, Badoit, La Salvetat, Mizone, Font Vella…), infant nutrition (Blédina, Laboratoire Gallia, Milupa, Malyutka…) and medical nutrition (Nutricia).

Website: danone.com – Market Cap.: € 50.79 Billion – Stock symbol: BN

14. Schneider Electric

Sector: Electrical Components and Equipment

Schneider Electric SE is a multinational electrical equipment company. Founded in 1836, Schneider Electric is involved in connected technologies, software, and solutions for energy management for medium and low voltage, industrial, machine and process automation products and solutions, and associated services.

Website: se.com – Market Cap.: € 52.53 Billion – Stock symbol: SU

13. Air Liquide

Sector: Commodity Chemicals

Air Liquide S.A. is a multinational industrial gas company. Founded in 1902, Air Liquide is operating in three domains, the main one is gas and services which is subdivided by types of activity (heavy industry, commercial industry, healthcare, and electronics). The other two domains are engineering and construction, global markets, and technology.

Website: airliquide.com – Market Cap.: € 58.02 Billion – Stock symbol: AI

12. Vinci

Sector: Heavy Construction

Vinci S.A. is a concession and construction company. Founded in 1899, the has expanded to operate highway and road transport infrastructures with Vinci Autoroutes and Vinci Concessions, energy for construction through Vinci Energies, road and rail construction and recycling with Eurovia, building construction and development through Vinci Immobilier.

Website: vinci.com – Market Cap.: € 59.28 Billion – Stock symbol: DG

11. Essilor

Sector: Medical Supplies

Essilor International S.A., better known as Essilor, is an international company specialized in ophthalmic optics. Tracing its origins to 1849, it designs, manufactures and markets lenses to correct or protect eyesight, including Varilux, a progressive lens correcting presbyopia, as well as optic instruments and equipment.

Website: essilor.com – Market Cap.: € 60.03 Billion – Stock symbol: EL

10. Axa

Sector: Full Line Insurance

Axa is a multinational insurance company engaged in global insurance, investment management, and other financial services. It operates a network of independent insurance companies providing a range of insurance products and services for individuals and businesses, according to local laws of each country. One of the largest insurance companies in the world, Axa is present in Europe, America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.

Website: axa.com – Market Cap.: € 60.36 Billion – Stock symbol: CS

9. Safran

Sector: Aerospace and Defense

Safran S.A. is a multinational aerospace and defense company. It produces aircraft and rocket engines, systems and equipment for civil and military airplanes and helicopters, and other components for military equipment. Safran is partially owned by the French Government.

Website: safran-group.com – Market Cap.: € 60.55 Billion – Stock symbol: SAF

8. BNP Paribas

Sector: Banks

BNP Paribas S.A. is a multinational banking group. Tracing its origins to 1848, BNP Paribas is now involved in retail banking, investment banking, and financial services for individual, corporate and institutional customers. It is one of the largest banks in France and in the world, operating in more than 70 countries directly or through its subsidiaries, including BNL and Fortis in Europe and Bank of the West and First Hawaiian Bank in America.

Website: group.bnpparibas – Market Cap.: € 63.45 Billion – Stock symbol: BNP

7. Kering

Sector: Retail Business

Kering S.A. is an international luxury goods company specialized in fashion and accessories. Kering notably owns and operates multiple luxury brands, including  Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Boucheron, Brioni, and Pomellato.

Website: kering.com – Market Cap.: € 68.71 Billion – Stock symbol: KER

6. Hermès

Sector: Clothing and Accessories

Hermès Paris, or more simply Hermès, is a luxury goods manufacturer. Founded in 1837 and traditionally linked to the equestrian world, Hermès produces and sells under the Hermès brand a range of leather products, lifestyle accessories, home furnishings, perfumery, jewelry, watches, and ready-to-wear fashion.

Website: hermes.com – Market Cap.: € 70.12 Billion – Stock symbol: RMS

5. Airbus

Sector: Aerospace

Airbus SE is a European multinational aerospace and defense corporation. It designs, manufactures, and sells commercial aircraft, defense and space equipment, and helicopters. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company’s shares are traded in Germany, France, and Spain.

Website: airbus.com – Market Cap.: € 97.24 Billion – Stock symbol: AIR

4. Sanofi

Sector: Pharmaceuticals

Sanofi S.A. is a multinational pharmaceutical company. It is engaged in research and development, manufacturing, and marketing of prescription and over-the-counter drugs and treatments in seven areas: cardiovascular, central nervous system, diabetes, internal medicine, oncology, thrombosis, and vaccines.

Website: sanofi.com – Market Cap.: € 102.59 Billion – Stock symbol: SAN

3. Total

Sector: Integrated Oil and Gas

Total S.A. is a multinational integrated oil and gas company. Tracing its origins to 1924, Total has grown to become involved in crude oil and natural gas exploration and production, power generation, transportation, refining, petroleum product marketing, and international trading crude oil and product. It is also involved in the manufacturing of various chemical products.

Website: total.com – Market Cap.: € 126.9 Billion – Stock symbol: FP

2. L’Oréal

Sector: Personal Products

L’Oréal S.A. is a company specialized in cosmetics and personal care. Founded in 1909, L’Oréal has become the world’s largest cosmetics company. It is now involved in the production and marketing of a wide range of products including hair color, skincare, sun protection, make-up, perfume, and hair care. L’Oréal has also launched activities supporting and associated with its core business, such as digital services, incubators, and investment funds dedicated to beauty technologies, products, and services.

Website: loreal.com – Market Cap.: € 141.86 Billion – Stock symbol: OR

1. LVMH

Sector: Clothing and Accessories

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, more simply known as LVMH, is a multinational luxury goods conglomerate. The global leader in the sector of luxury, LVMH controls a portfolio of more than 70 prestigious brands in wine and spirits, Château d’Yquem, Moët & Chandon, Veuve Cliquot, Krug, Hennessy, and Glenmorangie, as well as in fashion and jewelry with Louis Vuitton, Dior, Givenchy, Céline, Kenzo, Fendi, Guerlain, Marc Jacobs, Chaumet, Thomas Pink, Tiffany & Co., and Bulgari. It operates in distribution with Sephora and Le Bon Marché, and luxury hotels with Cheval Blanc Courchevel and Belmond hospitality group. Besides, LVMH is also involved in media through Les Échos, Le Parisien, and Radio Classique.

Website: lvmh.com – Market Cap.: € 201.79 Billion – Stock symbol: MC

Here are the 40 largest French public companies on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange. Do you think they are worth their market capitalization? Are their stocks a good investment right now? Do they have too much economic power… and maybe political power too?

Leave your comments below!