CAC 40 Breaks All-Time Record, Driven by a Flood of Spectacular Results

A Historic Record Driven by a Wave of Annual Results

The CAC 40 didn't take long to surpass its previous record set the day before. At 12:55 PM, the Paris index stands at 8,635.38 points, up by 0.89%, marking a new all-time high. The momentum is broad: 27 stocks are in the green, compared to only 13 in decline.

It's the annual earnings season setting the tone for this session. Several heavyweights of the CAC 40 released their 2025 financials before the market opened, and investors are responding positively. The general mood reflects a market buoyed by solid earnings reports, increased dividends, and ambitious growth strategies. This Thursday, Paris is buzzing with the rhythm of these releases.

ENGIE and Schneider Electric, leaders of the day

Leading the rankings, ENGIE jumped 7.52% to 29.61 euros, marking the biggest increase in the index by far. The energy group scored a double victory: firstly, with the release of significantly improved 2025 results, which showed a recurring net income of 4.9 billion euros, abundant cash flow, and an increased dividend of 1.35 euros per share. Secondly, the announcement of its acquisition of UK Power Networks for 10.5 billion pounds, which is the largest electricity distributor in the United Kingdom, was a major move that repositions ENGIE in the regulated power networks market across the Channel.

Close behind, Schneider Electric surged 4.96% to 278.10 euros. The energy management and automation specialist surpassed 40 billion euros in revenue for the first time, with organic growth of 9%, driven particularly by demand from data centers. The group reported a record free cash flow of 4.6 billion euros.

Further down the list, Bouygues rose 2.21% to 52.66 euros following the release of 2025 results deemed solid, along with a record free cash flow. Euronext gained 2.72% to 136 euros, while STMicroelectronics increased 2.25% to 29.51 euros, in a context where its CEO spoke at a Morgan Stanley conference focused on the tech sector.

Some Isolated Pullbacks, Without Nervousness

On the downside, the declines are moderate and do not disrupt the overall momentum. Société Générale drops 1.34% to 75.22 euros, leading the losses. ArcelorMittal falls 1.05% to 56.32 euros, followed by Thales, which slides 0.95% to 251 euros. Pernod Ricard decreases by 0.88% to 76.86 euros, and Carrefour retreats 0.68% to 16.04 euros.

There's a stark contrast with the top performers, entirely driven by earnings season. This Thursday, the Paris Stock Exchange clearly belongs to companies that have laid all their cards on the table.