CAC 40: Stellantis Plunges 25%, Dragging the Automotive Sector Down in Paris

Stellantis triggers a shock, CAC 40 narrowly holds on

The Paris Stock Exchange shows near stability this Friday, February 6, by midday, with the CAC 40 gaining 0.43% to reach 8,273 points. However, beneath this apparent calm is a deeply divided session, with 21 stocks in the red against only 19 on the rise. The precarious balance of the Parisian index is owed to a handful of heavyweights in construction and industry, while the automotive sector faces a disastrous session.

The catastrophe of the day goes by the name of Stellantis. The automaker announced recording exceptional charges of approximately 22.2 billion euros in the second half of 2025 as part of a strategic reset. The group reported a net loss for the 2025 fiscal year and outright suspended its annual 2026 dividend. The penalty was immediate: the stock plummeted by 27.4% to 5.93 euros at the session's lowest, reaching historic lows. This debacle also drags down Renault, which fell by 3.32% to 30.87 euros, confirming the general unease within the sector.

Vinci and the Construction Sector Navigate Successfully

With the automotive sector in decline, the infrastructure sector is stepping up as the savior of the CAC 40. Vinci surged by 9.91% to 134.20 euros, driven by the release of its 2025 annual results, which featured a record free cash flow. The French construction and concessions giant reported revenue growth, improved operating results, and a decrease in net financial debt, despite increased taxation in France.

The momentum benefits the entire sector. Eiffage jumped 5.71% to 134.30 euros, bolstered by the announcement that Eiffage Énergie Systèmes has acquired the company HTW Engineers, strengthening its presence in the German market. Bouygues followed with a 3.63% increase to 48.25 euros, lacking a specific catalyst but supported by the sector's positive trend. Schneider Electric rounded out this positive picture with a gain of 1.83% to 252.90 euros.

ArcelorMittal also made a strong showing with a 4.47% rise to 51.20 euros. The steel giant published a net annual profit of $3.2 billion for 2025, with EBITDA of $6.5 billion, driven by its investments in renewable energy and iron ore mining.

Société Générale Falls Despite Record Results

Another paradox of this session is playing out in the banking sector. Société Générale is down 2.21% to 72.58 euros, despite the bank having reported record revenues and net profit for the 2025 fiscal year, surpassing its profitability target and announcing a significant increase in shareholder distribution. This negative reaction highlights the cautious sentiment prevailing among financial stocks.

The luxury sector is also not immune to turbulence. Kering declines by 0.56% to 258.05 euros, with no particular news to drive the movement, but amid a context of widespread caution. Dassault Systèmes and Capgemini both fall by 2.24%, rounding out the main declines in the Paris session.