Best PEA stocks: the 2026 selection
Updated 16 July 2026
The best PEA stocks (the PEA is a French tax-advantaged equity savings account) in 2026 are Engie, Orange, BNP Paribas, Airbus, AXA, Air Liquide, TotalEnergies, Vinci, Schneider Electric and Hermès, selected for their valuation, their dividend yield and their sector resilience. This ranking sets out their performance, their strengths and their limits.
- This selection mixes income stocks (BNP Paribas, AXA, Engie) and growth stocks (Schneider Electric, Airbus, Vinci) to diversify across sectors.
- The PEA exempts gains from income tax after 5 years of holding, excluding social levies of 18.6% in 2026.
- Investing in shares carries a risk of partial or total capital loss.
- A balanced spread of 8 to 15 holdings across several sectors limits specific risk while keeping the portfolio manageable.
The PEA in 8 minutes: what to know before investing
Which are the best PEA stocks in 2026?
The best PEA stocks in 2026 are Engie, Orange, BNP Paribas, Airbus, AXA, Air Liquide, TotalEnergies, Vinci, Schneider Electric and Hermès, selected for their valuation, their dividend yield and their sector resilience. This ranking sets out their performance, their strengths and their limits.
| Name | Sector | Price (16/07/2026) | Estimated 2026 yield | P/E (price/earnings) | 1-year change | 5-year change |
| Engie | Energy | €26.86 | 5.16% | 13.94 | +39.93% | +116.41% |
| Orange | Telecoms | €16.10 | 4.98% | 16.88 | +39.54% | +69.20% |
| BNP Paribas | Banking | €102.50 | 5.90% | 8.75 | +20.05% | +62.55% |
| Airbus | Aerospace / defence | €194.85 | 1.72% | 27.13 | +8.20% | +46.67% |
| AXA | Insurance | €44.03 | 5.72% | 10.69 | +6.39% | +103.42% |
| Air Liquide | Industrial gases | €175.10 | 2.04% | 27.26 | +11.27% | +56.90% |
| TotalEnergies | Energy | €68.88 | 5.25% | 7.29 | +48.51% | +97.70% |
| Vinci | Concessions / construction | €119.10 | 4.30% | 13.70 | -3.60% | +34.02% |
| Schneider Electric | Electrical equipment | €261.65 | 1.63% | 28.13 | +18.45% | +96.42% |
| Hermès | Luxury | €1,681.50 | 1.10% | 37.50 | -29.52% | +32.22% |
Source: Boursorama, data as at 16 July 2026 (dividend yield and P/E estimated for 2026). Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
This table gives a clear, concise overview of the main performance figures and forecasts for the best PEA stocks in 2026. With this information, you can refine your portfolio and take advantage of this year's investment opportunities.
Why invest through a PEA?
Investing through a PEA lets you diversify a portfolio of European shares while benefiting from a favourable tax framework after five years of holding.
Tax advantages of the PEA
Investing in a PEA is not just about diversifying a portfolio. It is also a smart tax strategy. After five years of holding, gains in a PEA are exempt from income tax, although social levies still apply. The snowball effect of your investments translates into growth that tax does not erode.
You can also defer or neutralise taxation by investing directly in European shares or through eligible funds. For more detail, see our guide to PEA taxation.
Flexibility in choosing shares
A PEA gives you access to a wide range of shares and funds, so you can diversify your investments effectively. Interested in luxury giants such as Hermès or energy leaders such as TotalEnergies? The PEA gives you that flexibility. You can match your investment choices to your financial objectives and your risk tolerance.
Portfolio diversification
Diversification is essential in managing wealth, and the PEA makes it straightforward. Investing across various sectors reduces your portfolio's overall risk.
By including construction shares such as Vinci and chemicals such as Air Liquide, for instance, you can balance risk and improve potential returns. That helps you build a solid portfolio.
By choosing to invest through a PEA, you not only optimise the tax treatment of your gains but also gain flexibility and diversification. That helps you build a robust, well-performing portfolio. Do also check the fees on the PEA to maximise your returns.
What criteria should you use to choose the best PEA stocks?
Choosing a share for your PEA means comparing the valuation, the level of debt, the dividend yield, the five-year performance and exposure to the sector's economic trends.
Stock market valuation
A share's stock market valuation is crucial in assessing its potential. That includes ratios such as price/earnings (P/E), price/book (P/B) and PEG (price/earnings relative to expected growth). A share with an attractive valuation offers interesting buying opportunities. Air Liquide, for example, shows a P/E of around 25.63 in 2026, a sign of a high valuation but one consistent with its defensive growth profile.
Financial debt
A company's financial debt reflects its stability and its ability to weather economic crises. It is essential to watch the debt ratio, often calculated as net debt to EBITDA.
A company such as Hermès, whose balance sheet shows a net cash position and very low debt, is well placed to ride out cycles and offer investors security.
Dividend yield
The dividend yield is a key factor measuring the return on investments in terms of income generated relative to the share price. Companies such as TotalEnergies and Orange show attractive yields of 4.64% and 4.52% respectively for 2026.
That provides a stable, attractive cash flow to investors seeking regular income.
Share performance over 5 years
Analysing a share's performance over the last five years helps understand its resilience and its long-term growth potential. Shares such as Engie (+116%) or Schneider Electric (+107%) show remarkable performance over that period, indicating strength in their sector despite market swings. This criterion helps identify holdings that have come through market turbulence while still performing well.
How economic trends affect valuation and yield
Finally, it is crucial to account for current and future economic trends. Against a backdrop of energy transition, companies such as Engie and TotalEnergies benefit from strategies geared towards renewables.
Movements in commodity prices, monetary and fiscal policy and technological innovation also influence share valuations and yields.
Schneider Electric, for instance, benefits directly from electrification and the rise of data centres; the analyst consensus remains a buy, with a target price above the current level.
By weighing these criteria, investors can identify the best PEA stocks and improve their portfolio's performance while reducing risk. To go further on PEA strategy, see our complete guide to the PEA.
Detailed analysis of the best PEA stocks
Engie
About the company and its activities
Engie is a French energy giant focused on generating and distributing electricity, natural gas and energy services. The company is investing heavily in biomethane and other green technologies, positioning it well for the shift to renewables.
Five-year performance
Over five years, Engie is up +116.41%, driven by its green energy projects and strategic partnerships. It is one of the best performances on the market over the period.
Future growth prospects
Engie expects continued growth thanks to initiatives such as the "Link 2025" global employee share ownership plan and its collaborations to develop the biomethane sector. The capacity extension of the Mayakan pipeline in Mexico, run with CFE and now with Macquarie as a new partner, strengthens its position in Latin America; it is now expected to come on stream in the first half of 2027.
Dividend policy
With a dividend yield estimated at around 5.16% for 2026, Engie remains one of the most generous income stocks on the market.
Orange
About the company and its activities
Orange is a European telecoms leader offering telephony, internet and television services. The company also stands out for its investments in mobile financial services and cybersecurity, notably in Africa.
Five-year performance
Over five years, Orange is up +69.20% (+39.54% over one year), a clear rebound that shows its resilience in a competitive telecoms sector.
Future growth prospects
Orange's initiatives, such as its digital platform for energy producers in Africa, open the way to continued growth. Its increased involvement in social and environmental projects strengthens its positioning further.
Dividend policy
Orange offers a dividend yield estimated at around 4.52% for 2026, which makes it a favourite for regular income.
BNP
About the company and its activities
BNP Paribas is one of Europe's largest banks, offering full financial services including retail banking, wealth management and investment banking. Its diversified international presence lets it take advantage of global opportunities.
Five-year performance
Up +62.55% over five years (+20.05% over one year), BNP Paribas shows solid market momentum, supported by its diversification and profitability.
Future growth prospects
BNP Paribas expects solid growth, underpinned by its investments in sustainable finance and technological innovation. Its payments partnership with BPCE is one example of the strategic projects behind its continued expansion.
Dividend policy
For 2026, BNP Paribas shows a dividend yield estimated at around 6.31%, one of the highest in the banking sector.
For all these holdings, remember to check the fees on the PEA before investing, to maximise your returns.
Airbus
About the company and its activities
Airbus is an aerospace giant. The company builds commercial and military aircraft as well as other aeronautical equipment. With divisions covering various facets of aviation, Airbus stands for innovation and reliability.
Five-year performance
Airbus is up +57.86% over five years (+7.57% over one year), supported by a solid order book and a favourable analyst consensus.
Future growth prospects
Airbus's future looks promising, with ambitious projects in green aviation and the diversification of its activities. Developing more environmentally friendly aircraft and its decarbonisation projects are key drivers of its future growth.
Dividend policy
For 2026, Airbus offers a dividend yield estimated at around 1.92%, modest but supported by strong earnings growth.
AXA
About the company and its activities
AXA is a global leader in insurance, offering a broad range of products covering life, health and property insurance. The company is also active in asset management and financial services.
Five-year performance
Over five years, AXA is up +103.42%, with a 6.39% rise over one year. Targeted acquisitions and disciplined management have supported that performance.
Future growth prospects
AXA continues to diversify and innovate in sustainable insurance products, drawing notably on the asset management activities of AXA IM.
Dividend policy
For 2026, AXA shows a dividend yield estimated at around 6.33%, one of the most attractive on the market.
Air Liquide
About the company and its activities
Air Liquide is a global leader in industrial and medical gases. The company supplies innovative solutions to many sectors, notably healthcare, industrial production and energy.
Five-year performance
Over five years, Air Liquide is up +56.90% (+11.27% over one year), driven by its continued investment in technology and innovation.
Future growth prospects
Air Liquide continues to position itself for strong growth. One example is the $850 million investment project in Texas for air gas separation units. The European Union's support for the D'Artagnan project highlights its commitment to a more sustainable future.
Dividend policy
With a dividend yield estimated at around 2.15% for 2026, Air Liquide rewards its shareholders while reinvesting in its growth, and regularly issues free share awards.
TotalEnergies
About the company and its activities
TotalEnergies is a major energy player, covering oil and gas production and renewables. With initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, TotalEnergies positions itself as a leader in the energy transition.
Five-year performance
Over five years, TotalEnergies is up +97.70% (+48.51% over one year), driven by the diversification of its activities and firm energy prices.
Future growth prospects
The outlook looks promising for TotalEnergies. Projects such as the offshore exploration licences in São Tomé and Príncipe and the disposal of ageing assets to reinvest in renewables strengthen its growth potential. Its commitment to hydrogen and green energy projects is also a key driver for the future.
Dividend policy
With a dividend yield estimated at around 4.64% for 2026, TotalEnergies confirms its commitment to rewarding shareholders, with more than 30 years without a dividend cut.
Vinci
About the company and its activities
Vinci is a French concessions and construction group (CAC 40). It operates through three divisions: concessions (motorways with VINCI Autoroutes, airports with VINCI Airports), construction, and Cobra IS, dedicated to energy infrastructure. That combination gives it recurring revenue and a diversified international project business.
Five-year performance
In 2025, revenue reached €74.6 billion, up 4.2% year on year, for a net profit attributable to the group of €4.9 billion. The share is up +34.02% over five years, and down 3.60% over one year as at 16 July 2026.
Future growth prospects
The order book reached a record €74.9 billion at the end of March 2026, 71% of it international, giving more than fourteen months of visibility. Cobra IS is driving momentum with energy transition projects in Germany, Brazil and Australia, while VINCI Airports handled 334 million passengers in 2025, up 5%.
Dividend policy
Vinci paid a dividend of €5.00 per share for 2025, up 5.2%, giving a yield of around 4.30% as at 16 July 2026. The group has close to thirty years of uninterrupted payments, a sign of consistency for income-seeking investors.
Schneider Electric
About the company and its activities
Schneider Electric is a global leader in energy management and automation (CAC 40). The group designs equipment and software for data centres, buildings, industry and electrical infrastructure. It is one of the major beneficiaries of electrification, the energy transition and the rise of artificial intelligence.
Five-year performance
Schneider Electric has one of the finest records in the CAC 40, up +96.42% over five years (+18.45% over one year) as at 16 July 2026. That performance reflects structural demand for its energy efficiency solutions.
Future growth prospects
Growth is driven by data centres and AI (the group was notably selected by SoftBank for an artificial intelligence infrastructure project in France), the electrification of everyday uses and the energy transition. The analyst consensus remains a buy, with a target price of around €300.
Dividend policy
Schneider Electric offers a dividend yield estimated at around 1.61% for 2026 (a dividend of roughly €4.57 per share). More modest than that of income stocks, it is supported by more than thirty years of uninterrupted payments and steady growth.
Hermès
About the company and its activities
Hermès is a French luxury house (CAC 40), famous for its leather goods (Birkin, Kelly), silk, ready-to-wear and perfumes. Its artisanal model, its control of distribution and margins among the highest in the sector make it a global luxury benchmark.
Five-year performance
Over five years, Hermès is up +32.22%, but the share has corrected by 29.52% over one year as at 16 July 2026, against a general slowdown in luxury after several years of very strong gains. That correction brings the valuation back to more reasonable levels for a company of this quality.
Future growth prospects
Hermès relies on a resilient high-end customer base and strong pricing power, which support its growth even in a slowdown. The recent pullback may represent an entry point, provided you accept a still-high valuation (a P/E of around 35).
Dividend policy
Hermès offers a dividend yield estimated at around 1.10% for 2026. The yield stays low because the shares reward investors mainly through long-term price growth.
These detailed analyses of the best PEA stocks for 2026 give you the tools to understand each company's opportunities and outlook. Choosing wisely among these shares can significantly improve your portfolio's performance.
How do you diversify a PEA with these shares?
Diversifying a PEA means spreading your positions across several sectors and combining growth stocks with income stocks to smooth market swings.
Why diversifying your portfolio matters
Diversification is an essential strategy for improving your PEA's performance while reducing risk. A diversified portfolio spreads investments across different asset classes, sectors and geographic regions. That softens the impact of market swings on any single asset or sector. Think of your portfolio as a garden: by planting a variety of flowers and plants, you ensure continuous flowering, even if some plants do not thrive as expected.
How to balance high-growth shares and stable dividend payers
Balancing high-growth shares and stable dividend payers can maximise your gains while maintaining a degree of stability. High-growth shares, such as Schneider Electric or Airbus, offer significant appreciation potential but can be more volatile. Stable dividend payers such as BNP Paribas or AXA, by contrast, provide a regular income stream that offsets falls in the value of more volatile shares. Think of this approach as a balance between a sprinter (fast growth) and a marathon runner (endurance and stability).
Which sectors should you favour for optimal diversification?
Diversifying your PEA means choosing varied sectors. Here are key sectors to consider for optimal diversification:
- Energy: Engie and TotalEnergies offer exposure to both traditional and renewable energy sources.
- Electrical equipment: Schneider Electric, exposed to electrification and data centres, embodies structural growth.
- Construction and concessions: Vinci combines recurring revenue (motorways, airports) with a regular dividend.
- Luxury: Hermès, the sector's global benchmark, relies on the resilience of its high-end customer base.
- Telecommunications: Orange, with its stability and dividends, is a defensive holding.
- Aerospace: Airbus offers growth potential in aviation innovation.
- Chemicals: Air Liquide is a solid holding thanks to its investments in industrial and medical gases.
- Banking: BNP Paribas represents strong geographic and sector diversification.
- Insurance: AXA adds further security to the portfolio.
By diversifying your PEA sensibly between high-growth shares and reliable dividend payers, and covering various industrial sectors, you can build a resilient, well-performing portfolio. This strategy lets you navigate economic cycles more calmly while maximising potential returns and minimising the associated risks. For more detail, see the complete guide to the PEA.
Frequently asked questions
How many shares should you hold in a PEA?
There is no absolute ideal number, but between 8 and 15 holdings spread across several sectors is generally considered enough to diversify without spreading yourself thin. Below 5 positions, specific risk stays high; a PEA-eligible ETF can complement this selection.
Can you buy US shares in a PEA?
No. The PEA is reserved for shares in companies headquartered in the European Union or the EEA. To gain exposure to US shares while keeping the PEA framework, you go through an eligible synthetic ETF tracking an index such as the S&P 500.
How are dividends taxed in a PEA?
Dividends received on holdings inside a PEA are not taxed as long as they stay within the wrapper. After 5 years, withdrawals are exempt from income tax; only social levies (18.6% in 2026) apply to the gains.
Is it better to choose shares or an ETF in your PEA?
Direct shares offer full control and no annual management fees, but they require monitoring. A PEA-eligible ETF brings immediate diversification with less effort. Many investors combine both approaches.
Sources
Boursorama, prices and market data (accessed 16 July 2026)
Service-Public, Plan d'épargne en actions (PEA)
Air Liquide, press release on the D'Artagnan project
Regulatory disclaimers: Marketing communication. Investing carries a risk of partial or total capital loss. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. This article is provided for information and educational purposes only; it does not constitute personalised investment advice, a buy or sell recommendation, or tax advice. Before investing, read the Key Information Document (KID) and, where relevant, consult an authorised adviser. Finary SAS, an investment firm authorised by the ACPR under no. 19283, member of AMAFI. Insurance broker registered with ORIAS under no. 21001279, member of the CNCGP (association approved by the AMF). Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorised by the AMF under the MiCA regime, references no. A2026-026 and no. N2026-008.
