Top Vive-La-France Stocks Post-Election

May 6 marked an important day for France as it was the date of the 2007 presidential election there. But May 16 could prove even more important for France's economy, as it's the day that Nicolas Sarkozy takes office as the leader of the nation.

Sarkozy, who beat out Socialist Party candidate Segolene Royal, is known for his support of American-style economic reform as well as his promotion of an anti-Socialist economy in France. Sarkozy's election presents an interesting investment opportunity, since many French stocks should benefit from his presidency.

Fortunately, there are several French companies in various industries and sectors that trade in the U.S. via American Depositary Receipts. We are tracking these ADRs on Stockpickr in the Sarkozy-France Stocks portfolio.

For example, there's Suez(SZE Quote). This manager of public utility services is involved in the production of electricity and gas, the distribution of drinking water and the treatment of wastewater.

With a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 17 and a price/earnings to growth ratio of 0.85, Suez has decent fundamentals. Quarterly earnings grew more than 50% year over year. In addition, it pays a reasonable yield of about 2%.

Next is CGG Veritas(CGV Quote), or Compagnie Generale de Geophysique-Veritas. The company, which is one of Jim Cramer's French selections, provides geophysical services to the oil and gas industry, a fast-growing business. CGG Veritas has a forward P/E of 14. Quarterly earnings grew more than 69% year over year on revenue growth of 39%.