Livret professionnel: which savings solution for your company?

Does the professional logbook exist?

Unlike the Livret A, which is reserved for individuals and certain associations, there is no regulated professional savings account in France . In fact, the law has not created a similar system for companies. L Article L-221-3 of the French Monetary and Financial Code does not include companies in the list of legal entities that can open a Livret A savings account.

As a result, companies - whether very small businesses, SMEs or the self-employed - have to turn to other types of savings products to manage their surplus cash.

These solutions enable companies to temporarily invest surplus funds at attractive interest rates .

Cash management therefore involves a carefully considered choice from among the available products, according to the company's objectives (security, profitability, flexibility).

What are the alternatives to the livret professionnel?

In the absence of a dedicated business passbook, several options enable companies to invest their cash while controlling access to funds.

Each of these solutions has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the company's needs.

Professional term account

Le term account is a savings product fixed-term where the company invests a sum of money for a fixed period. In exchange, it benefits from a guaranteed interest rate for the duration of the investment.

How it works The company must invest a sum of money for a specific period ( generally between 1 month and 5 years ). The funds are during this period.

At the end of the contract, the company recovers the capital initially invested, as well as the interest earned.

Here are the main advantages of a term account:

• A higher return than a traditional passbook. The interest rate is generally higher than that of a traditional passbook.

• Safety. Capital is guaranteed, provided the company respects the investment term.

However, its reduced liquidity is a significant drawback. Funds are frozen for the duration of the contract . However, the company can access them subject to penalties for early withdrawal.

Company savings account

The Livret d'Epargne Entreprise (LEE) is a corporate savings passbook. specifically designed for SMEs and VSEs. It helps manage cash flow while offering attractive remuneration. It can be subscribed to directly by the company, rather than by managers or employees.

How it works : This savings product is often available to any company listed in the commercial register, in certain ceiling limits . The amounts paid into the passbook generate interest which is exempt from social security contributions.

Opening conditions LEE requires a minimum payment to be opened. As a general rule, it can be fed at any time with no limit on the amount.

Here are the main advantages:

• Its flexibility . There is no lock-in period, and the company can withdraw its capital at any time. In addition, funds can be added at any time.

• Tax exemption. Interest generated by a LEE is exempt from social security contributions under certain conditions.

On the other hand, its uncompetitive rates limit its interest (between 0.5% and 1.5%). In general, the interest rate is lower than that of a term account or other riskier investments.

Professional surplus account

Le professional surplus account is another popular savings solution for companies. It operates on a principle similar to that of a current account, but it offers a return on invested funds .

How it works : The company deposits surplus funds in a dedicated account, which generates interest . Unlike the term account, the company can access funds at any time without penalty .

Its advantages :

• Immediate availability The funds can be withdrawn at any time, giving companies great flexibility.

• Ease of management This type of account is easy to manage and use for day-to-day transactions.

On the other hand remuneration is lower compared to other traditional investment solutions. The interest rate is often lower than that of term accounts or real estate investments.

Money market and bond funds

Money market funds and bond funds are financial investments generally used by companies. looking to secure their savings over the short to medium term.

How it works These funds are invested in low-risk securities such as government bonds or money market products. They are often passively managed , with moderate returns but enhanced security.

Its advantages include :

• A low risk. Investments are mainly in high-quality assets (government bonds, treasury bills).

• Liquidity. Funds can generally be bought back within a short time (48 hours to one week).

• Diversification . Funds are invested in a variety of products.

On the other hand, yield is lower compared with riskier investments such as equities or real estate.

Cash SCPI

The SCPI de trésorerie (Société Civile de Placement Immobilier) enables companies to invest surplus cash in real estate to generate stable income .

How it works The company invests in a SCPI that owns commercial real estate assets (offices, shops, warehouses). The rents generated by these properties are redistributed to investors in the form of dividends.

Here are the main advantages:

• Stable performance : Treasury SCPIs generally generate higher returns than other low-risk investment solutions.

• Diversification Investing in real estate diversifies a company's revenue streams.

Disadvantages :

• Limited liquidity Resale of SCPI units can take time, which can be a problem if the company needs to recover its funds quickly.

• Freshness SCPI management fees can reduce the net return on your investment.

Comparison of cash management solutions

Here is a summary table of the different solutions available for investing a company's cash, compared according to their main characteristics:

How are professional investments taxed?

Taxation of income generated by corporate investments depends on the type of product chosen.

Interest or capital gains from investments such as term accounts, SCPIs or bond funds are tax deductible. subject to corporate income tax (IS). The current rate is 25% for most companies.

The income generated by these investments must be included in the company's income statement and are taxed according to the applicable tax regime.

Certain exemptions are possible This is particularly true for SMEs and companies located in specific areas (rural revitalization zones, priority urban districts).

Companies can also benefit from tax cuts in the case of investments in solidarity funds or other social and solidarity-based investment schemes.

Why open a Hero pro account to optimize your cash flow?

The Hero pro account is an investment solution that combines flexibility and attractive remuneration. It enables companies to optimize their cash management.

With remuneration of up to 3%. calculated daily and paid monthly It offers an attractive return. The Hero pro account also gives companies rapid access to their funds, with no time limit on deposits.

This makes it a particularly attractive option for companies seeking to maximize their profitability while retaining the flexibility needed to manage their short-term financial requirements.

Choosing the right savings solution for your business is a key element in cash flow management. Although there is no professional logbook There are a number of alternatives available to meet the specific needs of companies.

Whether it's a term account, a company savings account or a cash management SCPI, each solution has its own advantages and disadvantages, which need to be carefully weighed against the company's objectives. The Hero pro account, with its competitive remuneration and flexibility, is also an attractive option for optimizing corporate cash management.