Let’s reason through this step-by-step. **1. Nature of the business** ERG S.p.A. is in the renewable energy sector, which is capital-intensive but generates stable, predictable cash flows once assets are operational. This makes it a good candidate for some degree of leverage, including hybrid instruments, since hybrids can improve credit metrics while preserving equity. **2. Profitability and cash flow stability** - Revenue grew from €601m to €714m. - EBITDA went from €397m to €499m. - Operating cash flow from continuing operations improved significantly from –€41m to €503m. This upward trend in cash generation supports fixed obligations like hybrid coupons. **3. Existing leverage** Total non-current financial liabilities remain substantial (~€2.1bn in borrowings and bonds). However, total equity is around €2.05bn, so the company already uses significant debt. Adding too much hybrid debt could increase financial risk if interest rates rise. **4. Interest rate environment** Swap rates shifted from negative in 2020–2021 to around 1.7%–1.9% in 2022. Corporate bond yields also rose. This means the cost of issuing hybrids is now higher, making 100% reliance unattractive. **5. Hybrids as part of the mix** Hybrid bonds (treated partly as equity by rating agencies) could help ERG maintain its credit rating while funding growth. A moderate use (e.g., 25%) would balance the benefit of lower reported leverage with manageable additional cost, especially given the cash flow growth. **6. Why not 0% or >50%?** - 0% ignores the benefit hybrids can bring to credit metrics in a growth phase. - 50%+ would be too aggressive, given rising rates and the already large debt load. **Conclusion:** A moderate reliance on hybrids (25%) fits best—enough to support expansion while keeping financial risk controlled. 25%