First, let’s reason through the key points. **1. Nature of the business** REN is a Portuguese energy transmission network operator. This means it has monopoly-type, regulated, stable cash flows. Such companies tend to be highly leveraged with senior debt but may use hybrids to protect credit ratings while raising capital. **2. Current capital structure** From the 2023-01-01 data: - Equity: €1.518 billion - Long-term borrowings: €1.695 billion - Current borrowings: €0.639 billion Total debt ≈ €2.33 billion. Debt-to-equity ≈ 1.54, which is moderately high but normal for a regulated utility. **3. Earnings and cash flow stability** Revenue and operating income are steady (~€825 million in 2022). Operating cash flow is strong (€613 million). The stable regulatory framework supports reliable interest payments, which is good for hybrids. **4. Market conditions** Swap rates rose substantially in 2022, and corporate spreads widened. This means hybrid issuance costs would be higher than in prior years, but still possibly beneficial to avoid a downgrade from additional senior debt. **5. Hybrid bond rationale** Hybrids (part debt, part equity treatment by rating agencies) can strengthen the balance sheet without full equity dilution. Given REN’s significant capex needs (intangible assets additions €201 million), hybrids could help finance growth while keeping leverage ratios in check. **6. Extent of reliance** 100% reliance would be too risky—utilities need some plain debt. 0% ignores the rating benefit. A moderate portion such as 25% of total capital structure in hybrids would balance cost, rating stability, and financial flexibility. Given this, a **25%** reliance on hybrid bonds seems reasonable for REN. 25%