To assess whether Naturgy Energy Group SA is suitable to issue hybrid bonds, we need to evaluate key financial characteristics that make a company attractive for hybrid debt issuance. Hybrid bonds are typically issued by utilities and infrastructure companies because these sectors require long-term capital for investments and have stable, predictable cash flows that can comfortably cover interest payments. 1. **Industry and Business Model**: Naturgy is a major energy group (gas, electricity, renewables). Energy utilities are classic issuers of hybrid bonds because their regulated and long-term contracted cash flows provide a high degree of predictability and stability, which is ideal for servicing long-dated subordinated debt. 2. **Cash Flow Generation**: The company demonstrates strong operating cash flow generation. Cash flows from operating activities for 2022 were €4.242 billion, which is more than sufficient to cover interest obligations, capital expenditures (€1.687 billion), and dividends (€1.5 billion). 3. **Capital Structure and Leverage**: The company has a balanced capital structure with significant equity backing. As of 2023-01-01, Total Equity stands at €9.979 billion against Total Assets of €40.39 billion. Non-current financial liabilities are €13.999 billion. Issuing hybrid bonds would allow the company to raise capital that is treated as equity by rating agencies (typically 50% equity credit), optimizing its leverage ratios without diluting existing shareholders. 4. **Dividend Policy**: The company pays a solid and consistent dividend (€1.2 per share recognized, €0.5 proposed). The ability to maintain dividend payments while generating strong operating cash flows indicates financial health and makes the hybrid bond structure feasible, as it avoids stepping-up interest rates due to dividend omissions. 5. **Interest Coverage**: With an EBITDA of nearly €5 billion and operating profit of €3 billion, the coverage ratios for any subordinated interest payments on hybrid bonds would be very strong. Given the company's stable utility business model, strong operating cash flows, and balanced capital structure, it is an excellent candidate for hybrid bonds. Strongly Suitable