I'll analyze whether TERNA S.p.A. is suitable to issue hybrid bonds by examining key financial metrics from their 2022 annual report. **Hybrid Bond Suitability Criteria:** Hybrid bonds are subordinated debt instruments with equity-like features. Key factors for suitability include: 1. **Strong credit profile and profitability** - ability to service coupon payments 2. **Solid equity base** - to absorb the subordinated nature 3. **Stable cash flows** - predictability of operations 4. **Regulated/utility nature** - typically favorable for hybrids 5. **Interest coverage and leverage metrics** **Analysis of TERNA:** 1. **Profitability & Coverage:** - Revenue 2022: €2,898M (up 14.3% from €2,535M) - Operating profit: €1,334M (strong margin ~46%) - Profit before tax: €1,233M - Net profit: €858M - Finance costs: €122M vs. operating profit of €1,334M → **strong interest coverage ratio ~11x** 2. **Equity & Capital Structure:** - Total equity: €6,169M (up from €4,713M) - Equity attributable to owners: €6,142M - Already has hybrid bonds in equity: €989M ("Capital Instruments Bonds Hybrid Perpetual") - This demonstrates prior successful hybrid issuance and market acceptance 3. **Cash Flow Generation:** - Operating cash flow: €2,324M (very strong) - Free cash flow after capex: €469M (€2,324M - €1,855M investing) - Capex is high (€1,493M PPE + €212M intangibles) but typical for regulated utility 4. **Business Model:** - National electricity transmission operator (natural monopoly) - Regulated returns provide stable, predictable cash flows - Essential infrastructure asset with defensive characteristics 5. **Balance Sheet Strength:** - Total assets: €22,803M - Non-current assets: €17,682M (heavily invested in infrastructure) - Net debt position manageable for utility with regulated cash flows - Long-term borrowings: €8,417M; short-term: €444M 6. **Dividend Capacity:** - Dividends paid: €596M - Dividend per share: €10.61 - Demonstrates ability to return capital while maintaining financial strength **Concerns/Considerations:** - High capex requirements (€1.7B annually) may compete for funding - Already has €989M of hybrid bonds outstanding - capacity for more exists but not unlimited - Discontinued operations loss of €20M (minor) - Some working capital volatility **Conclusion:** TERNA exhibits **strong suitability** for hybrid bond issuance: - Regulated utility with exceptionally stable and predictable cash flows - Very strong interest coverage (~11x) - Demonstrated track record with existing hybrid bonds - Strong operating cash flows (€2.3B) comfortably cover finance costs and capex - Defensive, essential infrastructure business model - Solid equity base with improving trend - Investment grade credit characteristics typical of hybrid issuers The company already has hybrid bonds in its capital structure, confirming market access and suitability. The combination of regulated revenues, high operating margins, strong cash generation, and essential service nature makes this an ideal hybrid bond candidate. Strongly Suitable