ENI appears suitable to issue hybrid bonds based on scale, profitability, cash generation, and balance sheet capacity. Key positives: - Very large issuer: total assets were €152.1bn at 2022 year-end, supporting capital markets access. - Strong profitability in 2022: profit before tax was €22.0bn and net profit was €14.0bn, materially up from 2021. - Strong operating cash flow: cash flow from operating activities was €17.5bn in 2022. - Solid equity base: total equity increased to €55.2bn from €44.5bn, improving capitalization. - Manageable leverage profile: total borrowings and lease liabilities were significant, but not excessive relative to EBITDA-like cash generation and equity. Current and noncurrent borrowings plus lease liabilities were roughly €31.9bn versus €55.2bn equity. - Demonstrated access to subordinated/hybrid-type capital: the company previously issued perpetual subordinated bonds/equity instruments in prior years, suggesting market familiarity and structural suitability. - Strong liquidity: cash and cash equivalents were about €10.2bn, with additional current financial assets at fair value through profit or loss of €8.3bn. Main cautions: - ENI operates in a cyclical and commodity-exposed sector, so earnings can be volatile, as shown by the large loss in 2020. - Capital expenditure and shareholder distributions are substantial. - Hybrid bonds would be useful to preserve credit metrics while funding investment or refinancing, but commodity cyclicality prevents a completely risk-free assessment. Overall, the company’s size, profitability, cash flow, liquidity, and prior use of hybrid/perpetual instruments make it strongly suitable for hybrid bond issuance. Strongly Suitable