Terna appears highly suitable to issue hybrid bonds. Key reasons: - **Large, stable utility profile:** Terna is Italy’s national electricity transmission grid operator, a regulated infrastructure business. Such companies typically have predictable cash flows and strong access to debt capital markets. - **Strong operating performance:** Revenue rose from €2.53bn in 2021 to €2.90bn in 2022, and operating profit increased from €1.20bn to €1.33bn. - **Solid profitability:** Net profit attributable to owners was €857m in 2022, up from €789m in 2021. Continuing operations generated €878m of profit. - **Robust operating cash flow:** Cash flow from operating activities was €2.32bn in 2022, substantially above the prior year’s €832m and comfortably positive. - **High capital intensity supports hybrid use:** The company has very large investment needs, with purchases of property, plant and equipment of about €1.49bn and intangible investments of €212m in 2022. Hybrid bonds are commonly used by regulated utilities to support capex while protecting credit metrics. - **Existing leverage but manageable for the sector:** Borrowings are material, with long-term borrowings of €8.42bn and current debt portions also significant. However, this is normal for regulated infrastructure, and EBITDA-like cash generation is strong. - **Equity base strengthened:** Equity increased from €4.71bn to €6.17bn in 2022, partly due to €989m of perpetual hybrid bonds already classified within equity instruments. This suggests the market and accounting structure already support hybrid issuance. - **Investment-grade style issuer characteristics:** The ultimate parent relationship with Cassa Depositi e Prestiti/CDP Reti and the strategic national infrastructure role improve perceived credit support and market access. - **Dividend-paying capacity:** The company continues to distribute dividends while maintaining profitability and cash generation, indicating financial resilience. Overall, the combination of regulated cash flows, strong profitability, large infrastructure investment needs, existing hybrid bond precedent, and strategic importance makes Terna a strong candidate for hybrid bond issuance. Strongly Suitable