Let’s break down the reasoning step-by-step. **1. Understanding the S&P cap** S&P limits the equity credit from hybrid bonds to 15% of total adjusted capital (debt + equity). For Terna as of 2023-01-01: - Equity = €6,169.1M - Noncurrent financial liabilities + current financial liabilities + long-term borrowings + short-term borrowings + current portion of long-term borrowings = debt - Debt = €247.2M + €44.9M + €8,416.7M + €444.1M + €1,909.3M = ~€11,062.2M - Total adjusted capital = €6,169.1M + €11,062.2M = €17,231.3M - 15% cap = €2,584.7M **2. Current hybrid usage** From the data: - Perpetual hybrid bonds (equity instruments) issued in FY2022: €989M. This is already included within equity (Capital Instruments Bonds Hybrid Perpetual line). Existing hybrids = €989M, which is about 5.7% of total adjusted capital, well below the 15% cap. **3. Why might they issue more?** - Interest rates rose sharply in 2022 (swap curves went from negative to ~2%), making fixed-rate debt more expensive. - Hybrids get partial equity treatment by rating agencies, helping maintain credit metrics while financing CapEx. - Terna’s CapEx is high (€1.49B in 2022), so they need efficient capital structures. **4. How much more can they issue?** Remaining room under cap = €2,584.7M – €989M = ~€1,595.7M. Thus they could more than double the current hybrid amount before hitting the cap. **5. Extent of utilization** The question is “to what extent should they utilize hybrids relative to the cap?” Given their infrastructure-heavy business, stable cash flows, and the need to fund significant investment while keeping leverage manageable, fully utilizing the cap seems reasonable. Issuing up to the cap (100%) would maximize equity credit and support credit ratings without a disproportionate cost, especially as hybrid coupons became more attractive in the rising-rate environment. Therefore, **100%** is the logical choice. 100%