To assess whether ERG S.p.A. is suitable to issue hybrid bonds, we need to evaluate its financial stability, leverage, and ability to service debt, as hybrid bonds are a form of subordinated debt often treated as equity-like by rating agencies but require solid cash flow coverage. 1. **Cash Flow Generation**: The company shows strong operating cash flow generation. For 2022, "Cash Flows From Used In Operating Activities" was €458.9 million, significantly up from €177.1 million in 2021. This provides a robust base to cover interest payments on subordinated hybrid debt. 2. **Leverage and Solvency**: Looking at the balance sheet as of Jan 1, 2023, Total Equity is €2.054 billion, and Total Liabilities are €3.171 billion. The Debt-to-Equity ratio is approximately 1.54, which is moderate and leaves room for additional subordinated leverage. Furthermore, "Other Noncurrent Financial Liabilities" decreased from €2.064 billion to €1.751 billion, showing active deleveraging of senior debt, which is highly favorable for issuing hybrid bonds without risking overall credit quality. 3. **Profitability and Interest Coverage**: The EBITDA for 2022 is €499.4 million, and "Finance Costs" were €112.2 million, giving an EBITDA-to-interest coverage of over 4.4x. The Profit Loss from continuing operations was €88.9 million, and overall Profit Loss was €383 million (bolstered by discontinued operations). The healthy coverage ratios indicate the company can comfortably handle the cumulative interest obligations associated with hybrid instruments. 4. **Corporate Structure and History**: The entity is an S.p.A. (Società per Azioni), the Italian joint-stock company form typically used by large corporate issuers in the European hybrid bond market. The presence of existing long-term financial liabilities and active debt management (repayments of borrowings, etc.) further demonstrates capital markets access and maturity. Given the strong cash flows, moderate leverage, solid interest coverage, and demonstrated access to capital markets, ERG S.p.A. is a highly suitable candidate for issuing hybrid bonds to optimize its cost of capital and achieve equity credit from rating agencies. Strongly Suitable