To assess whether Eni S.p.A. is suitable to issue hybrid bonds, we must evaluate its financial health, leverage, profitability, and existing experience with hybrid capital. 1. **Existing Experience with Hybrid Capital**: The equity statement explicitly shows "Increase Decrease Through Net Issue Reimbursement Of Perpetual Subordinated Bonds Equity" and "Decrease Through Coupon Payment On Perpetual Subordinated Bonds Equity". Perpetual subordinated bonds are a form of hybrid instrument. This demonstrates that the company already has hybrid bonds outstanding and has experience managing them, making the market familiar with the company's hybrid issuances. 2. **Strong Profitability and Cash Generation**: For the period ending 2023-01-01, Eni reported a Profit Before Tax of €22.049 billion and a Net Profit of €13.961 billion. Its Cash Flows from Operating Activities stood robust at €17.46 billion. A company must generate sufficient cash to comfortably cover the coupon payments on hybrid bonds, and Eni has ample capacity to do so. 3. **Solid Balance Sheet and Leverage Capacity**: Total Assets stand at €152.13 billion, with Equity at €55.23 billion, resulting in a manageable Debt-to-Equity ratio (Total Liabilities of €96.9 billion / Equity of €55.23 billion ≈ 1.75x). While leverage is present, it is not excessive for a major integrated energy company. Issuing hybrid bonds—which are typically treated as 50% equity by credit rating agencies—would further strengthen the equity credit of the balance sheet without heavily burdening leverage metrics. 4. **Dividend and Shareholder Returns**: The company pays substantial dividends (€3.009 billion paid in the current period) and buys back treasury shares (€2.4 billion), indicating a strong commitment to returning capital. Hybrid bonds are attractive for such companies because they allow raising capital that is partially treated as equity, avoiding immediate dilution while maintaining return-on-equity metrics. Given Eni's robust cash flows, moderate leverage, and proven track record of issuing and servicing hybrid capital (perpetual subordinated bonds), it is highly capable of servicing hybrid bond coupons and appealing to hybrid bond investors. Strongly Suitable