**Reasoning** When evaluating which issuer is the most attractive for originating a hybrid bond, a bank should consider three key factors: 1. **Credit quality and ability to service a hybrid instrument** – a stable, investment‑grade profile makes placement easier and reduces refinancing risk. 2. **Strategic need for hybrid capital** – companies with low equity ratios, high leverage, or regulatory capital requirements are more motivated to issue equity‑like hybrid debt. 3. **Scale of the transaction** – larger issuers can generate bigger fees and have deeper market access, making them priority targets. | Issuer | Credit quality (coverage, profitability) | Need for hybrid capital (equity ratio, leverage) | Market size & activity | |--------|------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|------------------------| | **A – EDF** | Weak – operating cash flow negative, heavy interest burden, large net loss in 2022. | Very high – equity ratio ~12 % and huge nuclear provisions create a strong push for equity‑like instruments. | Extremely large; actively tapping subordinated‑debt markets (≈ €1 bn hybrid‑type issuance in 2022). | | **B – Terna** | Strong – profit positive, cash flow from operations ≈ €2.3 bn, interest coverage > 15×. | Moderate – equity ratio ~27 % and manageable leverage; already has a modest hybrid tranche (≈ €1 bn). | Smaller‑scale, stable regulated utility; limited urgency for a new large hybrid. | | **C – Iberdrola** | Solid – EBITDA ≈ €13 bn, interest coverage ≈ 4×, consistent profitability. | Moderate‑high – equity ratio ~38 % but sizable debt (≈ €69 bn) and ambitious capex drive demand for hybrid‑type funding. | Very large, actively issuing perpetual subordinated bonds (≈ €2.7 bn in 2021‑2022); strong investor appetite. | - **Iberdrola (C)** combines investment‑grade credit strength with a clear, large‑scale need for hybrid financing and proven market activity. This makes it the most promising prospect for a new hybrid mandate. - **Terna (B)** offers excellent credit metrics and a small existing hybrid program, but its limited size and lower urgency reduce the immediacy of a new transaction. - **EDF (A)** has the greatest strategic need (very low equity, high leverage) but its recent losses and cash‑flow strain raise credit concerns that could hinder a successful hybrid placement in the near term. Therefore, the optimal engagement order is **Iberdrola → Terna → EDF**. **Final answer** C,B,A