To assess the suitability of A2A ENERGIA S.P.A. (a subsidiary of the A2A S.p.A. group) for the issuance of hybrid bonds, we analyze the provided financial data and industry position: 1. **Business Profile:** A2A is a major Italian multi-utility. Per the S&P utility methodology, it operates in a sector characterized by essential infrastructure services, typically providing stable and predictable cash flows. This aligns with the "Strongly Suitable" profile for hybrid issuance. 2. **Financial Metrics:** The 2022 financial data indicates a Net Debt / EBITDA ratio of 3.47 and FFO / Net Debt of 0.2317. While these reflect a solid utility profile, they also highlight a need for financial flexibility given the capital-intensive nature of utility operations. The Moody’s trend is reported as "improving," which suggests management is focused on credit quality. 3. **Hybrid Track Record:** The data notes that the entity (or the group) has issued hybrid bonds in the past (2021/2022), and there is an explicit mention of a 2024 issuance. The fact that the issuer has successfully integrated hybrid capital into its funding strategy is a strong signal of suitability. 4. **Strategic Rationale:** Utility companies often utilize hybrid instruments to fund significant capital expenditures (capex) or strategic acquisitions while preserving their investment-grade ratings. The scale of the "Property Plant And Equipment" (6.16 billion EUR) and "Intangible Assets" (3.51 billion EUR) confirms the requirement for ongoing, large-scale investment. 5. **Market Context:** Despite the shift in interest rates and swap curves in 2022, A2A's status as a major multi-utility provides the credibility required to access institutional capital markets. Hybrid instruments offer the necessary "equity-like" credit support to maintain rating headroom in an environment of rising costs. Given that A2A is an established utility with a history of hybrid usage, clear capital-intensive investment needs, and a requirement to maintain credit strength, it fits the "Strongly Suitable" criteria. Strongly Suitable