Based on the provided financial facts and market data, here is the assessment of NATURGY ENERGY GROUP SA's suitability for issuing hybrid bonds: 1. **Sector and Business Model**: Naturgy is a major Spanish energy and utility company operating in regulated and quasi-regulated markets (electricity and gas distribution, generation, and supply). Under S&P's rating methodology for regulated utilities, companies in this sector benefit from highly visible, predictable cash flows and regulatory frameworks that allow for cost recovery and stable returns. This inherently supports the structural features of hybrid bonds, making utilities highly attractive candidates for this asset class. 2. **Capital Structure and Financial Metrics**: For the fiscal year 2022, Naturgy exhibited a solid financial risk profile with an S&P Net Debt / EBITDA ratio of 2.67x and an FFO / Net Debt ratio of 28.47%. These metrics align with a strong investment-grade rating (typically in the BBB area for utilities), which is the optimal territory for hybrid issuance. Furthermore, maintaining such metrics while funding a capital-intensive energy transition heavily incentivizes the use of hybrid capital to protect senior ratings. 3. **Track Record of Hybrid Issuance**: A critical indicator is the company's historical reliance on this instrument. Naturgy first issued hybrid bonds in 2013 and has recently issued them again in 2021 or 2022. This demonstrates that hybrid bonds are a core, recurring component of the company's long-term capital structure rather than an opportunistic one-off tool. Regular issuers in the utility sector usually maintain a stock of hybrids and refinance them as they approach their call dates to optimize WACC and defend their credit ratings. 4. **Market Access and Credibility**: Given its status as a frequent issuer with strong credibility in institutional capital markets, Naturgy is well-positioned to access the subordinated debt market even during periods of interest rate volatility (as seen in the swap curve and corporate bond yields in 2022). Conclusion: Naturgy fits all the classic characteristics of a prime hybrid bond issuer: it is a regulated utility with highly visible cash flows, an investment-grade profile, and a proven, structural commitment to the hybrid market. Strongly Suitable