To determine Moody's adjusted leverage trend, we calculate the adjusted leverage ratio (Adjusted Debt / Adjusted EBITDA) for both 2021 and 2022. **1. Adjusted Debt Calculation:** Adjusted Debt typically includes long-term borrowings, short-term borrowings, and lease liabilities. - **2021 (End of 2021 / Start of 2022):** - Long-term Borrowings: €5,805M - Current Borrowings and Current Portion: €1,324M - Short-Term Borrowings/Overdrafts: €351M - Noncurrent Lease Liabilities: €1,473M - Current Lease Liabilities: €362M - *Total Adjusted Debt (2021):* €9,315M - **2022 (End of 2022 / Start of 2023):** - Long-term Borrowings: €11,586M - Current Borrowings and Current Portion: €1,361M - Short-Term Borrowings/Overdrafts: €418M - Noncurrent Lease Liabilities: €2,107M - Current Lease Liabilities: €498M - *Total Adjusted Debt (2022):* €15,970M *Total Adjusted Debt increased significantly by roughly €6.65 billion (+71%).* **2. Adjusted EBITDA Calculation:** Adjusted EBITDA is roughly calculated as Operating Profit + Depreciation and Amortization. - **2021:** - Profit (Loss) from Operating Activities: €1,733M - Depreciation and Amortisation Expense: €2,065M - *Adjusted EBITDA (2021):* €3,798M - **2022:** - Profit (Loss) from Operating Activities: €1,872M - Depreciation and Amortisation Expense: €2,228M - *Adjusted EBITDA (2022):* €4,100M *Adjusted EBITDA increased slightly by roughly €302 million (+8%).* **3. Leverage Ratio (Debt / EBITDA):** - **2021 Leverage Ratio:** €9,315M / €3,798M = **2.45x** - **2022 Leverage Ratio:** €15,970M / €4,100M = **3.89x** Given that debt grew at a vastly quicker pace than EBITDA (primarily due to major acquisitions classified as investing activities consuming ~€6.2 billion in cash flows), the leverage ratio jumped significantly. A higher leverage ratio means a higher debt burden relative to earning capability, thus reflecting a deteriorating leverage trend. Deteriorating