To determine whether HERA S.P.A. is suitable to issue hybrid bonds, we need to evaluate its sector, size, profitability, capital structure, and cash flow generation based on the 2022 financial data. 1. **Sector and Business Profile**: HERA S.P.A. operates as a multi-utility company (as indicated by typical utility financials and its status as a major Italian entity). Utility companies are highly capital-intensive and are traditionally the most frequent and suitable issuers of corporate hybrid bonds. Hybrids allow them to fund large infrastructure investments while maintaining their credit ratings, as rating agencies typically treat 50% of hybrid debt as equity. 2. **Size and Scale**: The company is massive, reporting a revenue of €20.08 billion for 2022 (up from €10.55 billion in 2021, likely driven by higher energy prices) and total assets of €17.11 billion. Companies of this scale generally have straightforward access to the subordinated debt markets. 3. **Profitability**: Despite a volatile energy market in 2022, HERA demonstrated robust and stable profitability, generating €533.8 million in operating profit and €305.3 million in net profit. 4. **Cash Flow and Liquidity**: "Cash flows from operations before changes in working capital" stood strong at €1.20 billion in 2022. While net operating cash flow was affected by a €927.6 million increase in working capital (common for energy utilities during the 2022 energy crisis), the company's underlying cash generation capacity is strong. Moreover, the company bolstered its liquidity, holding €1.94 billion in cash and cash equivalents at the end of 2022 (up from €885.6 million in 2021). 5. **Capital Structure**: HERA has total equity of €3.64 billion and non-current financial liabilities of €5.69 billion. Using hybrid bonds could be a highly effective strategic tool for HERA to manage its leverage, defend its investment-grade credit metrics, and protect its senior bondholders while funding future capital expenditures. Given its massive scale, steady profitability, strong underlying cash flows, and its position in the utility sector (which heavily relies on the hybrid market to optimize capital structure), the company is a prime candidate for hybrid bond issuance. Strongly Suitable