## Assessment of Terna S.p.A.'s Suitability for Hybrid Bond Issuance ### Key Considerations: **1. Already a Hybrid Bond Issuer** The most compelling evidence is that Terna has already issued hybrid bonds during the 2022 fiscal year. The equity statement shows "Equity Instruments Perpetual Hybrid Bonds" of €989 million issued in the period 2022-01-01 to 2023-01-01, classified under "Capital Instruments Bonds Hybrid Perpetual." There's also a "Coupon Payable To Holders Of Hybrid Bonds" line of €21.1 million. This demonstrates the company has proven market access for hybrid instruments. **2. Strong and Stable Financial Profile** - **Revenue growth**: Revenue increased from €2,534.5M to €2,898.1M (14.3% growth) - **Operating profit**: €1,333.5M (up from €1,200.4M), showing strong operating margins (~45%) - **Net income**: €857.7M (up from €790.8M) - **EBITDA** (approx. operating profit + D&A): ~€2,059.2M, indicating robust cash generation **3. Regulated Utility Business** Terna is Italy's national electricity transmission grid operator — a regulated utility with highly predictable cash flows. Regulated utilities are among the most frequent and suitable issuers of hybrid bonds due to: - Predictable revenue streams - Low business risk - Investment-grade credit profiles - Capital-intensive business requiring diverse funding sources **4. Balance Sheet Strength** - Total assets: €22.8B - Equity: €6.17B (including the hybrid bonds in equity) - Long-term borrowings: €8.4B - Strong cash position: €2.16B - Operating cash flow: €2.32B (very strong) **5. Investment Grade Characteristics** - Backed by CDP Reti/Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (Italian state-linked entity) - Consistent dividend payments - Manageable leverage for a regulated utility **6. Capital Expenditure Needs** - CapEx of ~€1.7B annually (PP&E + intangibles), supporting the rationale for hybrid issuance to fund growth while maintaining credit metrics **7. Cash Flow Generation** - Operating cash flow of €2.32B comfortably covers interest payments (€154.8M), dividends (€595.8M), and supports significant investment ### Conclusion: Terna is a textbook example of a company suitable for hybrid bond issuance — it's a large, regulated utility with predictable cash flows, strong credit fundamentals, state-linked ownership, and has already successfully accessed the hybrid bond market. All indicators point strongly to suitability. Strongly Suitable