To assess suitability for issuing hybrid bonds, we should consider the company’s financial stability, cash flow generation, leverage, and debt-servicing capacity. **Key observations from the data:** 1. **Profitability & Cash Flow:** * The company is profitable, with net profit growing from €97.2M (FY21) to €111.8M (FY22). * Operating cash flow is strong and relatively stable (€700M in FY21, €613M in FY22), which is important for servicing interest payments. * The nature of the business (energy infrastructure) typically implies regulated or contracted cash flows, which supports hybrid issuance. 2. **Leverage & Capital Structure:** * Total equity at end-FY22 is ~€1.52B. * Total liabilities are ~€4.93B, of which total borrowings (current + non-current) stand at ~€2.33B (€1,695M + €639M). This indicates significant leverage but is common for capital-intensive energy network companies. * However, the "Asset/Liability Related To The Transitional Gas Price Stabilization Regime" at €1.0B on both sides of the balance sheet artificially inflates the balance sheet total. Excluding this item, the debt-to-equity and debt-to-assets ratios would be very high. Net debt seems substantial relative to equity. 3. **Capital Expenditure:** * Capex is high (mainly purchase of intangible assets, ~€201M in FY22), indicating a continued need for external financing. 4. **Equity & Reserves:** * Equity increased from €1.41B to €1.52B. * Reserves are positive. The equity base provides a cushion, but leverage is still elevated. * Dividends are being paid consistently (~€102-113M per year), which might compete with hybrid coupon payments if cash flows tighten. 5. **Risks:** * The massive "transitional gas price stabilization" item suggests exposure to regulatory/sovereign intervention, which can impact the stability of earnings. * Finance costs rose from €54.4M to €67.4M, showing sensitivity to interest rate rises, a concern if issuing more debt-like instruments. * The change in net cash is negative for FY22 (-€34M), with significant financing outflows. **Conclusion:** The company has a stable, regulated revenue profile and strong operating cash flows, which are positive for hybrid issuance (as hybrids require reliable interest payments). However, the existing leverage is considerable (even excluding the stabilization regime artifact), and the business is exposed to political/regulatory intervention. It falls into the typical "high leverage, stable regulated utility" profile where hybrids are often used but require careful structuring. It is marginally suitable rather than an ideal, "strongly suitable" candidate given the high debt load and regulatory overlay. Marginally Suitable