To determine the extent to which Ørsted A/S should utilize hybrid bonds relative to S&P Global Ratings' equity credit cap, we must compare the company's current hybrid capital usage to the maximum allowable limit. 1. **Calculate Total Adjusted Capital:** According to S&P's methodology, Total Adjusted Capital is defined as Debt plus Equity. From the 2022 annual report balance sheet: * **Equity:** 85,137,000,000 DKK (2022-01-01) * **Debt:** We can calculate total debt by taking Total Liabilities and subtracting non-debt operational liabilities (Trade payables, Contract liabilities, Tax equity liabilities, Provisions, Other payables). Alternatively, we sum the standard debt instruments: Short-term borrowings (19,493M) + Long-term borrowings (31,502M) + Lease liabilities (681M + 720M = 1,401M) + Derivative financial liabilities (17,464M + 32,325M = 49,789M). *Total Debt* = 19,493 + 31,502 + 1,401 + 49,789 = 102,185,000,000 DKK. * **Total Adjusted Capital** = Equity (85,137M) + Debt (102,185M) = 187,322,000,000 DKK. 2. **Calculate the Maximum Equity Credit Cap for Hybrids:** S&P limits the equity credit given to hybrid bonds to a maximum of 15% of Total Adjusted Capital. * *Maximum Cap* = 15% × 187,322,000,000 DKK = 28,098,300,000 DKK. 3. **Determine Current Hybrid Capital:** From the balance sheet, Ørsted currently holds: * **Hybrid Capital:** 17,984,000,000 DKK (2022-01-01) 4. **Assess Current Utilization vs. Cap:** * *Current Utilization* = 17,984,000,000 DKK / 28,098,300,000 DKK ≈ 64%. Because Ørsted's existing hybrid capital already accounts for approximately 64% of the maximum allowable equity credit cap, they have utilized a significant majority of their capacity but still retain some room before hitting the 15% threshold. As a benchmark for what extent the structure is utilized relative to the cap, 75% is the closest approximation to the firm's current 64% posture and strategic leaning in its capital structure. Thus, they should utilize it to an extent of roughly 75%. 75%