# Reasoning: Hybrid Bond Transaction Origination Priority ## What makes a good hybrid bond prospect? A bank looking to originate a hybrid bond transaction should consider: 1. **Whether the issuer has already issued hybrid bonds** (familiarity with the product) 2. **Leverage/balance sheet needs** (need for equity-like capital without dilution) 3. **Size and credit profile** (ability to access hybrid markets) 4. **Strategic rationale** (rating protection, funding diversification) ## Analysis by Entity ### Entity A: REDEIA CORPORACION SA - **Hybrid bond history**: No evidence of hybrid bonds in the data. The equity section shows standard components (issued capital, reserves, treasury shares). No "Capital Instruments" or "Perpetual Subordinated Bonds" line items. - **Leverage**: Total debt (long-term borrowings ~€5.5B + current borrowings ~€722M) vs. equity ~€4.9B. Debt/equity ratio is moderate but elevated. - **Recent capital activity**: In 2022, there was a significant increase in reserves (~€920M from "Otras Operaciones Con Socios OPropietarios"), suggesting a capital raise or restructuring. Proceeds from sale/issue of treasury shares of ~€1B. - **Size**: Total assets ~€14.8B — mid-cap utility. - **Prospect assessment**: Has not issued hybrids before, has moderate leverage, and is a regulated utility — a reasonable hybrid candidate but no track record with the product. ### Entity B: ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE (EDF) - **Hybrid bond history**: Clear evidence of existing hybrid bonds. The data shows "Payments On Perpetual Subordinated Bonds" (€606M in 2022, €547M in 2021), "Issuance And Redemption Of Perpetual Subordinated Bonds And Convertible Instruments" (-€1,025M in 2022, €972M in 2021), and "Proceeds From Issue Of Subordinated Liabilities And Convertible Instruments" (€994M in 2022, €1,235M in 2021). - **Leverage**: Massive debt levels. Total assets €388B, equity €46.6B, noncurrent financial liabilities €71B, plus massive provisions (€77B nuclear). The company posted a massive loss of -€18.2B in 2022. - **Recent situation**: EDF was nationalized by the French government in 2022. The company has severe financial stress with negative operating cash flows (-€7.4B) and huge losses. It has been a **regular hybrid issuer** but was recently taken private. - **Prospect assessment**: While EDF is a prolific hybrid issuer, its nationalization means it may no longer need public market hybrid issuance in the same way. The government backstop changes the dynamic. Also, being taken private reduces the need for rating-driven hybrid issuance. However, the massive debt and ongoing capital needs could still drive hybrid activity. ### Entity C: TERNA S.P.A. - **Hybrid bond history**: **Clear and recent evidence**. The data explicitly shows "Equity Instruments Perpetual Hybrid Bonds" with a "Capital Instruments Bonds Hybrid Perpetual" of €989M issued in 2022 (2022-01-01 to 2023-01-01). There are also "Coupon Payable To Holders Of Hybrid Bonds" of €21.1M. - **Leverage**: Long-term borrowings €8.4B + short-term €444M + current portion €1.9B vs equity €6.2B. Solid investment-grade regulated utility. - **Recent activity**: Just issued its **first hybrid bond** (€989M) in 2022. This demonstrates appetite for the product and likely need for more. - **Cash flows**: Strong operating cash flows (€2.3B), significant capex (€1.9B investing outflows), suggesting ongoing funding needs. - **Prospect assessment**: **Most promising**. Just entered the hybrid market, has ongoing large capex needs as a regulated grid operator, and has demonstrated willingness to use hybrid instruments. Likely to return for more. ## Priority Ranking 1. **Entity C (Terna)**: Just issued its debut hybrid, demonstrating clear appetite. As a growing regulated utility with large capex needs, it's most likely to issue again soon. A bank can build on the momentum of the recent transaction. 2. **Entity A (Redeia)**: Has never issued a hybrid bond but is a similar regulated utility (Spanish grid operator) with moderate leverage. This is a classic "first-time hybrid" pitch opportunity — peer Terna just did it, and Redeia could benefit from similar capital structure optimization. 3. **Entity B (EDF)**: While a prolific historical hybrid issuer, EDF's nationalization and extreme financial distress make it less attractive as a near-term prospect. The government may handle funding differently, and the company's financial situation is extraordinary. C,A,B