Based on the financial facts and the profile of REN - REDES ENERGÉTICAS NACIONAIS, SGPS, S.A., the company is assessed as **Strongly Suitable** for the issuance of hybrid bonds. ### Rationale: **1. Sector and Business Profile:** REN operates the national electricity transmission grid and the natural gas transportation grid in Portugal. As a regulated utility and essential energy infrastructure provider, REN operates under a highly transparent and predictable regulatory framework (natural monopoly). This affords the company highly visible and stable cash flows, which is the exact profile highly sought after by hybrid bond investors. European regulated utilities form the bedrock of the corporate hybrid asset class. **2. Financial and Leverage Profile:** The company exhibits a capital-intensive financial profile typical for TSOs (Transmission System Operators). For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022, REN's total debt is substantial, with around €1.69 billion in long-term borrowings and roughly €638 million in current borrowings. This significant level of debt compared to its equity base (€1.51 billion) positions it in the traditional "BBB" investment-grade territory where hybrid bonds are most effective. **3. Use of Proceeds and Refinancing Needs:** With €638 million in current borrowings (up from €375 million in the prior year), REN has noticeable near-term refinancing needs. Furthermore, the company consistently distributes robust dividends (over €144 million paid in financing activities) and manages sizable capital expenditures (€207 million in intangible and tangible assets purchases). Issuing a hybrid bond would act as a non-dilutive financing tool, securing 50% equity credit under S&P’s methodology. This would cushion its FFO/debt metrics, lower adjusted leverage, and defend its credit rating while funding its capital and refinancing requirements. **4. Market Access & Credibility:** As the prominent Portuguese TSO, REN has a well-established presence and strong credibility in accessing institutional debt capital markets. The regulatory environment (indicated by the €1 billion asset/liability recognition for the Transitional Gas Price Stabilization Regime) demonstrates systemic importance and state coordination, which reassures fixed-income investors regarding default risk, making coupon deferral a highly unlikely tail-risk event. Overall, REN ticks all the core boxes for hybrid issuance: it is a regulated utility with highly predictable cash flows, possesses near-term refinancing needs, and can benefit directly from the equity-like treatment of hybrid capital to protect its investment-grade rating headroom. Strongly Suitable