The assessment for EDP, S.A. as a candidate for the issuance of hybrid bonds is based on the following key factors: 1. **Business Profile:** EDP is an integrated utility company (generation, transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity and gas). This sector typically exhibits the stable, predictable cash flows required for hybrid bond issuance and qualifies as a utility/energy infrastructure business, which aligns with the "Strongly Suitable" criteria. 2. **Financial Profile and Track Record:** * **Issuance History:** EDP has an established track record in the hybrid bond market, having first issued in 2013 and continuing to issue in 2021/2022. This demonstrates strong investor familiarity and institutional capital market access. * **Financial Metrics:** The S&P Net Debt/EBITDA of 4.06 and FFO/Net Debt of 0.1884 suggest an investment-grade profile in the BBB area, where hybrid capital is an effective tool to manage rating headroom. * **Leverage Trends:** While Moody's indicates an improving leverage trend, the company continues to maintain a significant capital expenditure program and active portfolio management (acquisitions like Sunseap, disposals). Hybrids remain a strategic instrument for EDP to maintain its credit rating while funding growth and the energy transition. 3. **Rationale:** The issuance of hybrid bonds is a core, recurring part of EDP's funding strategy, helping to balance its capital structure and provide support for the high investment needs associated with the energy transition. Given the company's profile as a major utility, its historical usage of hybrids, and the alignment with its financial policy to preserve credit quality, the company remains firmly in the "Strongly Suitable" category. Strongly Suitable