Let’s break this down. **Entity profile** - Ørsted A/S is a Danish renewable energy company mainly focused on offshore wind, onshore wind, solar, and energy infrastructure. - It has a strong presence in markets like Denmark, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, the US, and Taiwan. - 2022 revenue jumped significantly to DKK 132bn (from DKK 77bn in 2021), largely due to higher energy prices and growth in renewable generation. - EBITDA rose to DKK 32bn (from DKK 24bn). - Profit before tax increased to DKK 17.6bn (from DKK 13.3bn). - The company already has hybrid capital outstanding (DKK 19.8bn at end-2022) with a history of issuance going back to 2005—meaning it’s an established hybrid issuer. - It issued new hybrids in 2022 (proceeds of DKK 3.7bn) and repurchased some (DKK 1.9bn). - The Danish state is the ultimate parent, providing a supportive ownership backdrop. **Financial profile** - S&P Net Debt/EBITDA for 2022 = 2.5x — this is comfortably investment grade. - S&P FFO/Net Debt = 0.3124 (approx 31%), which is solid for IG. - Moody’s adjusted leverage trend was improving in 2022. - The group has significant ongoing capex (DKK 33bn in 2022) to fund its renewable build-out, so there is a clear funding rationale. - Hybrid issuance helps maintain credit metrics while funding growth and refinancing existing hybrids. **Market and sector context** - Ørsted is an unregulated power and gas company, but its business model is heavily based on long-term contracts (CfDs, PPAs) with creditworthy counterparties, providing strong cash flow visibility. - Under the methodology guidance, this type of “strongly protected unregulated revenue” can qualify for medial volatility treatment, and the business risk profile is typically strong/adequate for a well-diversified, large-scale renewable generator. - The interest rate environment shifted significantly in 2022 (swap rates turned sharply positive), and subordinated bond spreads widened—yet Ørsted still accessed the hybrid market. **Suitability for hybrid bonds** - Ørsted fits the *Strongly Suitable* description well: - Infrastructure-like, utility-adjacent, with highly visible cash flows. - Investment grade (around BBB area). - Hybrid issuance supports credit metrics and rating headroom amid heavy capex. - Established hybrid issuer with strong market access. - Ongoing refinancing (existing hybrids near call dates) and growth funding needs. - The only potential nuance is that metrics are already solid and improving, which might reduce the *urgency* for hybrid issuance, but the company’s consistent use of hybrids as a permanent part of its capital structure makes it strongly suitable. **Conclusion**: Given the existing hybrid program, clear funding rationale, regulated-like cash flow stability, and investment-grade profile, this is clearly **Strongly Suitable**. Strongly Suitable