Based on the provided facts, A2A Energia S.p.A. is a strongly suitable candidate for hybrid bond issuance. 1. **Business Profile**: A2A is a multi-utility company operating in Italy under the "Regulated Utilities" and "Unregulated Power and Gas" sectors. Utilities with regulated or infrastructure-like assets typically possess highly visible and stable cash flows, which is a primary characteristic of "Strongly Suitable" issuers. The S&P methodology provided highlights that such regulated entities benefit from transparent tariff-setting, cost recovery, and low business risk, supporting their ability to service subordinated capital. 2. **Financial Metrics and Leverage**: The S&P Net Debt / EBITDA ratio for 2022 is 3.47x, and the FFO / Net Debt is 23.17%. These figures suggest a leverage profile typically found in the 'BBB' area (Investment Grade). However, a Net Debt/EBITDA of 3.47x is on the higher end for a solid investment-grade utility, meaning that the issuance of equity-like hybrid bonds could materially improve adjusted leverage metrics and provide meaningful rating headroom. 3. **Historical Issuance**: The data notes that A2A has "Issued hybrid bonds in 2021 or 2022: yes". The guidelines explicitly state that an entity having issued hybrid bonds recently is highly likely Strongly Suitable. This demonstrates management's willingness, investor appetite for their subordinated debt, and establishes a core recurring funding instrument for the group. 4. **Refinancing and Funding Rationale**: The company shows significant capital expenditures (Purchase of PPE and Intangibles > €1.2 billion in 2022) and increasing financial liabilities (Other Noncurrent Financial Liabilities rose from €4.3 billion to €5.8 billion). The proceeds from a new hybrid bond would serve a strong rationale for refinancing approaching maturities or funding ongoing capex/M&A. Furthermore, an existing hybrid bond will inevitably be approaching its step-up/first call date in the coming years, creating a natural refinancing need. 5. **Improving Trend**: While Moody's adjusted leverage trend for 2022 is "Improving" (which under strict interpretation could push towards "Not Suitable" if metrics were already very strong), the current absolute leverage levels (3.47x) still justify hybrid issuance to preserve the current rating and accelerate de-leveraging, keeping it squarely in the "Strongly Suitable" category for utility issuers. Strongly Suitable