Trading Statement

RNS Number : 9192M

QinetiQ Group plc

24 September 2012

QinetiQ Group plc

Pre Close Trading Update

QinetiQ Group plc ('QinetiQ') today issues a trading update prior to holding an investor day in Farnborough, UK on 26 September and entering its closed period on 30 September 2012.

Business Update

The Group's performance during the first half of the financial year has been stronger than originally expected.

During the period Global Products delivered the majority of two key orders for the Q-Net^TM vehicle survivability product, earlier than originally planned. This, together with a higher level of spares sales, more than compensated for lower sales in other major products.

UK Services continued to perform well, benefiting from a more competitive cost base and better project execution, coupled with a higher level of utilisation in certain areas to meet short term demand. This was partially offset by the performance of US Services, which reflected the considerable uncertainties in the federal services market and ongoing delays in contract awards. A large number of submitted bids remain unresolved, and some of these are unlikely to be decided until the issue of sequestration is addressed.

Trading Environment and outlook

The degree of political and economic uncertainty in both our major markets means that forward visibility for the next six months is much lower than usual, particularly in the US. However, the strong performance in the first half gives the Board confidence that the Group should at least meet its expectations for the current year, absent any material change in customer requirements. The Board's view of the outlook beyond the current year remains unchanged.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

On 26 September 2012, QinetiQ will be holding a site visit for analysts and investors in Farnborough, Hampshire covering key UK capabilities. A recorded webcast will be available on the afternoon of 26 September at www.QinetiQ.com/investors. No material new information will be disclosed as part of this visit.

QinetiQ's interim results will be reported on 21 November 2012.

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