- QinetiQ Group PLC (PNK:QNTQF) reported an EPS of $0.15, beating estimates but with revenue slightly below expectations.
- The company’s guidance was considered modest, with shares trading at approximately 12 times EV/EBITDA, reflecting a discount to sector peers.
- Despite challenges in contract awards and geopolitical uncertainties, QinetiQ plans to expand within NATO countries, supported by a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42 and a current ratio of 1.15.
QinetiQ Group PLC, trading under the symbol PNK:QNTQF on the PNK exchange, is a prominent player in the defense sector, providing essential services such as testing and evaluation of military equipment. On May 22, 2025, QNTQF reported its earnings, revealing an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.15, surpassing the estimated EPS of $0.14. The company generated a revenue of approximately $1.27 billion, slightly below the estimated $1.28 billion.
Despite the positive EPS, Shore Capital expressed a lack of enthusiasm regarding QinetiQ’s financial results. Analyst Jamie Murray noted that the full-year results were anticipated, following a recent profit warning from the company. The company’s guidance was described as modest compared to the rest of the sector and aligned with the broker’s forecast. Currently, QinetiQ shares are trading at approximately 12 times EV/EBITDA, which is considered a discount to its sector peers but deemed appropriate by Shore Capital.
QinetiQ’s stock rose by 8% to 476.4p in the market, as highlighted by Proactive Investors. However, Shore Capital maintains a ‘Hold’ rating for the stock, expecting the shares to perform in line with the market. A positive aspect highlighted was the announcement of a significant contract with the Ministry of Defence, although Murray noted it was not enough to alter their view. The United Kingdom signed a five-year contract extension worth 1.5 billion pounds, equivalent to $2.01 billion, with QinetiQ, enabling the company to continue providing essential services.
QinetiQ has reported an earnings loss, primarily due to a slowdown in the awarding of British contracts and the uncertainty stemming from the change in the U.S. administration. In response to these challenges, QinetiQ plans to focus on expanding its business within NATO countries to drive future growth. The company’s debt-to-equity ratio is 0.42, suggesting a moderate level of debt relative to equity, while the current ratio is approximately 1.15, indicating the company’s ability to cover its short-term liabilities with its short-term assets.
