Pre-close Trading Update

15 November 2011

Micro Focus International plc

Trading update for the six months ended 31 October 2011

Micro Focus International plc ("Micro Focus" or "the Group", LSE: MCRO.L) provides a trading update for the six months ended 31 October 2011.

Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA above the range of analysts' expectations.

Both revenues and Adjusted EBITDA for the six months to 31 October 2011 were above the range of analysts' expectations for the period. On a constant currency basis revenues declined slightly compared to the prior year period, in line with Board expectations and consistent with the outlook statement included within last year's preliminary results, although favourable exchange rate movements will result in revenues being marginally ahead of the "as reported" comparable figure. Adjusted EBITDA margin was approximately 40%, reflecting lower costs as a result of restructuring activity, as well as some benefit from exchange rate movements.

Financial position

During the first half of the year the Group acquired its head office building in Newbury for $15m, bought back shares for $62m and paid $31m in a final dividend. Following these cash outflows, at 31 October 2011 the Group's net debt position was $48m (30 April 2011: $15m) demonstrating further strong operating cash generation during the period.

Interim Results

The Group will announce its Interim Results on 7 December 2011.

Enquiries:  

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About Micro Focus

Micro Focus, a member of the FTSE 250, provides innovative software that allows companies to dramatically improve the business value of their enterprise applications. Micro Focus Enterprise Application Modernization and Management software enables customers' business applications to respond rapidly to market changes and embrace modern architectures with reduced cost and risk. For additional information please visit www.microfocus.com