BUZZ-QinetiQ: hits life high after solid H1, £50 mln buyback

** British defence technology company QinetiQ shares rise as much as 10.4 pct to a life-high

** Reports a marginal rise in H1 operating profit; adds 90 pct of full-year 2016 revenue under contract at start of H2, announces a £50 mln buyback

** JPMorgan -- rated at 5 stars for recommendation accuracy on QinetiQ, according to StarMine -- raises PT to 265p from 245p, maintains "overweight"

** JPM calls the H1 very solid and flags co managing to avoid cutting EPS guidance, unlike most peers

** Best (LSE: 0M1A.L - news) day for stock in nearly six months

** Up to Wednesday's close, stock up 25 pct YTD (Reuters Messenging: muvija.m.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)