** X Fab Silicon Foundries shares XFAB.PA slide 8.3%,
underperforming the BEL 20 index .BFX (-1%), after the Belgian
chipmaker's EBITDA margin guidance for Q1 disappoints
** The co expects Q1 2022 EBITDA margin in range of 19-23%
urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nASN002474
** X-FAB would have to reach the high-end of its EBITDA
margin range to meet consensus at 23%, while this best case
scenario won't met KBC's estimates at 24.3%, says KBC Securities
* XFAB's Q4 sales were $172 million, at the lower end of the
company's guidance range, falling 2% short of the Street's
estimates, while EBITDA of $33.9 million missed the street's
projections by 10%
** "Main reason for shortfall was increased staff absence
and cost inflation", KBC Securities says
** The lower margin guidance is due to the company's price
increases lag compared to cost inflation, as well as a
"suboptimal product mix", the broker adds
** The stock is down 10% YTD
(Reporting by Olivier Sorgho)
((Olivier.sorgho@thomsonreuters.com))