HTC is set to report another quarter of year-on-year sales growth, indicating signs of a turnaround despite continued fierce competition in the smartphone market.

The company is forecasting Q1 2015 sales of TWD41.5 billion to TWD45 billion ($1.32 billion to $1.43 billion), significantly improved compared with the TWD33.1 billion seen in the first quarter of 2014. It is also looking to record an operating profit compared with an earlier-year loss.

Revenue will dip sequentially from the traditionally strong Q4 sales period.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the company is selling more affordable devices in emerging markets. Its profitability has also been helped by costs saved from outsourcing some of its manufacturing.

HTC is expected to unveil its next flagship device at Mobile World Congress early in March. But it is likely to come up against tough competition, with smartphone market leader Samsung set to unveil its new device at the same time.

The company recently reported its first year-on-year quarterly revenue increase for several years. This was attributed to “the ability to offer tailored product mixes at suitable price points”.