Sony said it is planning to cut some 2,100 positions by 31 March 2016, through “newly developed restructuring plans” as well as previously-announced moves to cut headcount in its Mobile Communications segment.

The news came as the company forecast an operating loss for this business of JPY215 billion ($1.83 billion) for the fiscal year to 31 March 2015, on sales of JPY1.32 trillion. This compares with prior-year profit of JPY12.6 billion on sales of JPY1.19 trillion.

For the full year period, it is forecasting unit sales of 39.2 million smartphone units, compared with 39.1 million in the previous twelve months.

This sales figure is below its earlier (October 2014) forecast, due to an “expected decrease in unit sales of smartphones mainly in the Asia Pacific region, partially offset by the favourable impact of foreign exchange rates”.

And the operating loss forecast has been increased due to the appreciation of the US dollar – reflecting the high ratio of dollar-denominated costs in this unit – as well as the sales decrease. This has been partially offset by the expectation that average selling prices will be maintained longer than earlier anticipated.

The company has already recorded an impairment charge of JPY176 billion related to its mobile business. This was accompanied by a change of strategy for certain markets, including a reduction of its China-specific activities, as well as rationalisation of its mid-range portfolio.

Sony’s Q3 results (to 30 December) for the mobile business were actually not too bleak. Operating income increased 46.2 per cent to JPY9.3 billion on revenue up 28.7 per cent to JPY429 billion, driven by an increase in smartphone unit sales, an improved product mix, and foreign exchange benefits.

On a group level, and with the Pictures segment providing a forecast rather than actual results following December 2014’s cyber-attack, Q3 net profit attributable to Sony shareholders is expected to be JPY89 billion, up more than threefold from JPY26.4 billion, on revenue of JPY2.56 trillion, up 6.1 per cent.

Sales benefited from factors including a “significant increase” in sales of components such as image sensors and the “strong performance of PlayStation 4”. But there was a negative impact from Sony’s exit of the PC market, and lower sales in the Pictures business.

For the full year, it is forecasting a loss of JPY170 billion, compared with a prior-year loss of JPY128.4 billion, on revenue of JPY8 trillion, up 3 per cent year-on-year. This has been impacted by JPY335 billion of costs related to the exit of the PC business as well as “other strategic management initiatives”.