LG Electronics expects to report a profit decline of almost 4 per cent in its Q3 2016 earnings, likely down to continued struggles at its mobile division.

In a brief preliminary earnings statement, the smartphone and appliance maker said operating profit is expected to hit KRW283 billion ($252 million), a 3.7 per cent decrease from KRW294 billion in Q3 2015.

This is based on sales of KRW13 trillion, a 5.8 per cent decline from the year-ago period.

The company did not provide any further information, with a full report to be released later this month.

According to analysts speaking to Reuters, the downbeat forecast is likely due to further losses at LG’s mobile division, which hasn’t reported a quarterly operating profit since Q1 2015.

In the last quarter, the company reported slow sales for its flagship G5, and noted the next quarter would be challenging due to its weak performance.

The company this month launched another premium smartphone, the V20, as it looks to reinvigorate sales.

And despite Samsung’s global Note 7 recall presenting an opportunity for rivals, there is scepticism that LG can take advantage.