Sony revises forecast, bigger loss following PC business exit

Sony downgraded its forecasts for the fiscal year that ended March 31, following write-downs related to PC and disc manufacturing expenses. After exiting the PC business back in February, the Japanese company expects to record a 30 billion yen loss (around $294 million) on unused components, compensating suppliers, and restructuring changes.

Similarly, Sony said the disc manufacturing industry is dwindling faster than expected, particularly in Europe. As a result, the company expects to record 25 billion yen ($245 million) in "impairment charges" related to its own overseas disc manufacturing business.

So, while the PS4's doing gangbusters at more than 7 million sold, the larger picture sees Sony revise its full-year forecast from a net loss of 110 billion yen to one of 130 billion ($1.08 billion to $1.27 billion). Sony was originally projecting a 30 billion yen net profit before it announced the sale of its under-performing Vaio PC business, the reforming of its TV arm, and the impending layoffs to 5,000 employees total. We'll get a fuller picture of Sony's financial situation when the company announces its end-year results on May 14.