National Semiconductor Corp. reported a second-quarter loss...

National Semiconductor Corp. reported a second-quarter loss of $25.2 million, contrasted with a profit of $11.6 million a year ago. Officials of the Santa Clara, Calif., company blamed the loss on a sharp decline in bookings and sales and a weak semiconductor market. Analysts were expecting the losses, noting that the company faced a squeeze on pricing because of intense competition. Sales for the period were up 10% to $705.3 million from a year ago.