Texas Instruments Inc. earned $72 million in...

Texas Instruments Inc. earned $72 million in the second quarter, marking the second three-month period of profitability after six straight quarters of losses.

The company attributed the improvement to cost reductions and operating improvements. Semiconductor orders, TI’s biggest business, also reached an all-time high in the quarter, the company said.

The company’s profit in the three months ended June 30 equaled 73 cents a share. Texas Instruments lost $157 million, or $1.99 a share, in the second quarter of 1991.

Revenue was $1.87 billion, up 11% from $1.69 billion a year ago.

Its profit from operations was $128 million, compared to a loss from operations of $111 million a year ago.

The Dallas-based company develops, manufactures and markets semiconductors, defense electronics systems and other technology products.