Apple Expected to Report 2nd-Quarter Loss

Apple Computer Inc. is expected to report a loss of about $625 million for its fiscal second quarter, including charges for firing almost one-third of its workers and a write-off for its purchase of Next Software Inc. Apple’s operating loss during the quarter is expected to be about $125 million on sales of $1.6 billion to $1.7 billion, analysts estimated, down from $2.1 billion last quarter. The company said in March that sales were lower than expected because of a buildup in inventory that caused customers to delay new orders. It will be Apple’s fifth loss in the last six quarters and the second huge restructuring write-off under Chairman Gilbert Amelio. The No. 4 PC maker isn’t expected to return to profitability until the fiscal fourth quarter. Cupertino-based Apple is scheduled to report results after the close of stock market trading Wednesday. Shares rose 50 cents to close at $18.75 on Nasdaq.