Apple Cfo Resigns After Rift With Ceo

Apple Computer Inc., unable to meet demand and its market share shrinking, was bruised again Wednesday, when its highly regarded chief financial officer announced his resignation in a rift with the chief executive.

Joseph A. Graziano is leaving over “differences of opinion” with Chief Executive Officer Michael Spindler, the company said. Spindler, backed by the board, wants Apple to remain independent while Graziano wants the company to consider a merger, industry analysts said.

“When you’re the CFO and not the CEO and you disagree with the board, it’s time to leave,” said Robert G. Herwick, president of Herwick Capital Management in San Francisco.