Apple Computer Inc now puts its operating loss for the most recent quarter at $68m – twice as bad as most analysts had feared. The fourth quarter – Apple’s fiscal first and traditionally much its strongest – saw profit margins shredded because of fierce price competition in the personal computer market, particularly in Japan. Lay-offs are expected, but Apple held off all details of its restructuring until its quarterly results are released on Wednesday next week. The company said unit shipments increased 12% over the year-ago quarter and revenues rose 11% – but profit margins shrunk to a pitiful 15% from 20.7% in the previous quarter and 28.7% in the year-ago first quarter. Apple will also take an unspecified restructuring charge. Barbara Krause, one of Apple’s highest-ranking women, has resigned as its vice-president of corporate communications and Keith Fox quit as vice-president of Apple’s home division.
