KODAK STOCK DIVES AS KEY OFFICER JUMPS SHIP.(BUSINESS)

Byline: HILARY APPELMAN Associated Press

ROCHESTER -- Eastman Kodak Co. stock fell sharply Wednesday following the resignation of its new chief financial officer, who had been seen by many as the company's best hope for improving its flagging fortunes.

Christopher J. Steffen's departure came just 11 weeks after he joined Kodak.

Also Wednesday, the photographic company reported a $1.88 billion first-quarter loss, which it attributed to accounting changes.

Kodak stock was down $5 a share at $47.375 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange. A rumor on Wall Street that Steffen would take over as chief financial officer of …