IBM Expected to Cut Workers as Sales Slow

IBM Corp., the world’s largest seller of computer services, is expected to cut its work force as sales slow, and word of firings may come as early as next week, analysts said.

Speculation about possible cuts emerged after IBM said April 8 that first-quarter sales and profit fell more than analysts expected.

Sales at IBM, which has 320,000 employees worldwide, have fallen short of forecasts by $1 billion in the last two quarters.

IBM spokeswoman Carol Makovich declined to comment on possible firings. The Armonk, N.Y.-based firm’s shares fell $2.52 to $79.93 on the NYSE.