Here’s our take on potential Walmart layoffs in a different format based on likelihood:
- 0% chance of layoffs before 2/25.
- From 2/26 through 3/8 low chance of <10%.
- Period starting 3/9 through 4/8 elevated to 30%.
- From 4/9 to 5/5 increases again to 60%.
- After 5/5 and through 6/28 we see 100% likelihood
Many factors are at play here (not in specific order): Project and budget demands are being shuffled; leadership changes are filtering down; reorganization activities and silos of responsibility are moving; built in stabile time surrounding earnings release and other stockholder and fiduciary dates; reevaluation of AI implementation and prioritization, plus more.
We expect some surprises related to AI development and implementation plus more resource actions at non-Bentonville locations. Efforts to streamline and automate logistics and distribution will be a focus area.
The new CEO might have his own plan on figuring out the tech mess. Practically everything on the horizon needs technical implementation and having a fractured tech area is problematic.
We see 2026 as a pivotal year for Walmart in the area of AI development and implementation.