What is the likelihood of Agilent layoffs in Santa Clara in 2016? Please let me know if you have any information.
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I would think the likelihood is small and if it happens it would be in one of the under performing product lines or the genomics division. More likely they will extend head count freezes and look for natural attrition. That would be the old Agilent way though and the new execs are unpredictable
The significant layoffs worldwide and cuts in R&D IMO continue to reflect in lower revenue which I think will get worse in the next 6 months. I think the new CEO and his team lacked broad experience across the entire business and also are arrogant. I think they underestimated the negative impact of such large restructuring and layoffs in 2015. That being said the exec team again IMO are eager to ensure their mistakes are well hidden. They will continue to blame revenue decreases on currency, which is true only in part. The big issue is how far they will go to cover up decreased revenue by emphasizing the increased operating margins. I suspect there would have a strong inclination to cut costs even further to boost the latter and that may include more layoffs. Again I think most people would agree that the current cost cutting and layoffs have gone to far, but this is a new management team and changed culture that surround itself with yes men and strongly dislike dissenting views. So, they may not acknowledge the impact the cost cuttings have had.