Layoffs Report: Amazon, Intel, Microsoft and 17 Others Cut Over 165,000 Jobs

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Aadi Bihani

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Layoffs Report: Amazon, Intel, Microsoft and 17 Others Cut Over 165,000 Jobs
Table Of Contents
  • Layoffs Report: 20 Major US-Listed Companies (2025-26)
  • Why Are Layoffs Accelerating?
  • What This Layoffs Report Signals for Workers and Investors
  • Key Metrics from This Layoffs Report
  • Closing

The layoffs cycle of 2025-26 is no longer a short-term correction. It has evolved into a broad corporate reset, impacting some of the largest US-listed companies across technology, finance, retail, logistics, energy, and manufacturing. While earlier waves were driven by post-pandemic overhiring, the current phase reflects deeper structural forces such as artificial intelligence adoption, margin pressure, automation, and long-term efficiency programs.

This Layoffs Report tracks major workforce reductions announced by US-listed firms in 2025 and early 2026, highlighting company-level impact, industry exposure, and the strategic motivations behind these decisions.

Let’s break down with this blog the major layoffs announced by US-listed companies in 2025-26, how many employees were affected, why companies are cutting jobs, and what this signals for workers, investors, and the broader economy.

Layoffs Report: 20 Major US-Listed Companies (2025-26)

Amazon (E-commerce & Cloud)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off14,000 corporate roles
Year announced2025
IndustryE-commerce, Cloud
ReasonCost discipline, AI automation, corporate streamlining
ContextAmazon announced one of its largest workforce reductions since 2023, cutting approximately 14,000 corporate roles. The company cited a push toward AI-driven productivity, reduced bureaucracy, and pandemic-era overhiring correction.

Intel (Semiconductors)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off~24,000 planned over restructuring cycle
Year announced2025
IndustrySemiconductors
ReasonMargin pressure, manufacturing restructuring, competition
ContextIntel is executing a multi-year restructuring program to address profitability challenges, manufacturing efficiency, and intensifying competition in advanced chips.

Microsoft (Technology)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off~15,000
Year announced2025
IndustrySoftware, Cloud
ReasonAI investment reallocation, organizational flattening
ContextMicrosoft’s layoffs reflect an effort to fund large-scale AI infrastructure spending while simplifying management layers across cloud, gaming, and enterprise units.

Meta Platforms (Technology)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off3,600-5,000
Year announced2025-2026
IndustrySocial Media, AI
ReasonAI focus, metaverse budget pullback
ContextMeta is reducing headcount as it shifts resources away from metaverse-focused projects toward artificial intelligence, wearables, and core social platforms.

Alphabet (Google) (Technology)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off~1,000+
Year announced2025
IndustrySearch, AI, Consumer Tech
ReasonProduct consolidation, AI-driven efficiency
ContextGoogle cut roles across Android, Pixel, and Chrome teams as part of broader cost-control and AI realignment efforts.

Verizon (Telecom)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off~15,000
Year announced2025
IndustryTelecommunications
ReasonOperational restructuring, cost optimization
ContextVerizon continues a long-term restructuring plan to simplify operations and protect profitability in a competitive telecom environment.

UPS (Logistics)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off~48,000
Year announced2025
IndustryLogistics
ReasonLower shipping volumes, network efficiency
ContextUPS announced one of the largest layoffs in logistics as shipping demand normalized after pandemic-driven surges.

FedEx (Logistics)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off~10,000+
Year announced2025-2026
IndustryLogistics
ReasonCost savings, network optimization
ContextFedEx is cutting roles across corporate and operational units to improve margins amid slower freight volumes.

Salesforce (Enterprise Software)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off~700
Year announced2025
IndustrySaaS
ReasonMargin expansion, productivity improvements
ContextSalesforce is trimming staff while maintaining aggressive profitability targets and AI product investments.

IBM (Technology & Consulting)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off3,000-5,000
Year announced2025
IndustryIT, Consulting
ReasonAutomation, portfolio reshaping
ContextIBM continues replacing manual processes with automation and focusing hiring on AI and cloud services.

Citigroup (Banking)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off~20,000+ (multi-year)
Year announced2025-2026
IndustryBanking
ReasonOrganizational simplification, cost efficiency
ContextCiti’s layoffs are part of CEO-led restructuring to reduce complexity and improve long-term returns.

BlackRock (Asset Management)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off250-500
Year announced2026
IndustryAsset Management
ReasonEfficiency optimization
ContextBlackRock continues refining its cost structure while maintaining investment in technology and data platforms.

Starbucks (Retail & Food)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off~1,000+
Year announced2025
IndustryRetail, Food
ReasonStore optimization, cost discipline
ContextStarbucks is adjusting its store footprint and corporate overhead amid slowing consumer spending.

Oracle (Enterprise Software)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off~1,000+
Year announced2025-2026
IndustryCloud, Enterprise Software
ReasonBusiness streamlining, cloud prioritization
ContextOracle is consolidating legacy divisions to focus on cloud infrastructure and AI-enabled enterprise software.

HP Inc. (Technology Hardware)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off~6,000
Year announced2025
IndustryHardware
ReasonCost-cutting, PC market slowdown
ContextHP’s layoffs are tied to weak global PC demand and ongoing cost optimization programs.

Ford (Automotive)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off~13,000
Year announced2025
IndustryAutomotive
ReasonEV transition, manufacturing realignment
ContextFord is reshaping its workforce as it invests in electric vehicles, battery manufacturing, and future mobility.

Accenture (Consulting)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off~11,000
Year announced2025
IndustryConsulting
ReasonSlowing enterprise IT demand
ContextAccenture’s cuts reflect slower corporate technology spending and margin pressure across global enterprise clients.

Paramount Global (Media)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off~1,000
Year announced2025
IndustryMedia, Streaming
ReasonStreaming losses, content consolidation
ContextParamount is restructuring operations as it seeks to reduce streaming losses and optimize content spending.

Walmart (Retail)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off800-1,000
Year announced2025
IndustryRetail
ReasonStore automation, operational efficiency
ContextWalmart is increasing automation in fulfillment and corporate operations to improve cost efficiency.

Coca-Cola (Consumer Goods)

CategoryDetails
Employees laid off~400
Year announced2026
IndustryConsumer Goods
ReasonWorkforce restructuring, productivity initiatives
ContextCoca-Cola is reorganizing global teams to streamline decision-making and improve productivity.

Source: Compiled from official SEC filings, corporate press releases, and verified financial news reports (2025-2026)

Why Are Layoffs Accelerating?

This layoffs cycle is being driven by structural changes, not just economic slowdown.

  • AI and Automation Replacing Roles: Companies are cutting repetitive roles while investing heavily in automation and machine learning.
  • Post-Pandemic Overhiring Correction: Many firms hired aggressively in 2020-2022. The 2025-26 layoffs wave reflects normalization.
  • Margin Pressure and Cost Discipline: High interest rates and investor scrutiny are forcing companies to protect profitability.
  • Strategic Business Shifts: Examples include Meta shifting from VR to AI, Intel restructuring manufacturing, and banks reducing operational complexity.

What This Layoffs Report Signals for Workers and Investors

For workers, job security is increasingly tied to AI-resilient skills such as data, engineering, cybersecurity, and product management.

For investors, layoffs are being interpreted less as distress and more as efficiency upgrades, especially in tech and finance.

For the broader economy, this wave suggests a longer-term transition toward leaner corporate structures.

Key Metrics from This Layoffs Report

165,000+ jobs: layoffs tracked across US-listed firms
150,000+ tech layoffs: recorded in 2025
1,206,374 US job cuts: announced in 2025 (Challenger data)
31,000+ AI-linked cuts: tied directly to automation

Closing

The 2025-26 layoffs wave signals a deeper corporate transformation driven by technology, profitability goals, and long-term efficiency. Rather than indicating economic collapse, these workforce reductions highlight how US-listed companies are reshaping operations for an AI-driven future.

This Layoffs Report underscores a critical shift toward leaner organizations, automation-led productivity, and high-skill talent prioritization.

Disclaimer:

The content is meant for education and general information purposes only. Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. The securities quoted are exemplary and are not a recommendation. This in no way is to be construed as financial advice or a recommendation to invest in any specific stock or financial instrument. Readers are encouraged to verify the exact numbers and financial data from official sources such as company filings, earnings reports, and financial news platforms and to conduct their own research, and consult with a registered financial advisor before making any investment decisions. All disputes in relation to the content would not have access to an exchange investor redressal forum or arbitration mechanism. INDmoney Global (IFSC) Private Limited,Registered office address: Office No. 507, 5th Floor, Pragya II, Block 15-C1, Zone-1, Road No. 11, Processing Area, GIFT SEZ, GIFT City, Gandhinagar – 382355.

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