Intel and Microsoft Lead Retreat as Massive Tech Job Sell-Off Slows
June 3 - Tech sector job cuts have eased in 2025, marking a second consecutive year of declines. Layoffs in the sector have slowed, with 137 companies cutting a total of 62,114 positions halfway through the year, according to a report by Layoffs.fyi.
Warning! GuruFocus has detected 7 Warning Signs with INTC.
If that pace continues, the sector will see about 145,080 layoffs this year, down from 152,922 in 2024 and far below the 264,220 recorded in 2023.
The largest reductions came at Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), which in April said it would trim over 20% of its workforce under new CEO Lip-Bu Tan. Reports indicate roughly 22,000 roles were eliminated, accounting for more than one-third of all tech layoffs so far in 2025.
Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) followed in mid-May, cutting its global headcount by 3%, or about 6,000 positions. We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace, a Microsoft spokesperson told the media.
Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) enacted a performance-based reduction in February, removing around 3,600 jobs. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in January he planned to eliminate 5% of roles rated as low performers, with plans to rehire later.
Overall, 2025 layoffs may fall below last year's total as tech firms strive to balance growth with cost control.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

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