--- title: "Walmart Thunders that AI Is Not a 'Job Eliminator' as it Smashes Employee Targets" type: "News" locale: "en" url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/292928843.md" description: "Walmart (WMT) announced it has exceeded its goal of fast-tracking 100,000 associates into in-demand roles a year early, doubling its original target to 200,000. The retailer refutes claims that AI eliminates jobs, emphasizing a strategy combining human talent with technology. Additionally, TipRanks launched the RANK ETF on the NYSE, tracking large U.S. companies based on analyst momentum data." datetime: "2026-07-16T15:59:45.000Z" locales: - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/292928843.md) - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/292928843.md) - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/292928843.md) --- # Walmart Thunders that AI Is Not a 'Job Eliminator' as it Smashes Employee Targets Retail giant Walmart (WMT) has fought back against claims that AI is a 'job eliminator' after hitting its target of fast-tracking associates into 100,000 in-demand roles within the business a year ahead of schedule. ### TipRanks Welcomes a New ETF – NYSE:RANK - TipRanks has entered a new arena in the investing world, powering the index of an ETF based on its unique data now trading under the ticker RANK on the NYSE. - RANK tracks the performance of the TipRanks US Momentum Analysts Index, a rules-based index of 50 large U.S. companies. ## **Doubling Original Jobs Target** Back in 2024 Walmart said its associates target was likely to be hit in the U.S. over three years. However, it said in its new 2026 Jobs Spotlight Report that the goal had already been hit, with more than half of those associates advancing into these roles through promotions. It said that by the end of year it expects to reach 200,000 in-demand roles, so double its original hopes. The in-demand roles include advertising sales, data engineers, private fleet drivers and pharmacists. "As work evolves, our frontline and operational roles continue to power our business alongside emerging opportunities that support future growth," said Donna Morris, Chief People Officer at Walmart. "With 2.1 million associates around the world, Walmart is home to an enormous talent marketplace, creating opportunities for associates to grow as workforce needs evolve. AI is reshaping how work gets done, and we're intentionally helping associates build the skills and confidence to grow alongside these changes." ## **Combination of People and Tech** Morris added: "We are in a time of rapid change across the workforce. While AI is being framed by many as a job eliminator, it seems too early to make predictions on the impact. At Walmart, we believe it will be the combination of our associates and technology that will power our ability to best serve our customers and members." According to the report, Walmart said that approximately 75% of its salaried U.S. store, club and supply chain leaders started as hourly associates. It said that over 126,000 associates have completed Walmart-paid education and training programs through Live Better U, which offers education and skills training ranging from GED completion to four-year degrees. ## **Is WMT a Good Stock to Buy Now?** On TipRanks, WMT has a Strong Buy consensus based on 25 Buy and 1 Hold ratings. Its highest price target is $155. WMT stock's consensus price target is $142.57, implying a 24.52% upside. (See **WMT Stock Forecast**). ### Related Stocks - [WMT.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/WMT.US.md) - [RANK.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/RANK.US.md) ## Related News & Research - [Advisortrust Partners LLC Boosts Stock Holdings in Walmart Inc. $WMT](https://longbridge.com/en/news/293090454.md) - [Walmart Inc. $WMT Shares Sold by Bartlett & CO. Wealth Management LLC](https://longbridge.com/en/news/293091997.md) - [Meiji Yasuda America Inc Sells 14,309 Shares of Walmart Inc. $WMT](https://longbridge.com/en/news/293452381.md) - [Should Walmart’s (WMT) Lettuce Recall Test Change How Investors View Its Supply-Chain Risk Management?](https://longbridge.com/en/news/293189186.md) - [The big AI shift: 5 things to know as the job market pivots to older workers](https://longbridge.com/en/news/293370994.md)