Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is prepared to cut hundreds of jobs before the end of its fiscal year as part of the retailer's ongoing efforts to protect profits by improving efficiency. The layoffs are expected by January 31, 2016, the last day of the retailer's fiscal 2017. The planned cuts will affect Wal-Mart's human resources department at the home office in Bentonville and in regional offices. Other departments could also be affected.