U.S. Employers That Made The Most Job Cuts In 2012

The beverage-and-snack giant announced its plans to cut 8,700 jobs in February as part of its plan to reduce costs by $1.5 billion. The layoffs affect workers in 30 countries, with fewer than 2,000 of the cuts expected to occur in the U.S., where the Purchase, N.Y.-based company has some 100,000 employees. Globally, PepsiCo employs three times that number and the announced cuts account for 3 percent of the company's total workforce.

Citigroup(C)

Job cuts: 11,000

Among the latest companies to announce job actions, the banking giant announced this month that it plans to eliminate 11,000 positions, as it seeks to shrink the size of its business and become more profitable. The cuts amount to about 4 percent of the bank's workforce and carry the fingerprints of Citigroup Chairman Michael O'Neill. The banking industry veteran has a history of ruthlessly shedding businesses that aren't earning enough money.

American Airlines

Job cuts: Up to 14,000

In February, American Airlines parent company AMR Corp. (AAMRQ) announced plans to cut 14,000 jobs as part of its bankruptcy organization. By September, that number had been whittled down to a about 11,000 workers, who were advised they may lose their jobs by year-end. The company said, however, that it expects fewer than 40 percent of those it sent notices to, or 4,400 people, would actually be laid off. About 800 employees had agreed to leave the carrier voluntarily, American said, moves that are expected further reduce the number of layoffs.

Hostess Brands

Jobs cuts: 18,500

The iconic maker of Twinkies and Wonder Bread said in late November that it wouldeliminate 18,500 jobs as it liquidates its assets and sells off its familiar brands. Strikes crippled the company after it and the union representing some 5,600 bakers failed to reach an agreement during contract negotiations.

Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ)

Jobs cuts: 27,000

The legendary computer and printer manufacturer announced plans in May to cut 27,000 workers, and then revised the total to 29,000 by 2014, equaling more than 8 percent of its workforce. HP has said that it will likely cut 11,500 jobs by the close of fiscal 2012, which ended Oct. 31.

More From AOL Jobs