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Axxcess Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of 3M Company (NYSE: MMM) by 173.1% in the undefined quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 11,138 shares of the conglomerate's stock after purchasing an additional 7,059 shares during the quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC's holdings

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3M and AWS collaborate to advance optical connectivity innovationPR NewswireSAINT PAUL, Minn., Oct. 21, 2026AWS is investing in 3M's Expanded Beam Optical techn

3M Co (NYSE:MMM) on Tuesday reported better-than-expected third-quarter adjusted EPS results and raised its FY26 adjusted EPS guidance above estimates.

Tavistock Investments PLC (AIM:TAVI) shares rose 11% to 2.05p on Wednesday after agreeing to sell King Financial Planning for £3 million and entering exclusive negotiations over another disposal.

The financial services group has also granted Atomos exclusivity to pursue the acquisition of Tavistock Group Holdings, which owns its Tavistock Private Client wealth management business.

Atomos has completed due diligence and has until 14 November to exchange contracts, although the parties can agree to extend the deadline.

The proposed sale remains subject to definitive transaction documents and Financial Conduct Authority approval for the change of control of Tavistock Private Client.

Tavistock has not disclosed the potential sale's financial terms and warned that there is no certainty the transaction will complete.

Both King Financial Planning and Tavistock Private Client provide wealth management services to higher-net-worth individuals, a market segment the group has identified as outside its future strategic focus.

The disposals form part of Tavistock's plan to develop financial technology and infrastructure that reduces the cost of providing advice to retail customers and financial advisers.

The group is building this strategy around Alpha Beta Partners, an asset manager, and fintech businesses Lifetime Financial Management and Plus Group.

Tavistock aims to use technology and artificial intelligence to improve productivity and make financial advice affordable for a wider range of clients, without removing advisers or lowering professional standards.

The confirmed £3 million cash consideration from the King Financial Planning sale provides funding for the strategy, while the potential Atomos transaction offers a further opportunity to streamline the group.

However, investors will need to await definitive terms and regulatory approval before the larger potential disposal can be treated as completed.

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3M Company (MMM) Q3 2026 Earnings Call October 20, 2026 9:00 AM EDT

Company Participants

Chinmay Trivedi - Senior Vice President of Investor Relations and Financial Planning & Analysis
William Brown - CEO & Chairman
Anurag Maheshwari - CFO & Executive VP

Conference Call Participants

Scott Davis - Melius Research LLC
Amit Mehrotra - UBS Investment Bank, Research Division
Joseph O'Dea
Julian Mitchell - JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division
Andrew Obin - BofA Securities, Research Division
Joseph Ritchie - Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Research Division
Nigel Coe - Wolfe Research, LLC
Charles Stephen Tusa - Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Research Division
Andrew Kaplowitz - Citigroup Inc., Research Division
Varun Govindaraj - Bernstein Institutional Services LLC, Research Division
Brandon Knutson - Morgan Stanley, Research Division
Nicole DeBlase - Deutsche Bank AG, Research Division
Brett Linzey - Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Research Division
Jeffrey Reive - RBC Capital Markets, Research Division

Presentation

Operator

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by. Welcome to the 3M Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] As a reminder, this call is being recorded, Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

I would now like to turn the call over to Chinmay Trivedi, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations and Financial Planning and Analysis at 3M.

Chinmay Trivedi
Senior Vice President of Investor Relations and Financial Planning & Analysis

Thank you. Good morning, everyone, and welcome to our quarterly earnings conference call. With me today are Bill Brown, 3M's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; and Anurag Maheshwari, 3M's Chief Financial Officer. Bill and Anurag will make some formal comments, then we will take your questions.

Please note that today's earnings release and slide presentation accompanying this call are posted on the homepage of our Investor Relations website at 3m.com.

Please turn to Slide 2 and take a moment to read the forward-looking statements. During today's conference call, we'll be making certain predictive statements

On its third-quarter 2026 earnings call, held on Oct. 20, 2026, 3M (MMM +5.78%) reported expanding profit margins and raised its full-year earnings guidance amid accelerating order growth. Long-term investors care because management's focus on supply chain productivity and high-growth technology markets is beginning to rebuild steady organic growth. Three things management said stand out.

1. Amazon Deal Marks Expansion Into High-Speed Data Center Infrastructure3M issued warrants to Amazon (AMZN +0.07%) tied to $6 billion in potential sales of optical connectors over seven years, validating its data center technology. The partnership gives 3M a major growth driver in artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Last evening, we filed an 8-K stating we issued a warrant to Amazon to purchase up to 3.2 million shares, ... based upon the achievement of $6 billion in cumulative sales of optical connectivity and other data center-related products over the next seven years.
-- Bill Brown, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer2. Revamped Product Engine Drives Vitality and Revenue GrowthManagement expanded its new product launches to rebuild organic growth across industrial and safety markets. Higher introduction rates are converting research investments into fast-growing sales streams.

Year to date, five-year new product sales are up 34% versus last year to nearly $3 billion, resulting in new product vitality in the mid-teens from a low of 11% in 2024.
-- Bill Brown, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer3. Disciplined Pricing Fully Offsets Rising Raw Material Costs3M increased product prices to cover rising oil and raw material expenses across its global divisions. Management maintained pricing discipline while improving customer service and delivery performance.

In today's higher inflation environment, our price execution has been particularly strong and fully offsets material and oil cost pressures.
-- Bill Brown, Chairman and Chief Executive OfficerLooking AheadOrder momentum and factory productivity are accelerating across major business lines, pushing organic growth targets higher for the full year.

Based on our Q3 performance and continued strong order trends, we remain confident in achieving organic growth of greater than 3.5% this year.
-- Bill Brown, Chairman and Chief Executive OfficerFactory consolidations and pricing discipline continue to support profit margins as new commercial initiatives take hold.

Success requires speed and precise execution, and we're building a stronger, faster, more innovative, and more resilient 3M.
-- Bill Brown, Chairman and Chief Executive OfficerThe Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon. The Motley Fool recommends 3M. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Diversified industrial and materials-science company 3M (MMM +5.77%) is expanding its data center business, and that is helping its shares jump today. The company announced an expansion of its commercial relationship with Amazon to deploy and scale 3M's optical connectivity and other data center products.

3M also boosted 2026 guidance for the third straight quarter. That helped lead to a 5.1% jump in the stock as of 11:15 a.m. ET.

Image source: 3M.

In the deal with Amazon, 3M issued Amazon a warrant to buy up to 3.2 million 3M shares, tied to reaching $6 billion in cumulative sales of those data center products over seven years, plus other event-based milestones.

It's not just the Amazon data center business boosting results. 3M's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) jumped 12% year over year. Thermal management solutions (reflective film materials), fiber optic connection technologies, and display technologies are also areas of focus and growth.

MMM 3M$171.36+$9.35 (+5.77%)

NYSE · As of 1:58 PM ET 10/20/26

Management boosted full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $9.10 to $9.15 per share. That's up from a midpoint of $8.88 in Q2 and $8.60 in Q1. 3M's acquisition of Madison Fire & Rescue is also contributing to its increase in guidance.

But investors are likely concentrating on the Amazon deal and what it means for 3M's push into data centers. It reflects the company's broader push into AI infrastructure. A 4.7% ownership investment in Genius Electronic Optical, a manufacturing partner for 3M's fiber connector technology design, is another example of that push.

Investors see more growth in AI infrastructure ahead, helping drive shares higher today.

Howard Smith has positions in Amazon. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon. The Motley Fool recommends 3M. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

U.S. stocks traded higher midway through trading, with the Nasdaq Composite gaining more than 100 points on Tuesday.

Key Takeaways 3M's Q3 adjusted earnings rose 12% year over year to $2.50 per share, beating estimates by 4.2%.Adjusted operating margin expanded 110 basis points to 26.2%, driven by improved efficiency.3M raised its 2026 adjusted EPS outlook to $9.10-$9.15, with revenue growth projected above 4.5%.
3M Company (MMM - Free Report) posted third-quarter 2026 results, wherein earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate but revenues met the same.

3M delivered adjusted earnings of $2.50 per share, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.40 by 4.2%. The bottom line increased 12% year over year.

The company reported net revenues (on a GAAP basis) of $6.6 billion in the quarter. The metric increased 1% year over year. Organic sales increased 0.2%. Foreign currency translation had an adverse impact of 0.1% while acquisitions/divestitures had a positive impact of 0.9%.

MMM’s adjusted net revenues of $6.6 billion were in line with the consensus estimate of $6.6 billion and grew 4.2% year over year. On an adjusted basis, organic revenues increased 3.3% year over year. The results benefited from strength in general industrial, safety, semiconductor and data center end markets.

Region-wise, adjusted organic sales in Latin America rose 7.7% year over year, while other Asia adjusted organic sales increased 1.3%. Adjusted organic sales in China declined 7.3% year over year. Adjusted organic sales from businesses in Europe, the Middle East and Africa grew 1%.

3M’s Q3 Segmental ResultsRevenues from Safety and Industrial totaled $3.18 billion, up 9.1% year over year, driven by strength in electrical markets, personal safety, industrial adhesives, abrasives and industrial specialties. Organic revenues increased 7%, while acquisitions had a favorable impact of 3.1%. Foreign currency translation had a positive impact of 0.2%, while divestitures had an adverse impact of 1.2%.

Revenues from Transportation & Electronics totaled $2 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 0.4%. The results were supported by strength across semiconductor, aerospace and data center markets, partially offset by weakness in consumer electronics and automotive markets. The segment’s organic sales increased 0.5%. Foreign currency translation had an adverse impact of 0.1% on revenues.

Revenues from the Consumer segment decreased 0.4% year over year to $1.31 billion. Organic sales declined 0.2%, while movements in foreign currencies had a negative impact of 0.2%. The segment’s performance was affected by continued retailer inventory reductions in the United States and Canada, along with softness in home improvement and packaging businesses.

MMM’s Margin Profile3M’s cost of sales increased 0.2% year over year to $3.80 billion. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 12.3% to $921 million. Research, development and related expenses increased 2.4% year over year to $304 million.

In the third quarter, 3M reported an operating income of $1.56 billion, up 7.7% from the year-ago period. The operating margin expanded to 23.7% from 22.2%, supported by improved operational efficiency and productivity gains.

MMM’s adjusted operating income increased 8.9% year over year to $1.73 billion. The adjusted operating margin was 26.2% compared with 25.1% in the year-ago quarter, reflecting an expansion of 110 basis points.

3M’s Balance Sheet & Cash FlowExiting the third quarter of 2026, 3M had cash and cash equivalents of $4.84 billion compared with $5.24 billion at the end of December 2025. Long-term debt was $12.56 billion compared with $10.93 billion at the end of December 2025.

3M generated net cash of $486 million in operating activities, down 72.3% from $1.76 billion in the year-ago quarter. Capital used for purchasing property, plant and equipment increased 17.4% to $256 million.

Adjusted free cash flow at the end of the quarter was $1.20 billion, down 8.6% year over year.

In the first nine months of 2026, 3M rewarded its shareholders with dividend payouts of $1.2 billion and gross share repurchases totaling $3.2 billion.

MMM’s 2026 GuidanceFor 2026, MMM expects adjusted earnings to be in the range of $9.10-$9.15 per share compared with $8.95-$9.10 projected earlier. The midpoint of the guided range is about $9.125, which reflects an increase from adjusted earnings of $8.20 per share reported in 2025.

Adjusted total revenue growth is projected to be above 4.5%, driven by adjusted organic sales growth of more than 3.5%. The company expects adjusted operating cash flow of approximately $5.9 billion, with adjusted free cash flow of approximately $4.8 billion.

MMM’s Zacks RankThe company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).  You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Stocks to ConsiderSome better-ranked stocks are discussed below.

ITT Inc. (ITT - Free Report) presently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). It has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 7.4%.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ITT’s 2026 earnings has increased 0.6% in the past 60 days.

GPGI, Inc. (GPGI - Free Report) currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. GPGI delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 23.8%.

In the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for GPGI’s 2026 earnings has remained steady.

IDEX Corporation (IEX - Free Report) presently carries a Zacks Rank of 2. 3M delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 7.7%.

In the past 60 days, the consensus estimate for IEX’s 2026 earnings has increased a penny.

3M Co (NYSE:MMM) raised its full-year 2026 earnings guidance after third-quarter adjusted earnings per share increased 12% to $2.50.

The company now expects adjusted earnings per share of $9.10 to $9.15 for 2026, incorporating its performance so far this year and an updated approach to reporting certain costs.

Third-quarter adjusted sales rose 4.2% year on year to $6.6 billion, including organic growth of 3.3%, which excludes the effects of acquisitions, disposals and other specified factors.

Reported sales increased 1% to $6.6 billion, while organic sales grew 0.2%, reflecting a difference between the reported and adjusted measures.

Adjusted operating margin, which measures the proportion of revenue remaining after operating costs, increased 110 basis points to 26.2% on the company's updated reporting basis.

Reported earnings per share rose 70% to $2.63, while the reported operating margin increased 150 basis points to 23.7% from 22.2% a year earlier.

3M generated $500 million in operating cash flow during the quarter and reported adjusted free cash flow of $1.2 billion, while returning $600 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

The revised full-year outlook also includes adjusted total sales growth of more than 4.5%, with adjusted organic sales growth expected to exceed 3.5%.

3M expects adjusted operating cash flow of approximately $5.9 billion and adjusted free cash flow of about $4.8 billion for the full year.

The company has updated its adjusted reporting methodology to treat the amortization of intangible assets as a special item, a change that increases the reported third-quarter adjusted operating margin by about 40 basis points and adjusted earnings per share by approximately $0.04.

The company said the change does not materially affect year-on-year comparisons because the updated methodology has been applied to all periods presented.

Shares of 3M were up about 4.5% on Tuesday morning.

Jim Cramer sees fresh evidence that 3M's (MMM) turnaround is gathering momentum – praising the industrial giant after its October 20 earnings report delivered double-digit profit growth and a raised annual guidance. Speaking this morning on CNBC, the famed investor said 3M just posted “a really terrific number,” and credited its chief executive Bill Brown with revitalizing the business.

Industrial conglomerate 3M (MMM.N) lifted its full-year profit forecast on Tuesday ​after cost-control initiatives and higher prices supported margins, while ‌its safety and industrial business remained resilient.

The company now expects full-year adjusted profit per share of between $9.10 and $9.15, compared with its prior forecast of $8.80 ​to $8.95.

Shares of the company were up 2.7% before the bell.

Robust ​industrial activity in the US as well as growing ⁠sales of chipmaking machines and materials have helped the company ​offset uneven demand in some end markets affected by inflationary ​pressures.

Under CEO William Brown, the company has also focused on improving customer service and operational execution as it works to strengthen growth and profitability.

Its consumer-facing ​businesses have continued to operate in a challenging spending environment, ​reflecting cautious discretionary purchases by customers.

At the same time, higher energy costs have ‌raised ⁠concerns about the potential impact on manufacturing activity and broader industrial demand.

While demand from automotive and consumer electronics customers has remained subdued, growth tied to data centers and semiconductor-related markets has provided ​a bright spot ​for 3M's ⁠Transportation and Electronics business, helping cushion weakness in some of its traditional end markets.

The Saint Paul, ​Minnesota-based company launched 87 new products in the ​third quarter. ⁠It expects to reach over 350 product launches by the end of this year.

The Scotch-tape and Post-it maker reported adjusted quarterly revenue ⁠of $6.6 ​billion, up 4.2%.

The company's quarterly adjusted ​profit came in at $2.50 per share, compared with $2.23 per share a year ago.

In the third quarter, 3M reported a profit of $1.37 billion, or $2.63 a share, compared with $834 million, or $1.55 a share, a year earlier.

NYSE issues a pre-market daily advisory direct from the trading floor. NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor.

Q3 GAAP sales of $6.6 billion, up 1.0%; operating margin of 23.7%, up 150 bps; EPS of $2.63, up 70%, all YoY Adjusted sales of $6.6 billion with organic growth of 3.3% YoY Adjusted operating margin of 26.2% on new basis1, up 110 bps YoY Adjusted EPS of $2.50 on new basis1, up 12% YoY Q3 operating cash flow of $0.5 billion with adjusted free cash flow of $1.2 billion 2026 adjusted EPS guidance raised to $9.10 to $9.15, incorporating new basis1 , /PRNewswire/ -- 3M (NYSE: MMM) today reported third-quarter results.

"We delivered another quarter of strong results, including solid sales growth, continued margin expansion, double-digit EPS growth, and robust free cash flow," said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. "Improving productivity through structural transformation and a stronger pipeline of differentiated technologies reinforce our confidence in the full-year outlook and long-term growth and margin potential. I want to thank the 3M team for their focus on customers and disciplined execution, which continues to strengthen our performance and create shareholder value."

Third-quarter highlights:

Q3 2026

Q3 2025

GAAP EPS

$      2.63

$      1.55

Special items:

Loss on business divestitures

—

0.30

(Increase) decrease in value of Solventum ownership

(0.60)

0.13

Net costs for significant litigation and PFAS exit

0.19

0.19

Transformation costs

0.08

0.02

Amortization and business acquisition-related costs

0.20

0.04

Adjusted EPS

$      2.50

$      2.23

Memo:

GAAP operating income margin

23.7 %

22.2 %

Adjusted operating income margin

26.2 %

25.1 %

Adjusted (non-GAAP) reporting updated to treat amortization of intangible assets as a special item for all periods presented; no material year-on-year impact on new basis. GAAP EPS of $2.63 and operating margin of 23.7%. Adjusted EPS of $2.50, up 12% year-on-year. Adjusted operating income margin of 26.2%, up 110 basis points year-on-year.

GAAP

Adjusted (non-GAAP)

Net sales (billions)

$6.6

$6.6

Sales change

Total sales

1.0 %

4.2 %

Components of sales change:

Organic sales

0.2

3.3

Acquisitions/divestitures

0.9

0.9

Translation

(0.1)

—

Adjusted sales excludes manufactured PFAS products.

Sales of $6.6 billion, up 1.0% year-on-year with organic sales up 0.2% year-on-year. Adjusted sales of $6.6 billion, up 4.2% year-on-year with adjusted organic sales up 3.3% year-on-year. 3M returned $0.6 billion to shareholders via dividends and share repurchases. Cash from operations of $0.5 billion. Adjusted free cash flow of $1.2 billion. 1New basis: Updated non-GAAP reporting treats intangible asset amortization as a special item for all periods presented. The change increases base Q3 adjusted operating income margin by approximately 40 bps and adjusted EPS by approximately $0.04. Year-on-year comparisons are not materially impacted as all periods are reflected on the same basis.

Strategic and operational highlights
The following are recently announced highlights:

3M entered into an expanded strategic commercial relationship with Amazon to deploy and scale 3M's optical connectivity and other Data Center related products. 3M issued a warrant to Amazon to purchase up to 3.2 million shares of 3M common stock based upon the achievement of $6 billion in cumulative sales of optical connectivity and other Data Center related products over the next seven years, and other event-based milestones. 3M is collaborating with Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. (GSEO), an optical technology company, to advance technology development and manufacturing for 3M's Expanded Beam Optics (EBO) solutions. In support of these efforts, 3M is investing to acquire ~4.7% of GSEO's common shares. The collaboration brings together 3M's EBO technology leadership, optical interconnect expertise, materials science, manufacturing scale and customer relationships with GSEO's precision optics manufacturing capabilities and production scale. 3M introduced Cooling Film technology for fleet and rail applications, expanding its portfolio of thermal management solutions for transportation customers. Applied to vehicle roofs, the highly reflective performance film uses thermal management technology to reduce heat buildup and help keep interiors noticeably cooler. 3M showcased how its materials science expertise supports innovation in golf equipment through its collaboration with PING. By pairing PING's expertise in club design and custom manufacturing with 3M's broad portfolio of materials science solutions, the two companies can collaborate on engineering solutions that turn complex technical challenges into repeatable, high-quality results on the course. 3M and BOE established a joint innovation laboratory to accelerate next-generation display technology development. The joint research and development platform brings together BOE's display innovation and end-use application expertise with 3M's materials science capabilities to accelerate higher-performance solutions across LCD, OLED and MLED applications, including improvements in light efficiency, foldable displays and ultra-narrow bezel processes. 3M continued to expand its work with U.S. and international government customers, with third-quarter awards supporting defense, health care, and emergency response needs. Awards included PELTOR™ communication and hearing protection solutions for various U.S. military services and Scott SCBAs for the U.S. Navy, respirator and SCBA products for the National Institutes of Health, and respirators for international customers, reflecting 3M's growing work with government partners around the world. Updated full-year 2026 guidance
3M provided an update to the full-year 2026 guidance provided on July 21, 2026, incorporating the company's performance year-to-date, the acquisition of Madison Fire & Rescue, and a change in non-GAAP treatment of amortization.

Adjusted total sales growth2 of >4.5 percent, reflecting adjusted organic sales growth2 of >3.5 percent. Adjusted EPS2 of $9.10 to $9.15. Adjusted operating cash flow2 of ~$5.9 billion with adjusted free cash flow of ~$4.8 billion. 2As further discussed at 5 within the "Supplemental Financial Information Non-GAAP Measures" sections, 3M cannot, without unreasonable effort, forecast certain items required to develop meaningful comparable GAAP financial measures and, therefore, does not provide them on a forward-looking basis reflecting these items.

Conference call
3M will conduct an investor teleconference at 9 a.m. ET (8 a.m. CT) today. Investors can access this conference via the following:

Live webcast at https://investors.3M.com Webcast replay at https://investors.3m.com/financials/quarterly-earnings Consolidated financial statements and supplemental financial information non-GAAP measures
View the Financial Statement Information on 3M's website: https://investors.3m.com/financials/quarterly-earnings 

Forward-looking statements
Certain statements in this document, as well as other filings we make with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and other written and oral information we release are considered "forward-looking statements" under the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended ("PSLRA"). Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this document and are typically identified by the words "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "can," "continue," "could," "estimate," "evaluate," "expect," "forecast," "future," "goal," "guidance," "impact," "initial," "intend," "likely," "may," "outlook," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "probable," "project," "seek," "should," "strategy," "target," "will," "would," and other words that are similar to, or have the opposite meanings of, those words.

All forward-looking statements are intended to enjoy the protection of the PSLRA's safe harbor for forward-looking statements, as well as the protections provided by other securities laws. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements.

Although the Company believes it has a reasonable basis for the forward-looking statements it makes, those statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Changes in those assumptions, expectations, or other factors could produce materially different results. The most important risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ from the Company's forward-looking statements include: (1) worldwide economic, political, regulatory, international trade, geopolitical, tariffs, and retaliatory countermeasures, capital markets, and other external conditions, (2) foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates, (3) liabilities and contingencies related to PFAS, including liabilities related to claims, lawsuits, and government regulatory proceedings concerning various PFAS-related products and chemistries, as well as risks related to the Company's exit of PFAS manufacturing and work to discontinue use of PFAS across its product portfolio, (4) risks related to the PWS Settlement to resolve claims by public water suppliers in the United States regarding PFAS, as well as risks related to ongoing PFAS-related settlements and claims, (5) legal proceedings, including significant developments that could occur in the legal and regulatory proceedings described in the Company's reports on Form 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, as well as compliance risks related to legal or regulatory requirements, government contract requirements, policies and practices, or other matters that require or encourage the Company or its customers, suppliers, vendors, or channel partners to conduct business in a certain way, (6) competitive conditions and customer preferences, (7) the timing and market acceptance of new product and service offerings, (8) the availability and cost of purchased components, compounds, raw materials and energy due to shortages, increased demand and wages, tariffs, supply chain interruptions, or natural or other disasters, (9) unanticipated problems or delays when implementing new business systems and solutions, including with the phased implementation of a global enterprise resource planning system, or security breaches and other disruptions to the Company's information or operational technology infrastructure, (10) use of artificial intelligence technologies, (11) the impact of acquisitions, strategic alliances, divestitures, and other strategic events resulting from portfolio management actions and other evolving business strategies, (12) operational execution, including the extent to which the Company can realize the benefits of planned productivity improvements, as well as the impact of organizational restructuring activities, (13) financial market risks that may affect the Company's funding obligations under defined benefit pension and postretirement plans, (14) the Company's credit ratings and its cost of funding, (15) tax-related external conditions, including changes in tax rates, laws, or regulations, (16) matters relating to the Company's Aearo Entities, Combat Arms Earplugs Settlement, and related products, and (17) matters relating to the spin-off of Solventum, the Company's former Health Care business, into an independent public company.

Those risks, uncertainties, and other factors are further described in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. For additional information concerning factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's forward-looking statements, see the Company's reports on Form 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K filed with the SEC from time to time.

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

Please note that the company announces material financial, business and operational information using the 3M investor relations website, SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. The company also uses the 3M News Center and social media to communicate with our customers and the public about the company, products and services and other matters. It is possible that the information 3M posts on the News Center and social media could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, the company encourages investors, the media and others interested in 3M to review the information posted on 3M's News Center and the social media channels such as @3M or @3MNews.

Contacts
3M
Investor Contact:
Diane Farrow, 612-202-2449
Media Contact:
[email protected]

SOURCE 3M Company

, /PRNewswire/ -- 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a collaboration with Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. (GSEO, Taiwan: 3406), an optical technology company, to advance technology development and manufacturing for 3M's Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) solutions. In support of these efforts, 3M expects to make a strategic investment to acquire approximately 4.7% of GSEO's common shares as part of the company's private placement of newly issued shares, subject to customary closing conditions.

The collaboration brings together 3M's EBO technology leadership, optical interconnect expertise, materials science, manufacturing scale and customer relationships with GSEO's precision optics manufacturing capabilities and production scale. Together, the companies aim to support EBO commercialization and long-term capacity expansion to meet growing demand from hyperscale data centers and other advanced connectivity applications.

"3M is investing in capabilities and partnerships that can accelerate innovation for our customers," said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. "By selecting GSEO as a manufacturing partner and investing in the company, we are strengthening the path to scale next-generation optical connectivity solutions for high-performance data center infrastructure."

GSEO's existing precision optics manufacturing capabilities and technical development experience are expected to support manufacturing readiness for 3M's EBO ferrules, co-packaged optics solutions and related optical interconnect applications. The collaboration is part of 3M's broader EBO ecosystem strategy, which includes continued work with customers and partners across the optical interconnect market.

"GSEO is pleased to expand its relationship with 3M as we work together to advance optical interconnect solutions for next-generation data center infrastructure," said Micro Kuo, GSEO CEO and President. "This collaboration brings together complementary technology and manufacturing strengths to support continued innovation and help meet the performance demands of high-growth connectivity markets."

3M expects the strategic investment to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release are considered "forward-looking statements" under the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and are intended to enjoy the protection of those laws. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this release and are typically identified by the words "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "can," "continue," "could," "estimate," "evaluate," "expect," "forecast," "future," "goal," "guidance," "impact," "initial," "intend," "likely," "may," "outlook," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "probable," "project," "seek," "should," "strategy," "target," "will," "would," and other words that are similar to, or have the opposite meanings of, those words. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, 3M assumes no duty to update those statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of those statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of 3M's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

Contacts
3M
Investor Contact:
Diane Farrow, 612-202-2449
Media Contact:
[email protected] 

SOURCE 3M Company

US ​conglomerate 3M (MMM.N) plans to argue a landmark case brought by Australia over contamination from the company's ‌use of PFAS "forever chemicals" in its firefighting foam is legally flawed, a court heard on Friday.

The claim against the Minnesota-based chemicals maker and its local unit is the largest ever brought by Australia, and seeks more than A$2 billion ($1.38 billion) in damages ​for past and future costs of contamination across 28 military bases where 3M's products were used.

Australia's ​case is that 3M knew or ought to have known the foam it made ⁠and supplied could damage the environment and harm people, but it failed to warn the government.

The foam's ​pollution interfered with people's ability to use and enjoy the water and land around the bases, creating what the ​government says amounted to a "public nuisance" under Australian law for which 3M should pay compensation.

"On Australian authority, the pleaded case does not comprise public nuisance," 3M's barrister Philip Solomon said at the first case management hearing for the lawsuit on Friday.

"The ​allegation against us alleged that we, the respondents, had the means to abate the nuisance, that we caused the ​nuisance, that were responsible for the particular or the special loss associated with the nuisance, and that in a broad ‌sense, we ⁠had the ability to control the discharge of the nuisance," he added.

"We will in a number of pages set out why public nuisance as pleaded is not available."

In its defence, expected to be filed on December 11, 3M also plans to question whether another part of Australia's case — that the company breached consumer protection laws by ​making misleading claims about the foam's ​features and safety — was time-barred ⁠because the alleged conduct occurred decades ago, Solomon said.

PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that are widely used in products resistant to heat, stains, grease and ​water.

Research has linked exposure to PFAS to health issues including liver damage, lower ​birth weight ⁠and testicular cancer.

3M, which has faced thousands of lawsuits over alleged PFAS contamination, sold the firefighting foam in Australia from 1966 to 2003.

Australia has spent A$1.3 billion in dealing with the impacts of the contamination on the bases, ⁠including paying ​A$408 million in legal settlements to affected communities.

The defence department ​has also treated or removed more than 200,000 metric tons of contaminated soil and treated more than 13 billion litres of water.

The case ​will return to court in December.

($1 = 1.4445 Australian dollars)

In its upcoming report, 3M (MMM - Free Report) is predicted by Wall Street analysts to post quarterly earnings of $2.41 per share, reflecting an increase of 10.1% compared to the same period last year. Revenues are forecasted to be $6.6 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of 4.5%.

The current level reflects an upward revision of 0.8% in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter over the past 30 days. This demonstrates how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reappraised their initial projections over this period.

Prior to a company's earnings announcement, it is crucial to consider revisions to earnings estimates. This serves as a significant indicator for predicting potential investor actions regarding the stock. Empirical research has consistently demonstrated a robust correlation between trends in earnings estimate revision and the short-term price performance of a stock.

While it's common for investors to rely on consensus earnings and revenue estimates for assessing how the business may have performed during the quarter, exploring analysts' forecasts for key metrics can yield valuable insights.

In light of this perspective, let's dive into the average estimates of certain 3M metrics that are commonly tracked and forecasted by Wall Street analysts.

Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Net Sales- Safety and Industrial business- Total' should arrive at $3.12 billion. The estimate points to a change of +7.1% from the year-ago quarter.

The consensus among analysts is that 'Net Sales- Consumer business- Total' will reach $1.31 billion. The estimate indicates a change of -0.4% from the prior-year quarter.

Analysts predict that the 'Adjusted operating income- Consumer' will reach $283.71 million. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $291.00 million in the same quarter of the previous year.

View all Key Company Metrics for 3M here>>>

Over the past month, 3M shares have recorded returns of +1.1% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.4% change. Based on its Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), MMM will likely exhibit a performance that aligns with the overall market in the upcoming period. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .

, /PRNewswire/ -- 3M and Discovery Education today named 8th grader Raji Doshi as the winner of the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the nation's premier middle school science competition. Raji lives in Farmington, Connecticut, and attends Stanford Online High School. She distinguished herself by engineering a natural algae-and-aragonite system, an inventive solution to address ocean acidification by increasing alkalinity and removing carbon dioxide from seawater. As the grand prize winner, Raji received a $25,000 cash prize and the prestigious title of "America's Top Young Scientist."

8th grader Raji Doshi is the winner of the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the nation’s premier middle school science competition. She won by engineering a natural algae-and-aragonite system, an inventive solution to address ocean acidification by increasing alkalinity and removing carbon dioxide from seawater.

8th grader Raji Doshi is the winner of the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the nation’s premier middle school science competition. She won by engineering a natural algae-and-aragonite system, an inventive solution to address ocean acidification by increasing alkalinity and removing carbon dioxide from seawater.

Raji spent the summer competing against nine other finalists and ultimately secured the win during final Challenge events at 3M global headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Oct. 12 and 13, 2026. The 2026 finalists, ages 11 to 14, each identified an everyday problem, developed an innovative solution, and pitched their project through a one- to two-minute entry video. Their proposals aligned to 3M technology platforms including climate tech and safety, and finalists were evaluated on their creativity, scientific knowledge, communication effectiveness, ingenuity, application of STEM principles, and demonstration of research.

Raji's project, Engineering a Novel Durable Algae-Aragonite Alkalinity System to Reduce CO2-Driven Ocean Acidification, tests whether macroalgae cultivation paired with natural calcium carbonate buffers could create a durable, low-cost system for reducing coastal acidification, a growing threat to marine ecosystems. The solution reflects the 3M Young Scientist Challenge's focus on encouraging middle school students to think creatively, apply the power of STEM, and develop real-world solutions that can make a meaningful impact. Through carbonite chemistry analysis, Raji demonstrated the efficacy of aragonite in increasing algae biomass, removing carbon dioxide, and substantially lowering dissolved carbon dioxide. She also developed a Michaelis-Menten computational model to identify an optimal aragonite dose, a step toward making climate solutions more practical for coastal communities.  

"The 3M Young Scientist Challenge highlights the incredible potential of young people to tackle real-world challenges through science," said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. "The talent and creativity displayed by this year's finalists was exceptional, and we congratulate Raji on earning the title of America's Top Young Scientist."

Each 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalist is paired with a 3M scientist who mentors and works with them one-on-one over the summer to transform their ideas from concept to prototype. This year's winner was paired with Deborah Isabelle, a product engineering specialist at 3M.

"Raji's project reminds us that when you're passionate about something, you can use that interest to change the world," said Isabelle. "She loves collecting seashells and was distressed that ocean acidification is starting to damage the seashells and the creatures that live inside them. It was that passion that led her to create ALKACORE to address the ocean acidification issue."

The second and third place winners from the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge also receive special recognition, including a $1,000 prize. This year's runners-up are:

Aaisha Asif, a 7th grader from Sarasota, Fla., Pine View, Sarasota County Schools
Sharvi Mahajan, a 9th grader from San Diego, Calif., Westview High School, Poway Unified School District
The remaining top finalists from the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, in alphabetical order by last name, are:

Ahmed Abdelsalam, a 7th grader from Cambridge, Mass., Darby Vassall Upper School, Cambridge Public Schools
Aiden Jo, a 9th grader from Houston, Texas, Strake Jesuit College Prepratory, Houston Independent School District
Roy Kim, an 8th grader from Beaverton, Ore., Whitford Middle School, Beaverton School District
Arika Kundu, an 8th grader from Shorewood, Minn., Minnetonka Middle School East, Minnetonka Public Schools
Millie Pradawong, a 9th grader from Fairfax, Va., James Madison High School, Fairfax County
Naboshree Santra, a 7th grader from Oviedo, Fla., Jackson Heights Middle School, Seminole County Public Schools
Abigail Stein, an 8th grader from Nashville, Tenn., Harding Academy, Nashville Independent Schools
"When students have the support to follow their curiosity, their ideas can grow into real-world innovation," said Brian Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Education. "For 19 years, our partnership with 3M has paired students with working scientists who coach them from ideation to working prototype. We applaud Raji and every Young Scientist for the dedication and imagination they bring to this challenge, and we're grateful to 3M for helping us make hands-on scientific inquiry a thrill to watch."

Now in its 19th year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge continues to inspire and challenge middle school students to think creatively and apply the power of STEM to develop real-world solutions. Former America's Top Young Scientists have given TED Talks, filed patents, founded nonprofits, and made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. In addition, a 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network was formed in fall 2022 and includes more than 100 former challenge winners, finalists, and mentors, who take part in networking opportunities and more.

The award-winning competition supplements the 3M and Discovery Education program Young Scientist Lab, which provides no-cost dynamic digital resources for students, teachers, and families to explore, transform, and innovate the world around them. All the resources are also available on Discovery Education Experience, the essential companion for engaged PreK-12 classrooms.

To learn more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and meet this year's winners and finalists, visit youngscientistlab.com.

About 3M

3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news. 

About Discovery Education

Discovery Education is a global education technology leader whose innovative solutions empower educators and progress student learning. Discovery Education's solutions have served more than 100 million students globally, supporting effective teaching and learning in 45% of U.S. K-12 schools and in 100+ countries and territories. The company's portfolio includes award-winning core and supplemental curriculum, high-quality standards-aligned content, and AI-enabled teaching and learning tools. Solutions span math, science, literacy, social studies, and career-connected learning, including instructionally-aligned content developed through one-of-a-kind partnerships with industry leaders to bring real-world relevance into every lesson. Learn more at www.DiscoveryEducation.com.

SOURCE 3M Company

Key Takeaways 3M lifted its adjusted operating margin by 40 basis points to 24.9% in the second quarter of 2026.3M expects 2026 adjusted operating margins to expand 70-80 basis points year over year.Higher tariffs, oil prices and PFAS exit costs pushed cost of sales up 4.7% year over year.
3M Company (MMM - Free Report) is implementing structural initiatives to enhance operating efficiency and support margin improvement. The company is reducing its corporate center, optimizing its geographic footprint, simplifying its supply chain, aligning go-to-market strategies with customer needs and adjusting manufacturing roles to production volumes. These measures are expected to reduce operating costs, support margin improvement and strengthen cash flow over the long term.

The company had completed most of its restructuring initiatives by the end of 2025. MMM is now shifting its focus toward longer-term transformation, including redesigning its supply-chain network and deploying AI-driven tools across its operations. In the second quarter of 2026, these efforts, combined with strong organic volume and productivity gains, helped lift 3M’s adjusted operating margin by 40 basis points year over year to 24.9%. For 2026, the company expects adjusted operating margins to expand 70-80 basis points year over year.

However, rising costs may hinder MMM’s ability to sustain this margin momentum. In the second quarter of 2026, its cost of sales increased 4.7% year over year, while cost of sales as a percentage of total revenues rose 120 basis points to 58.7%. Higher tariff-related costs, rising oil prices and cost dis-synergies associated with the PFAS manufacturing exit contributed to the increase.

Overall, 3M’s restructuring and productivity initiatives are supporting margins, although persistent cost pressures remain a concern. In the quarters ahead, ongoing productivity gains and disciplined cost management are expected to support the company’s profitability.

Segmental Snapshot of MMM’s PeersAmong 3M’s major peers, Honeywell Technologies (HON - Free Report) has been dealing with the adverse impacts of the high cost of sales and operating expenses. On a consolidated basis, HON’s total cost of sales, comprising the cost of products and services sold, was up 7.2% year over year in the second quarter. Honeywell Technologies’ research and development expenses surged 14.2% year over year in the same period. Its operating margin fell 190 basis points to 17.9%.

Another peer of MMM, Carlisle Companies Incorporated (CSL - Free Report) , has been dealing with elevated raw-material and freight costs, particularly for petroleum-based inputs affected by the Middle East conflict and related supply disruptions. Not only is this pushing up Carlisle’s direct expenses, but it is also weighing on margins as pricing realization lags cost inflation. In the second quarter of 2026, Carlisle’s cost of sales increased 10.3% year over year to $1.0 billion and represented 63.8% of revenues compared with 62.7% a year ago.

The Zacks Rundown for MMMShares of 3M have gained 5.9% in the past year against the industry’s decline of 24.4%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, 3M is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 16.60X, above the industry average of 14.30X. MMM carries a Value Score of D.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MMM’s earnings for 2026 has increased 0.1% in the past 60 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

MMM stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Key Takeaways 3M's Safety and Industrial segment posted 8.2% organic sales growth in the second quarter of 2026.3M expects 2026 adjusted organic sales growth above 3.5%, supported by strength across its businesses.3M is cutting costs, expanding its safety portfolio and returning capital through dividends and buybacks. 3M Company’s (MMM - Free Report) shares have risen 12.9% in the past six months compared with the S&P 500 composite’s growth of 30% and the industry’s decline of 20.4%. Among its peers, Griffon Corporation (GFF - Free Report) and Carlisle Companies Incorporated (CSL - Free Report) shares have gained 30% and declined 0.2%, respectively, over the same time frame.

MMM Stock’s One-Year Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Closing at $163.19 in the last trading session, the stock is trading lower than its 52-week high of $184.90 and significantly higher than its 52-week low of $139.34. 3M stock is trading below both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, indicating weak price momentum and continued selling pressure. This reflects cautious market sentiment and suggests that investors remain concerned about the company's near-term performance and long-term prospects.

MMM Stock Trading Below 50-Day & 200-Day Moving Averages
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Let’s take a look at 3M’s fundamentals to better analyze how to play the stock.

Factors Driving MMM’s PerformanceThe company is gaining from strong momentum in its Safety and Industrial segment, supported by growth across personal safety, industrial adhesives and tapes, abrasives and electrical markets. Stable demand for electrical infrastructure products, including medium-voltage cable accessories and insulation tapes, is expected to support the segment in the coming quarters. New product launches and rising demand for industrial adhesives and electronics bonding solutions are also driving growth. Organic sales in the segment increased 8.2% year over year in the second quarter of 2026.

3M’s Transportation and Electronics segment is benefiting from solid growth across the transportation and aerospace end markets. Strength in semiconductors, data centers, aerospace and defense, and commercial branding, supported by new product introductions and expanded sales coverage, is driving segment performance. Organic revenues increased 5.9% year over year in the second quarter. Backed by strength across its businesses, the company provided a positive outlook. For 2026, 3M expects total adjusted organic sales to grow more than 3.5% on a year-over-year basis.

3M is focused on improving operational efficiency through a range of organizational and business transformation initiatives. These include reducing the size of its corporate center, streamlining its geographic footprint, simplifying the supply chain, aligning go-to-market models with customer needs and optimizing manufacturing roles based on production volumes. The company expects these restructuring actions to lower operating costs and support margin expansion and stronger cash flow over the long term.

Acquisitions remain an important part of MMM’s growth strategy. In July 2026, the company completed the acquisition of Madison Fire & Rescue in partnership with Bain Capital. Under the joint venture, 3M contributed its Scott Safety business, received $700 million in cash and retained a 50.1% stake, while Bain Capital holds the remaining 49.9% interest. The transaction further strengthened 3M’s safety portfolio and expanded its presence in the safety products market.

3M remains committed to returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. In the first six months of 2026, the company rewarded its shareholders with $813 million in dividends and $3 billion in buybacks.

However, weakness in the consumer retail end markets, owing to subdued consumer discretionary spending, remains a concern for MMM. This is reflected in the Consumer segment’s results. The segment’s organic revenues declined 2.1% in the second quarter of 2026.

Stock Valuation
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

MMM has a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 16.96X, which is above the industry average of 14.64X. In comparison with 3M’s valuation, its peers Griffon and Carlisle are trading cheaper. Griffon and Carlisle are trading at 14.89X and 14.01X, respectively.

Earnings Estimate Revision
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Earnings estimates for MMM have increased 0.6% over the past 60 days for 2026 and 1.2% for 2027.

Conclusion3M is positioned to benefit from continued strength in its Safety and Industrial and Transportation and Electronics segments, supported by new product launches and a favorable 2026 outlook. Ongoing restructuring efforts are expected to enhance operational efficiency, while shareholder-friendly initiatives could further support cash flow and investor confidence.

Despite softness in consumer retail markets, favorable analyst sentiment suggests that investors may consider this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

3M Company delivered record Q2 results, with 5.4% organic growth and a 24.9% adjusted operating margin, prompting raised guidance across all metrics. Litigation risk from PFAS is now structured and manageable, with the largest liabilities paid over 13 years and PFAS manufacturing exited by the end of 2025. MMM's innovation pipeline is accelerating, notably with Expanded Beam Optics (EBO) gaining traction among hyperscalers, supporting multi-year revenue growth targets.

Key Takeaways 3M's Consumer organic sales fell 2.1% in Q2 2026 after a 1.3% decline in Q1.Weak retail demand, cautious spending and lower retailer inventories continue to pressure 3M.3M could benefit from strength in Safety and Industrial, semiconductor, data center and aerospace markets. 3M Company (MMM - Free Report) continues to face challenges in its Consumer business segment. The segment is experiencing sluggish demand across consumer retail markets, as cautious discretionary spending and reduced inventory levels at retailers weigh on performance. These headwinds were evident in the Consumer segment’s organic sales, which fell 2.1% in the second quarter of 2026 after declining 1.3% in the first quarter.

The packaging & expression and home improvement businesses have experienced notable softness. Amid this, the Federal Reserve recently hiked its interest rate by 25 basis points to address inflation. This hawkish stance is expected to push back the Consumer business segment’s recovery further. Spending on hardline consumer products is likely to stay subdued in the near term, which may weigh on the segment’s performance.

Nevertheless, 3M could benefit from sustained strength in its Safety and Industrial segment. Solid demand across abrasives, industrial adhesives and tapes, specialty products, roofing granules, personal safety, and electrical markets is expected to support the company’s growth in the coming quarters. Also, strength in 3M’s semiconductor, data center and aerospace markets holds promise.

Segmental Performance of MMM’s Peers in Q2Among 3M’s major peers, Carlisle Companies Incorporated (CSL - Free Report) is experiencing favorable trends in the Weatherproofing Technologies segment, supported by market-share gains and operational improvement initiatives. In the second quarter of 2026, segmental revenues increased 10% year over year, including 8% organic growth, as share gains more than offset softness in residential and non-residential construction markets.

Another peer, Honeywell Technologies (HON - Free Report) , is benefiting from strength in the Industrial Automation segment. Favorable utilities project timing and solid momentum in the sensing and industrial measurement business bode well for the segment. The segment’s organic revenues increased 4% year over year in the second quarter.

The Zacks Rundown for MMM
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Shares of 3M have gained 15.4% in the past six months against the industry’s decline of 19.8%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, 3M is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 17.71X, above the industry average of 14.71X. MMM carries a Value Score of D.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Key Takeaways 3M returned $3.8 billion through dividends and buybacks in the first six months of 2026.3M had about $1.8 billion remaining under its share repurchase authorization after the second quarter.3M expects adjusted operating cash flow of $5.8-$6.0 billion and free cash flow conversion above 100%. 3M Company (MMM - Free Report) operates as a diversified technology firm with a strong presence across industrial, electrical, transportation, consumer and home care markets. It has manufacturing operations across the globe and serves a diversified customer base.

The company’s commitment to reward its shareholders through dividends and share buybacks is encouraging. In the first six months of 2026, the company rewarded its shareholders with $813 million in dividends and $3 billion in buybacks. Also, in 2025, it paid dividends worth $1.6 billion and repurchased shares for about $3.3 billion.

Its worth noting that in February 2025, 3M's board authorized a share repurchase program of up to $7.5 billion, replacing the November 2018 program. This authorization has no expiration date. Exiting the second quarter of 2026, 3M had approximately $1.8 billion remaining under its share repurchase program. Also, in February 2026, it hiked its quarterly dividend by 6.8%.

For 2026, 3M expects total revenue growth (on an adjusted basis) to be above 4.5%. It expects its adjusted free cash flow conversion rate to be more than 100%, with adjusted operating cash flow of $5.8-$6.0 billion. The company’s focus on maintaining strong liquidity should support its shareholder-friendly policies.

Do MMM’s Peers Focus on Returning Capital to Shareholders?GE Aerospace (GE - Free Report) repurchased shares for $4.2 billion and paid dividends of $873 million to its shareholders in the first half of 2026.  GE Aerospace also raised its dividend by 30.6% to 36 cents per share in February 2026. GE expects to generate a free cash flow of $8.9-$9.2 billion in 2026, much higher than $8.0-$8.4 billion guided previously.

Howmet Aerospace (HWM - Free Report) paid dividends of $97 million in the first six months of 2026, and in July 2026, it hiked its dividend by 17% to 14 cents per share (annually: 56 cents). On a year-to-date basis through July, HWM repurchased shares worth $800 million. As of Aug. 6, 2026, Howmet’s total share repurchase authorization available was $697 million.

The Zacks Rundown for MMM
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Shares of 3M have gained 3.6% in the past year against the industry’s decline of 27.8%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, 3M is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 16.98X, above the industry average of 14.35X. MMM carries a Value Score of D.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research