Accessibility Menu
 

3M (NYSE: MMM) is expected to report Q1 earnings on April 25. Here's what Wall Street wants to see:

The 10-second takeaway
 Comparing the upcoming quarter to the prior-year quarter, average analyst estimates predict 3M's revenues will grow 4.3% and EPS will grow 1.2%.

The average estimate for revenue is $7.81 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.65.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, 3M tallied revenue of $7.39 billion. GAAP reported sales were 4.2% higher than the prior-year quarter's $7.09 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
 Last quarter, EPS came in at $1.41. GAAP EPS of $1.41 for Q4 were 4.4% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.35 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Recent performance
 For the preceding quarter, gross margin was 46.0%, 10 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 19.5%, 30 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 13.4%, 10 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $31.47 billion. The average EPS estimate is $6.82.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 4,429 members out of 4,580 rating the stock outperform, and 151 members rating it underperform. Among 1,405 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 1,388 give 3M a green thumbs-up, and 17 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on 3M is outperform, with an average price target of $99.12.

Can your portfolio provide you with enough income to last through retirement? You'll need more than 3M. Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks." Click here for instant access to this free report.

Read Next

About the Author

Seth Jayson
Seth Jayson is an advisor on The Motley Fool’s Trends service, overseeing the AI and Spotters segments of the scorecard. Seth closely follows technology companies, particularly hyperscalers and their suppliers. He also stays up to date and recommends companies in homebuilding, specialty online, defense, aerospace, and other sectors. He has spent more than two decades researching, reporting on, and recommending stocks to Motley Fool members. A former Motley Fool member himself, Seth holds a B.A. from Carleton College and two master’s degrees from NYU and the University of Missouri in art history and journalism respectively.
TMFRizzChicken

Seth Jayson had no position in any company mentioned here at the time of publication. You can view his stock holdings here. He is co-advisor of Motley Fool Hidden Gems, which provides new small-cap ideas every month, backed by a real-money portfolio. The Motley Fool recommends 3M and recommends the following options:Long Jan 2014 $65 Calls on 3M. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Stocks Mentioned

3M Stock Quote
3M
NYSE: MMM
$146.22
(+0.76%)+$1.10

*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.

Premium Investing Services

Invest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.

View Premium Services
Will These Numbers from 3M Be Good Enough for You? | The Motley Fool