3M(NYSE) MMM

3M NYSE:MMM makes thousands of products for homes and factories. These items help people stay safe and work more efficiently. The company serves builders, mechanics, and everyday shoppers.

What 3M Makes

• Safety and Industrial: Supplies protective gear, industrial adhesives, and abrasives for workers; generated $3.2 billion in net sales during the third quarter of 2026.
• Transportation and Electronics: Provides materials for cars, airplanes, and semiconductor manufacturing; recorded $2.0 billion in net sales in the third quarter of 2026.
• Consumer: Offers home cleaning supplies, bandages, and stationery for retail customers; accounted for $1.3 billion in net sales for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2026.
• Corporate and Other: Includes residual activities and a retained 15% ownership interest in Solventum, the former health care business.

Moving the Needle

• Acquired Madison Fire and Safety in July 2026 for $1.9 billion to expand its safety product portfolio.
• Completed the spin-off of Solventum into an independent public company in 2024.
• Finished exiting the manufacturing of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, by the end of 2025.
• Launched a transformation program to redesign manufacturing and distribution processes for long-term efficiency.

The 3M Difference

3M maintains a global presence with 57.5% of sales coming from the Americas in the third quarter of 2026. The company uses its diverse technology platforms to innovate in high-growth areas like data centers and semiconductors. Operational strength is supported by a focus on commercial excellence and a vast portfolio of established brands.

Financial Highlights

• Net sales were $6.6 billion in the three months ended Sept. 30, 2026, up 1.0% year over year.
• GAAP earnings per diluted share reached $2.63 in the third quarter of 2026, up 70% year over year.
• Cash provided by operating activities was $2.0 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up $1.3 billion year over year.
• The company returned $1.2 billion to shareholders through dividend payments during the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2026.

Bottom Line

3M has transitioned into a more focused industrial and consumer entity following the spin-off of its health care division. Its strategy centers on operational productivity and managing its exit from legacy chemical manufacturing.