3M Company (NYSE: MMM) shares are trading higher after the company reported better-than-expected third-quarter adjusted EPS and sales and revised FY24 EPS guidance.
The company reported net sales of $6.294 billion, a slight increase of 0.4% year-over-year. Adjusted net sales totaled $6.068 billion, up 1.5% on year and marginally beating the consensus of $6.057 billion. Adjusted EPS was $1.98, up 18% Y/Y, beating the consensus of $1.90.
Adjusted organic sales growth was 1.0% in the quarter, including ~(1.0) ppt headwind from portfolio/geographic prioritization.
Adjusted operating margin expanded 1.4 percentage points to 23.0%, aided by organic growth, productivity, and restructuring.
Safety & Industrial reported 0.9% adjusted organic growth and adjusted operating margin contraction to 24.3% from 25.7% in the prior year quarter. Consumer segment reported an organic decline of 0.7%.
Operating cash flow for the quarter stood at $(1.8) billion, reflecting $3.6 billion net after-tax payments for costs of significant litigation, primarily Public Water Systems and Combat Arms Earplugs.
Adjusted free cash flow was $1.5 billion in the quarter. MMM returned $1.1 billion to shareholders via dividends and share repurchases.
Fiscal 2024 Outlook: 3M revised FY24 adjusted EPS guidance to $7.20 - $7.30 from $7.00 - $7.30 versus the consensus of $7.26.
3M revised adjusted total sales growth guidance to ~1% versus previously expected (0.25%) to +1.75% and, on an organic basis, ~1% (from flat to +2% prior).
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via ProShares Smart Materials ETF (NYSE: TINT) and FT Vest DJIA Dogs 10 Target Income ETF (NYSE: DOGG).
Price Action: MMM shares are up 3.83% at $140.00 premarket at the last check Tuesday.