Industrials

3M Takes the Lead in Conglomerate Earnings Reports

3M_logo
Courtesy 3M Company
3M Co. (NYSE: MMM) reported third-quarter 2014 results before markets opened Thursday. The conglomerate posted diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.98 on revenues of $8.1 billion. In the same period a year ago, the company reported EPS of $1.78 on revenues of $7.92 billion. Third-quarter results also compare to the Thomson Reuters consensus estimates for EPS of $1.96 and $8.24 billion in revenues.

3M narrowed its full-year earnings expectation from a prior range of $7.30 to $7.55 per share to a new range of $7.40 to $7.50. The current consensus estimate calls for full-year EPS of $7.46

The company also narrowed its estimated range for organic local-currency sales growth from a prior range of 3% to 6% (about $31.8 to $32.72 billion, based on 2013 revenues of $30.87 billion) to a new range of 4% to 5%. Foreign currency is now expected to reduce sales by approximately 15% for the year, versus a previous expectation for a negative impact of 1%.

The consensus estimates for the fourth quarter call for EPS of $1.79 on revenues of $7.85 billion.

The company’s CEO said:

The 3M team once again delivered broad-based organic growth with operating margins exceeding 22 percent in all businesses. As we look forward, our focus will remain on actively managing the portfolio and strategically investing in the business to continue delivering profitable growth across the company.

3M’s sales in the quarter grew the most in its health care division, rising 4.7% to $1.4 billion. The industrial division grew revenue 3% to $2.8 billion and safety and graphics division sales rose 1.3% to $1.4 billion. The consumer division’s sales rose 2.1% to $1.2 billion, and sales were up 3.5% in the electronics and energy division.

The company did not change its full-year guidance, but it did lift the bottom of the ranges and drop the top end a little. In the end, the effect was to focus attention more clearly on the already established mid-point. That shouldn’t have much impact on the share price Thursday.

3M’s shares were up fractionally in premarket trading Thursday morning and opened near $141.92. The current 52-week range is $122.70 to $147.87. Thomson Reuters had a consensus analyst price target of around $151.10 before the report.

ALSO READ: GE Delivers Solid Earnings With Record Backlog

Want to Retire Early? Start Here (Sponsor)

Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?

Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.

Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.