3M beats Q4 expectations, full-year outlook in-line

Investing.com -- On Tuesday, 3M Co. (NYSE:MMM ) reported fourth-quarter results that exceeded analyst expectations, while its 2025 earnings outlook was largely in line with consensus estimates.

The company's stock edged up 0.75% following the announcement.

The industrial conglomerate posted adjusted earnings per share of $1.68 for the fourth quarter, surpassing the analyst estimate of $1.67. Revenue came in at $6.01 billion, beating the consensus projection of $5.78 billion and representing a 0.1% increase year-over-year (YoY).

3M's adjusted sales, which exclude manufactured PFAS products, grew 2.2% YoY to $5.8 billion. Adjusted organic sales rose 2.1% YoY, despite a 70 basis point headwind from product portfolio initiatives and exit from certain small countries.

"Our fourth quarter capped a year of strong results as we returned to positive organic revenue growth in the full year," said William Brown, 3M Chief Executive Officer. "I would like to thank the 3M team for their strong operational execution which helped us deliver double-digit earnings growth and robust free cash flow while returning $3.8 billion to shareholders."

For the full year 2024, 3M reported adjusted earnings per share of $7.30, up 21% YoY. Adjusted sales increased by 1.3% to $23.6 billion, with adjusted organic sales growth of 1.2%.

Looking ahead, 3M provided guidance for fiscal year 2025, projecting adjusted earnings per share in the range of $7.60 to $7.90, compared to the analyst consensus of $7.80. The company expects adjusted total sales growth between 0.5% and 1.5%, with adjusted organic sales growth of 2% to 3%.

3M also anticipates adjusted operating cash flow of $5.2 to $5.3 billion for 2025, contributing to approximately 100% adjusted free cash flow conversion.

Source: Investing.com