3M shares down as below-consensus Q4 implied guidance offsets Q3 beat

Investing.com -- 3M Co. (NYSE:MMM ) shares slipped nearly 2% Tuesday after the company's implied guidance for the fourth quarter missed analyst expectations.

For the fiscal Q3, the conglomerate posted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.98, beating the consensus estimates of $1.90. The company generated $6.1 billion in revenue, also above the projected $6.06 billion.

The adjusted operating margin improved to 23%, compared to 21.6% year-over-year.

3M reported a negative operating cash flow of $1.8 billion, larger than the estimated negative $1.57 billion.

Adjusted free cash flow stood at $1.5 billion.

"The 3M team delivered another quarter of strong operational execution, resulting in a double-digit increase in adjusted earnings along with solid adjusted free cash flow generation," said William Brown, CEO of 3M.

"Our ongoing execution positions us well to deliver a strong finish to the year. I am confident that our work on advancing our three priorities – organic growth, operational excellence, and capital deployment – will deliver long-term value creation for our shareholders."

For the full year, 3M now expects adjusted EPS from continuing operations between $7.20 and $7.30, tightening its previous forecast of $7 to $7.30, and compared to analysts estimates of $7.30.

The company also forecasts adjusted total sales growth of around 1%, compared to the earlier guidance of -0.25% to +1.75%.

However, the implied EPS guidance for Q4 2024, ranging from $1.58 to $1.68, came in below the consensus estimate of $1.71 by 4.2% at the midpoint.

Following the report, RBC Capital Markets analysts reiterate an Underperform rating on the stock. 

"While the 3M story has some new positive momentum with the leadership change, we still believe the ultimate cost of PFAS liabilities remain a sizable risk to cash flow and implied valuation," they said in a note. 

Source: Investing.com