April 2025 | What’s Up with MMM? A Value Investor's Look at the Industrial Giant

When we talk about old-school American industrial powerhouses, 3M – known by its ticker symbol MMM – often comes up. But what does MMM actually mean? Originally called "Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company," 3M has come a long way since its mining days. Today, it produces over 60,000 products across various sectors, including healthcare, consumer goods, electronics, and industrial equipment.

For value investors, companies like MMM can be especially interesting when the stock price dips. Because real investing isn’t about chasing hype — it’s about looking for quality businesses that are temporarily out of favor. And when prices fall, that's when opportunity often begins.

Track all markets on TradingView

Compared to other industrial companies like Honeywell (HON) or General Electric (GE), MMM has had a rougher path lately. While its peers have diversified or leaned into high-growth areas like automation or aerospace, MMM is still working through some restructuring and legal challenges.

One of the biggest headlines surrounding 3M in the past year has been its ongoing legal battles. The company has been dealing with lawsuits related to alleged harmful effects of its "forever chemicals" (PFAS), which has put financial and reputational pressure on the business. Legal settlements have cost the company billions, and investors have taken notice.

Despite this, MMM is still a name with long-term potential. It operates in key industries that aren't going anywhere — healthcare, construction, transportation, and consumer safety. In fact, some of its most stable revenue streams come from essentials like N95 masks, adhesives, and filtration products. It’s a company with strong engineering and a long history of consistent dividends.

So where does that leave us today? For those who follow the value investing approach, periods of uncertainty can sometimes be the best times to pay attention. When a business like MMM drops in price, not because its core operations are broken, but because of temporary setbacks, that’s when research and patience can pay off.

As always, this isn’t financial advice. But for those looking at strong American brands with decades of history and global presence, 3M might just be worth a closer look.