3M's Safety & Industrial Unit's Strength Holds Firm: More Upside Ahead?

Core Insights - 3M Company (MMM) is experiencing growth in its Safety and Industrial segment, which has become a key driver of overall performance, with organic revenues increasing by 4.1% year over year in Q3 2025, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of growth [1][10] - The Safety and Industrial segment contributed approximately 44.8% of total revenues during the period [1][10] Segment Performance - The growth in the Safety and Industrial segment is attributed to strong demand in personal safety, industrial specialties, industrial adhesives and tapes, abrasives, and electrical markets [2] - Demand for infrastructure products, including medium-voltage cable accessories and insulation tapes, is also expected to support future growth [2] - The Electrical Markets segment grew in the low-teens percentage range, driven by robust data center construction activity and improved service execution [3] - Personal safety and abrasives markets achieved mid-single-digit growth due to ongoing product innovation, while the industrial adhesives and tapes business also reported mid-single-digit growth, supported by new product launches and increased demand in electronics, automotive, and appliance sectors [3] Challenges and Outlook - Despite positive performance, there are challenges in the automotive aftermarket and roofing granules businesses, which present near-term headwinds [4] - The Safety and Industrial segment is well-positioned for steady near-term growth, supported by sustained demand for personal safety, electrical infrastructure, and advanced bonding solutions [4] Peer Comparison - Among 3M's peers, Carlisle Companies Incorporated's Construction Materials segment saw a 0.3% year-over-year revenue increase, contributing approximately 74.3% of its total revenues [5] - Honeywell International Inc. reported an 8% year-over-year revenue increase in its Building Automation segment, contributing about 28.8% of its total revenues [6] Stock Performance and Valuation - 3M's shares have gained 24.9% over the past year, contrasting with a 1% decline in the industry [9] - The company is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 18.77X, which is above the industry's average of 14.01X [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 3M's 2025 earnings has increased over the past 60 days [12]