3M (MMM) News Today

3M Company (NYSE: MMM) is trading higher after reporting Q3 results that beat expectations and after the company raised full‑year guidance. Investors are reacting to stronger organic sales, margin expansion, solid cash‑flow and renewed capital returns; elevated call‑options activity also suggests bullish positioning. Below are the items most likely driving the stock move.

• Positive Sentiment: Q3 beat and guidance raise — 3M reported adjusted EPS $2.19 vs. $2.07 consensus and adjusted revenue ~$6.3B, then raised FY25 adjusted EPS guidance to $7.95–$8.05, giving investors confidence the recovery is sustainable. PR Newswire Release
• Positive Sentiment: Margin, cash‑flow and capital returns — adjusted operating margin widened ~170 bps and adjusted free cash flow was strong (~$1.3B), supporting buybacks and the dividend narrative that analysts cite as a reason for renewed upside. MarketBeat coverage
• Positive Sentiment: Bullish derivatives flow — unusually large options activity (about 65,787 calls traded, ~+534% vs. typical daily call volume) signals short‑term bullish speculation or institutional positioning, which can amplify intraday upside.
• Neutral Sentiment: Mixed underlying demand signals — CEO commentary flagged pockets of weaker consumer activity even as industrial and healthcare demand improved; markets may price this as a potential headwind to sustainment of consumer‑led growth. CNBC video
• Negative Sentiment: GAAP vs. adjusted metrics and sell‑the‑news risk — GAAP EPS fell year‑over‑year and some outlets noted the stock initially dipped in reaction to nuances in the print (e.g., GAAP decline, one‑time items), so investors should watch whether gains are sustained beyond the initial rally. Barron's piece

Bottom line: the Q3 beat, margin expansion, stronger cash flow and a narrowed, higher EPS outlook are the primary drivers of today's upside, while mixed consumer commentary and GAAP/one‑time items are the main cautions to monitor in coming sessions.