3M stock carries higher earnings guidance into October 20 earnings

Published on 10/05/2026 at 19:15 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

3M stock carries a 24.9 percent adjusted operating margin from Q2 into October. Analysts cite a USD 181.36 average target, while earnings are due October 20.

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3M stock (ISIN US88579Y1010) was trading at USD 162.35 on the NYSE on October 5, 2026, up 0.28 percent, with a market capitalization of USD 83.7 billion. The company enters October with higher fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings guidance after its second-quarter report.

Guidance follows a profitable quarter

According to 3M Investor Relations, adjusted Q2 2026 sales were USD 6.5 billion and adjusted earnings per share were USD 2.40 for the quarter ended June 30, 2026.

The same release reported a 24.9 percent adjusted operating margin and adjusted organic sales growth of 5.4 percent. Fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance moved from USD 8.50-8.70 to USD 8.80-8.95, while adjusted operating cash flow guidance was set at USD 5.8-6.0 billion.

Consensus leaves room above the price

MarketBeat reported on October 2, 2026, that 15 analysts rated 3M with seven Buy, seven Hold and one Sell recommendations. The consensus label was Hold, with an average price target of USD 181.36, which places the target 11.7 percent above the USD 162.35 price.

Analyst dispersion remains visible in the published targets. Investing.com reported on September 25, 2026, that Wells Fargo initiated coverage with an Equal Weight rating and a USD 195 price target, 20.1 percent above the October 5 trading price.

October earnings will test execution

The next scheduled checkpoint is October 20, 2026. Yahoo Finance lists that date for the next quarterly earnings report, putting the raised outlook and the 24.9 percent margin in focus for the next update.

Stock remains below its yearly high

3M was trading at USD 162.35 on the NYSE on October 5, 2026 at 1:14 p.m. ET, with a 52-week range of USD 139.34-184.90. The price stood 12.2 percent below the 52-week high, while volume was 768,606 shares.