Should I buy 3M stock in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our experts have been tracking 3M's performance for over three years. Every month, over a million users in the US trust us to decipher market trends and identify the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes and do not constitute investment advice. In accordance with our ethical charter, we have never been, and will never be, compensated by 3M.

What is 3M?

The price of 3M stock

The price of 3M stock is consolidating this week. Currently, it stands at $152.46, showing a slight daily decline of $1.51 (-0.96%) and a weekly decrease of 2.49%. With a market capitalization of $82.86 billion and a 3-month average daily volume of 3.58 million shares, 3M maintains strong trading activity. The price/earnings ratio is 19.17, the dividend yield is 1.89%, and the stock’s beta is 1.08. This profile may offer interesting opportunities for investors seeking exposure to a diversified industrial leader with moderate volatility.

Our Full Analysis of 3M Stock

After a thorough review of 3M’s latest financial results and three-year stock performance, we have combined comprehensive financial indicators, technical signals, market data, and competitive analysis through our proprietary algorithms. This robust approach enables us to deeply analyze the drivers, strengths, and outlook of 3M stock in comparison to its peers across industrial and technology sectors. So, why might 3M stock once again become a strategic entry point into the diversified technology and industrials sector in 2025?

Recent performance and market context

The 3M stock price stands at $152.46 (as of July 2025), reflecting a minor intraday decline of $1.51, or -0.96%. Over the past year, 3M has staged a spectacular rebound, rising more than 50% and outperforming many US industrial conglomerates after a challenging phase tied to legacy litigation and strategic restructuring. Its market capitalization, now $82.86 billion, highlights the company’s enduring scale and investor confidence. Trading volume remains robust, averaging 3.58 million shares daily over the last three months. Notably, the company executed a successful healthcare division spin-off, resolved PFAS litigation impacts in a manageable fashion, and received a target price upgrade from major analysts. These events, paired with renewed revenue growth and margin improvement, coincide with a favorable macroeconomic backdrop of US infrastructure modernization, steady industrial activity, and expanding electronics markets.

Technical analysis

Technical indicators present a constructive outlook for 3M. The stock price is consolidating slightly but is stabilizing well above major support levels, with $149.50 considered a crucial anchor for the current trend. The 14-day RSI at 63.74 points to healthy momentum—close to overbought but not signaling excess, which can indicate further upside. The MACD at 1.97 hints at an interim pause, yet remains in line with a broader positive structure. Moving averages are unanimously bullish: 20-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day averages are all below the current price, reinforcing the prevailing uptrend and offering reassurance to investors eyeing entry points. The recent crossing above the 200-day moving average and bullish volume action underscore the stock’s strength, suggesting that 3M may be entering a new phase of medium-term momentum.

Fundamental analysis

3M’s fundamental profile makes a compelling case for renewed investor interest. The company reported $24.6 billion in total revenue for 2024, reflecting a minimal year-over-year decline but stable in the face of a transforming business environment. Organic sales growth of over 2% in the last quarter underlines management’s focus on quality expansion, with adjusted EBITDA and net income remaining robust even amid industry headwinds. Earnings per share (EPS) for FY 2024 were $7.30 adjusted (up 21% YoY), signaling successful cost controls and operational leverage. At a current P/E ratio of 19.17, 3M’s valuation appears justified given its global reach, improved balance sheet, and resilient cash flows. The company stands out for its durable brand, broad international diversification, and dominant shares across essential industries—Safety and Industrial (44% of sales), Transportation and Electronics (36%), and Consumer (20%). Innovation and a longstanding commitment to R&D have allowed 3M to stay ahead of competitors and strengthen its structural moat in high-value niches.

Volume and liquidity

Consistent and high trading volume, around 3.58 million shares daily, signals dynamic engagement by institutions and retail investors alike. The float is almost congruent with total shares outstanding—over 538 million—making the stock highly liquid and suitable for both large institutional moves and smaller, incremental purchases. This liquidity enhances price stability and gives investors confidence that their orders will be filled without significant slippage, even during volatile sessions.

Catalysts and positive outlook

Several catalysts reinforce a positive outlook for 3M. Recent and ongoing developments include:

• The successful spin-off of the healthcare business (Solventum), allowing for a sharper focus on higher-margin and less cyclical core segments.
• Expansion into emerging global markets, especially in Asia and Eastern Europe, supported by revitalized product lines and growing demand for advanced industrial and safety solutions.
• Continuous pipeline of innovative products, driven by significant long-term investment in R&D and materials science.
• Progressive resolution of high-profile legal challenges—particularly around PFAS—removing a persistent overhang and restoring investor confidence.
• ESG leadership, with initiatives in sustainable manufacturing, waste reduction, and next-gen material innovation, aligning 3M with evolving consumer and regulatory standards.
• An upgraded guidance for 2025, targeting 2–3% organic sales growth and robust adjusted EPS of $7.60–$7.90.

The broader US context also supports 3M’s momentum: infrastructure spending remains a political priority, industrial automation and connectivity trends are creating tailwinds, and the company’s leadership in safety, manufacturing, and consumer segments positions it well to capture incremental post-pandemic growth.

Investment strategies

The current market environment presents several attractive strategies for entering or adding to 3M positions:

• Short-term: Technically, entries near strong support at $149.50 or when the stock retraces toward its moving averages could represent appealing opportunities for tactical investors, especially with bullish reversals confirmed by volume growth.
• Medium-term: As the company executes on its post-spin transformation and rolls out new products, there is room to target analyst consensus levels around $198, in line with improving earnings dynamics and multiple expansion.
• Long-term: 3M’s combination of stable dividends (current yield 1.89%), a solid payout history, and wide economic moat is especially compelling for buy-and-hold strategies. The stock’s volatility (beta 1.08) offers growth without extreme risk, and sector rotation into industrials may increase capital inflows over multiple quarters.

Opportunistic positioning around earnings releases, guidance updates, or industry events may further enhance returns. With its continued focus on operational excellence and market leadership, 3M is well prepared to deliver for investors across varying horizons.

Is it the right time to buy 3M?

Summing up, 3M’s combination of solid revenue growth, outstanding margin recovery, innovative product leadership, and enhanced financial health seems to represent an excellent opportunity for investors seeking reliable exposure to the US industrial and technology sector. The fundamentals justify renewed interest in the stock as it pivots decisively away from past legal and structural challenges. With a robust balance sheet, a forward-thinking management team, and all technical indicators aligned in favor of further upside, the stock may very well be entering a new bullish phase.

While prudent risk management is always essential, the present context—both for 3M and the industrial/tech segment—strongly supports serious consideration of the stock for growth-oriented and defensive investors alike. With technical levels at $149.50 as immediate support and an upside target near $198, 3M appears poised to reward those who value operational excellence and sustained innovation.

3M continues to offer a compelling investment proposition for those seeking stability, growth, and a well-diversified footprint in a rapidly evolving market landscape.

How to buy 3M stock in the US?

Buying 3M stock online is simple and secure when using a regulated U.S. broker. You can choose between two main options: spot buying for direct ownership, or CFD trading for leveraged exposure and more flexibility. Each method suits a different investor profile and trading style. To help you get started, a broker comparison is available further down the page.

Spot buying

A cash purchase of 3M stock means buying shares directly through your broker account, giving you full ownership and eligibility for dividends. Most U.S. platforms charge a small, fixed commission per trade, typically around $5.

Gain scenario

If the 3M share price is $152.46, you can buy around 6 shares with a $1,000 stake, including a brokerage fee of around $5.

If the share price rises by 10%, your shares are now worth $1,100.

Result: +$100 gross gain, i.e. +10% on your investment.

This approach is suitable for investors seeking long-term growth and dividend income.

Trading via CFD

CFD trading on 3M shares allows you to speculate on price movements without owning them. You trade using margin, paying the spread between buy and sell prices, and incur overnight financing fees for positions held open more than a day.

Gain scenario

You open a CFD position on 3M shares, with 5x leverage.

This gives you a market exposure of $5,000.

If the stock rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.

Result: +$400 gain, on a bet of $1,000 (excluding fees).

CFDs are designed for active traders wanting to amplify gains and act on short-term market movements.

Final advice

Before investing, compare broker fees, spreads, and service conditions, as these can impact your returns. Ultimately, your choice between spot buying and CFD trading should match your financial goals, time horizon, and risk comfort. You’ll find a comprehensive broker comparison further down the page to help you decide.

Our 7 tips for buying 3M stock

The latest news about 3M

Wells Fargo raises its price target for 3M to $170, reflecting renewed confidence in its outlook. This target increase, announced in early July 2025, underscores positive sentiment from major US analysts, supporting the upward trend in 3M’s valuation after robust financial and strategic developments over the past quarter.

3M stock continues to benefit from a strong year, up over 50% compared to the previous twelve months. This impressive rebound demonstrates the company’s resilience and improved market positioning, especially in the wake of resolving long-standing PFAS litigations and executing strategic restructuring in the US.

Recent quarterly results exceeded analyst expectations, especially in organic growth and cash generation. 3M reported 2.1% organic growth in Q4 2024 and delivered $4.9 billion in adjusted free cash flow for the year. Both metrics outperformed market forecasts, illustrating operational strength and effective cost controls in its US and global divisions.

Technical indicators for 3M remain positive, with all major moving averages showing buy signals. As of July 2025, the 20-, 50-, 100-, and 200-day moving averages are all above the current stock price, reinforcing a bullish trend noticed by US traders and technical analysts.

3M’s strategic transformation under CEO William Brown is fueling optimism, supported by a return to organic growth and innovation leadership. Ongoing investments in advanced technologies and expanded US manufacturing are seen as key reasons for renewed investor confidence and sustained performance despite modest short-term headwinds.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.