Should I buy 3M stock in 2025? NZ Market Insights

What is 3M?

What is the price of 3M stock?

The price of 3M stock is rising this week. Currently, 3M (MMM) trades at USD $149.63, reflecting a 0.65% gain over the last 24 hours, while the stock has edged down by 0.10% over the past week. The company’s market capitalisation stands at $80.53 billion, with an average three-month trading volume of 4.14 million shares. Its price-to-earnings ratio is 18.61, offering a dividend yield of 1.95%, and the stock’s beta is 1.08. With moderate volatility and modest dividend returns, 3M remains an intriguing watch for New Zealand investors seeking global diversification.

Our full analysis on the 3M stock

After a comprehensive review of 3M’s (NYSE: MMM) latest financial results and its stock trajectory over the past three years, our proprietary models—integrating financial metrics, technical signals, macro data, and competitive benchmarking—highlight a notable shift in the company’s profile. With improving fundamentals, renewed innovation, and legal clarity shaping its outlook, 3M attracts considerable interest in the global technology-industrials segment. So, why might 3M stock once again become a strategic entry point into the diversified tech-industrials space in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Over the last year, 3M has staged an impressive recovery, with its share price advancing 53.37% year-on-year and currently trading at $149.63, near the upper end of its 52-week range ($96.89 – $156.35). Year-to-date gains of 15.91% and a noteworthy 12.06% leap over the past six months underscore broad-based investor confidence and operational performance improvements. A key catalyst has been the resolution of substantial legal uncertainties, notably the New Jersey PFAS settlement, which alleviates major overhangs and allows for a realignment of focus toward core business execution.

The broader industrials sector—particularly those with a technology edge—continues to benefit from the post-pandemic global economic rebound and heightened infrastructure initiatives in the United States and globally. Demand for sustainable, innovative, and operationally resilient conglomerates is robust, positioning companies like 3M favorably relative to peers in both developed and emerging markets.

From a New Zealand perspective, the NZX’s exposure to global industrials is relatively modest, making diversified larges-caps like 3M interesting for investors seeking currency and business diversification alongside access to sectoral growth trends.

Technical Analysis

Technical momentum remains solidly positive for 3M. The stock price sits comfortably above its 20-, 50-, 100-, and 200-day simple moving averages (at $145.60, $142.09, $143.59, and $136.49 respectively), each signaling bullish undercurrents and robust price support zones. The 14-day RSI currently stands at 56.34, confirming a bullish but not overbought stance, suggestive of further upside potential without the immediate risk of technical exhaustion.

While MACD at 2.83 flashes a short-term sell signal, price action and volume trends—together with underlying moving averages—tilt the balance in favor of a medium-term bullish reversal structure. Nearby support levels at $147.43 offer a solid technical base, while immediate resistance at $150.77, if breached, could facilitate momentum-driven rallies toward the consensus target price range ($151.33 - $152.08) and potentially the high analyst watermark of $184.00.

In summary, the technical setup—characterized by sustained momentum and upward-trending averages—appears to justify a positive outlook for those seeking both short- and long-term positioning opportunities.

Fundamental Analysis

3M’s Q1 2025 results validate the company’s turnaround narrative. Adjusted revenue rose 0.8% year-on-year to $5.8 billion, building on organic growth of 1.5%. Adjusted EPS climbed 10% to $1.88, surpassing consensus estimates by $0.11, while operating margin improvements (+220 bps YoY to 23.5% adjusted) reflected discipline in cost structure and productivity initiatives.

The forward P/E ratio of 18.61 remains attractive versus sector medians, especially given 3M’s normalized earnings power, expansive technology portfolio, and 1.95% dividend yield. The company’s 2025 guidance, with adjusted EPS expected in the $7.60–$7.90 range, highlights not merely defensive earnings but a clear path to growth as operational excellence and legal clarity converge. Analysts, forecasting full-year EPS at $7.73 (up 5.9% vs. 2024), provide additional confidence in the visibility and resilience of 3M’s earnings trajectory.

Structurally, 3M is underpinned by:

• Diversification: Three business segments—Safety and Industrial, Transportation and Electronics, Consumer—ensure stability and adaptability.
• Brand Strength: Its leadership in critical consumer and industrial brands (Scotch, Post-it, Command) provides powerful pricing and innovation levers.
• Innovation Culture: Robust R&D capabilities have yielded over 60,000 products and a vast defensive moat.
• Global Reach: Operations in key regions (Americas, Asia Pacific, EMEA) further mitigate cyclical or localization risks.

On these metrics, 3M convincingly stands out as a high-quality, reasonably valued large-cap in the global industrials universe.

Volume and Liquidity

With an average daily trading volume of 4.14 million shares and a near-complete public float (537.64M shares out of 538.18M), 3M demonstrates outstanding liquidity and ease of execution for all investor types. Sustained volume at these levels is indicative of deep institutional participation and overall market confidence.

The robust float and ample liquidity mean 3M can efficiently absorb market shocks, supporting dynamic price discovery while simultaneously offering active investors the flexibility to build or unwind positions with minimal slippage.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Looking ahead, several catalysts could underpin further share price appreciation:

• Operational excellence: Management’s relentless focus on cost control and productivity has translated into substantial margin expansion—a trend expected to continue in 2025.
• Ongoing legal clarity: The resolution of major PFAS-related obligations in key jurisdictions unlocks shareholder value and streamlines the risk profile.
• Product innovation: Recent launches, such as the ScotchBlue PROSharp Painter’s Tape featuring new Edge-Lock+ technology, illustrate a vibrant R&D pipeline with the potential to enhance consumer and professional market share.
• Sustainability and ESG: 3M’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and ESG leadership resonates with global investors seeking responsible capital allocation.
• Geopolitical and regulatory tailwinds: Infrastructure spending, re-shoring initiatives, and supply-chain rationalization in the US, together with stabilization in key Asia Pacific and EMEA markets, provide a propitious backdrop.
• Attractive dividend and capital returns: With a current 1.95% yield and a consistent dividend payout, 3M appeals to both total return and income-oriented investors.

Furthermore, consensus price targets—the average sitting at $151.33-$152.08, and bulls projecting targets up to $184.00—suggest that the market has yet to fully price in operational momentum and business resilience. A +30% scenario yields a target of nearly $195, representing compelling upside if execution sustains and sector conditions remain benign.

Investment Strategies

• Short-Term: The present technical structure—supported by strong moving averages and proximity to support at $147.43—positions 3M well for tactical entries, particularly for investors targeting a near-term breakout past the $150.77 resistance.
• Medium-Term: With further positive earnings catalysts, ongoing product launches, and clear legal pathways, medium-term investors could benefit from sustained earnings upgrades and incremental multiple expansion.
• Long-Term: For those seeking durable, blue-chip exposure in the tech-industrials space, 3M’s multifaceted business model, powerful brands, differentiated innovation, and geographic reach seem to justify strategic allocation. Reinvested dividends and operational leverage could yield attractive compounded total returns over multi-year horizons.

Given 3M’s presently attractive valuation, robust liquidity, and improving business fundamentals, investors may find ideal positioning by capitalizing at or near recent technical lows, or by opportunistically scaling ahead of expected catalyst events—such as the next quarterly result or major product announcement.

Is it the Right Time to Buy 3M?

In summary, 3M’s combination of strengthened operational performance, ongoing innovation, legal clarity, and defensive yet growth-oriented positioning places the stock in a markedly advantageous light relative to sector peers. Its technical and fundamental underpinnings, reinforced by attractive valuation metrics and resilient dividend policy, suggest the company is entering a new phase of sustainable growth.

For NZ-based investors and those seeking global sectoral diversification, these converging factors make a compelling case for renewed interest. While prudent risk management is always warranted, the evidence overwhelmingly points toward significant upside potential for 3M in 2025 and beyond.

In this environment where quality, resilience, and forward-looking execution matter most, 3M seems to represent an excellent opportunity for investors prepared to capture the resurgence in global technology-industrials—a narrative that could well define the next chapter for this enduring blue chip.

How to buy 3M stock in New Zealand?

Buying 3M (MMM) stock online is now a straightforward and secure process for NZ investors, thanks to the availability of regulated brokers. You can become a shareholder of 3M by choosing between two main methods: spot (cash) buying, or trading via CFDs (Contracts for Difference). Spot buying means you own the shares outright, while CFD trading lets you profit from price movements with leverage. Each approach offers unique advantages, so it’s important to understand both before starting. To help you choose, we’ll compare the best online brokers for NZ investors further down the page.

Cash buying

A cash (or spot) purchase means you buy 3M shares and become a direct shareholder, with access to dividends and voting rights. In New Zealand, regulated brokers typically charge a fixed commission per order—around NZ$5–NZ$10, depending on the platform.

Concrete example

If the 3M share price is US$149.63 (roughly NZ$246 at current rates), you can buy about 4 shares with a NZ$1,000 investment—including a brokerage fee of around NZ$5.

Gain scenario

If the price rises by 10%, your shares are now worth NZ$1,100.
Result: +NZ$100 gross gain, or +10% on your initial investment.

Trading via CFD

CFD (Contract for Difference) trading on 3M allows you to speculate on the stock price without owning the underlying shares. CFDs are popular for their leverage, letting you magnify your exposure—though they also amplify both gains and losses. Fees usually include the spread (the difference between buy/sell prices) and overnight financing charges for positions held longer than a day.

Example with NZ$1,000 and 5x leverage

You open a CFD position on 3M shares using NZ$1,000 of your own capital, with 5x leverage, giving you market exposure of NZ$5,000.

Gain scenario

If the stock rises by 8%, your position increases by 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: +NZ$400 gain (excluding fees), for a NZ$1,000 initial outlay.

Final advice

Before investing, it’s essential to compare brokers’ fees, platforms, and available features. Both cash buying and CFD trading offer appealing opportunities, but your choice should match your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals. To find the platform that suits you best, see our NZ broker comparison tool further down the page.

Our 7 tips for buying 3M stock

The latest news about 3M

3M delivered strong Q1 2025 results, surpassing analyst expectations for both earnings and margins. In the latest financial quarter, 3M reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.88, notably beating consensus estimates by $0.11, and demonstrated a 10% year-over-year increase in adjusted EPS. The company also improved its adjusted operating margin to 23.5%, up 220 basis points from the previous year, and achieved 1.5% organic growth. This performance signals resilient operational execution and provides reassurance about 3M’s underlying business strength—key factors for institutional investors in markets like New Zealand, who closely monitor multinational consistency and profitability.

The stock’s technical outlook shows ongoing bullish momentum, with the price above all major moving averages. Currently trading at $149.63, 3M’s share price remains well above its 20-, 50-, 100-, and 200-day simple moving averages, all of which suggest a broad-based buy signal from a technical perspective. While short-term oscillators show neutral to slightly weak signals, the clear upward trend evidenced by a 53.37% gain over the past year and solid support above $147 is viewed positively by market participants, including funds and ETFs with exposure to global industrials listed on the NZX or those tracking international benchmarks.

3M’s recent settlement of PFAS-related litigation in New Jersey reduces legal uncertainty for global investors. The company’s resolution of key PFAS claims in New Jersey removes a material overhang that had contributed to sector and stock volatility. As forever chemical litigation risk has been a global concern for 3M, this move provides welcome clarity to professional investors in New Zealand, where environmental and social governance (ESG) standards are increasingly embedded in portfolio selection—especially by KiwiSaver providers and institutional managers.

Continued product innovation, such as the launch of ScotchBlue PROSharp Painter’s Tape, strengthens 3M’s reputation in consumer and industrial markets worldwide, including Australasia. 3M’s introduction of new, technologically enhanced products reinforces its brand leadership and innovation credentials. Such developments have direct relevance to the New Zealand market, where 3M products are widely distributed across the automotive, construction, electronics, and consumer sectors, supporting the company’s appeal as an innovation-driven conglomerate with local presence.

Analyst consensus for 3M remains moderately bullish, with price targets around current levels and a stable dividend yield supporting international portfolio income needs. With average analyst price targets clustered just above the current price at $151–$152 and a consensus “moderate buy” rating, 3M enjoys steady support from the analyst community. The dividend yield of 1.95% and upcoming ex-dividend date are notable for NZ-based investors seeking reliable global income streams, and the company’s reaffirmed full-year EPS guidance underscores confidence in sustaining earnings growth despite ongoing macro 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.