The Best and Worst Dow Stocks

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21. 3M Company (NYSE:MMM)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 79

Short Interest as of Apr 30, 2025: 1.91%

3M Company operates as a diversified technology services provider. The company generates revenue through Consumer, Transportation and Electronics, and Safety and Industrial segments.

MMM started 2025 with a bullish outlook as analysts at financial services firm Wells Fargo upgraded it from Equal Weight to Overweight. Wells Fargo also increased the price target from $140 to $170, pointing out that the company was well-positioned to improve profit margins and continue share buybacks.

Joseph O’Dea, an analyst at Wells Fargo, said:

“After the largest restructuring program in 3M’s history, there’s still a significant cost opportunity ahead to drive better operational execution. If demand accelerates, 3M will benefit and cost out will drive strong incrementals. But if demand underwhelms, earnings growth potential remains attractive at 3M.”

Looking ahead to 2025, the company reaffirmed its FY 2025 outlook regardless of macroeconomic uncertainties. Management anticipates adjusted EPS ranging between $7.60 to $7.9. Backed by a $7.5 billion authorization, CEO Bill Brown announced plans to buy back $2 billion in shares in 2025, beating previous estimates of $1.5 billion.

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