3M Company reported financial results for the third quarter of 2026, filing an 8-K with the SEC on October 20, 2026. The company reported GAAP sales of $6.6 billion for the quarter, representing a 1.0% year-over-year increase. Net income attributable to 3M common shareholders was $1.373 billion, with diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.63. This compares to diluted EPS of $1.55 in the prior year period.
On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted sales were also reported at $6.6 billion. Adjusted EPS was $2.50, up 12% year-over-year. The company reported an adjusted operating income margin of 26.2%, which increased by 110 basis points compared to the prior year. GAAP operating income margin was reported at 23.7%, up 150 basis points year-over-year.
3M provided an update to its full-year 2026 guidance. The company raised its adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $9.10 to $9.15. The company also updated its adjusted total sales growth guidance to greater than 4.5%, reflecting adjusted organic sales growth of greater than 3.5%.
In terms of cash flow, 3M reported operating cash flow of $0.5 billion and adjusted free cash flow of $1.2 billion for the third quarter. The company returned $0.6 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
The filing also highlighted several strategic developments. 3M entered into an expanded commercial relationship with Amazon to deploy optical connectivity products, issuing a warrant to Amazon to purchase up to 3.2 million shares of 3M common stock based on sales milestones. Additionally, the company announced a collaboration with Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. to advance manufacturing for Expanded Beam Optics solutions, investing to acquire approximately 4.7% of GSEO's common shares.
