10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2002

3M CO Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2002

Filed November 14, 2002For Securities:MMM

Summary

3M Company reported strong financial performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, with net income increasing significantly to $1.463 billion compared to $1.049 billion in the same period of 2001. This growth was driven by a 4.6% increase in net sales for the third quarter and a notable improvement in operating income margin to 20.6% from 15.7% year-over-year. The company also benefited from the adoption of SFAS No. 142, which ceased the amortization of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, positively impacting earnings per share. Despite a challenging economic environment, 3M demonstrated effective cost management through its Six Sigma initiatives and restructuring efforts, which contributed to improved gross margins and reduced operating expenses. The company's strategic acquisitions and strong international sales, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, bolstered top-line growth. While facing some headwinds from currency fluctuations and restructuring charges, 3M maintains a strong financial position with robust cash flow from operations and a healthy working capital balance, positioning it well for future growth.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, was $1.463 billion, a significant increase from $1.049 billion in the prior year's comparable period.
  • 2Third-quarter net sales grew 4.6% year-over-year to $4.143 billion, with core volume up 3.4%. International sales showed robust growth of 8.8%.
  • 3Operating income margin improved to 20.6% for the third quarter of 2002, up from 15.7% in the third quarter of 2001, reflecting improved cost management and operational efficiencies.
  • 4The adoption of SFAS No. 142 (effective January 1, 2002) ceased goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset amortization, boosting reported earnings per share by 3 cents in Q3 and 9 cents in the first nine months.
  • 5The company continued to execute its restructuring plan, which has eliminated approximately 6,500 positions since inception, contributing to cost savings.
  • 6Cash flow from operating activities for the nine months was $1.993 billion, demonstrating the company's strong ability to generate cash.
  • 7The company announced a definitive agreement to acquire Corning Precision Lens Inc. for approximately $850 million in cash, expected to close by year-end 2002, which is projected to add approximately 7 cents to 2003 EPS.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the third quarter of 2002, net income was $545 million ($1.38 per diluted share), a substantial increase from $394 million ($0.99 per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2001. For the first nine months, net income rose to $1.463 billion ($3.70 per diluted share) from $1.049 billion ($2.62 per diluted share) in the comparable 2001 period. This improvement was driven by increased sales, better operating margins, and the impact of adopting SFAS No. 142.

The company continued to implement its restructuring plan, which involved eliminating positions. In the nine months ended September 30, 2002, charges related to this plan reduced net income by $108 million. While these charges impacted reported results, they were aimed at improving long-term cost structure and efficiency, with estimated incremental savings of $235 million in the first nine months of 2002.

Effective January 1, 2002, 3M adopted SFAS No. 142, which eliminated the amortization of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets. This change had a positive impact on reported net income and earnings per share by removing amortization expenses previously recognized. For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, this accounting change boosted earnings per diluted share by 9 cents.

3M expressed caution regarding business conditions in the fourth quarter of 2002 and for 2003, anticipating a continued difficult economic environment. However, the company expects full-year 2002 reported earnings to be between $4.95 and $5.00 per diluted share. The planned acquisition of Corning Precision Lens Inc. is expected to contribute positively to earnings in 2003.