What is the primary purpose of these business segment reporting changes?

The primary purpose is to improve the alignment of 3M's businesses around markets and customers, reduce complexity for customers interacting with the company, and provide a clearer picture of divisional performance. These changes are designed to reflect the company's ongoing customer-focus initiatives.

When will investors see financial results under the new segment structure?

3M will begin reporting comparative results under the new segment structure with the filing of its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2019.

Are these changes expected to impact 3M's overall financial performance?

This filing primarily concerns reporting structure changes and the supplemental historical data reflects these changes. While the intent is to provide better insights, the filing itself does not indicate any direct impact on overall financial performance. Investors should refer to future financial reports for performance implications.

Why is the supplemental historical data 'furnished' and not 'filed'?

The information is furnished under Item 2.02 of Form 8-K, which means it is provided to the SEC for informational purposes. It is not deemed 'filed' under Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, meaning the company generally would not be subject to liability under that section for inaccuracies in the furnished information.

MMM 8-K: Earnings & Results

Summary

3M Company (MMM) filed an 8-K on March 8, 2019, to announce significant changes to its business segment reporting structure, effective for the first quarter of 2019. These changes are designed to improve the alignment of its businesses around markets and customers, reduce complexity, and provide a clearer view of divisional performance. Investors should note that comparative results under the new structure will be provided with the Q1 2019 10-Q filing. The report details the creation of two new divisions: the Closure and Masking Systems Division within the Industrial segment, and the Medical Solutions Division within the Health Care segment. It also outlines realignments of certain sales activities and the allocation of previously unallocated manufacturing and technology costs to business segments. While this 8-K provides supplemental historical data under the new structure, it is furnished and not deemed 'filed' for regulatory liability purposes.

Key Highlights

1Effective Q1 2019, 3M is implementing a new business segment reporting structure to better align with markets and customers.
2Two new divisions have been created: Closure and Masking Systems (Industrial) and Medical Solutions (Health Care).
3Customer account activity (sales districts) has been realigned to reduce complexity and improve clarity.
4Certain safety products in Asia Pacific have been moved from the Safety and Graphics segment to the Consumer segment.
5Previously unallocated central manufacturing and technology costs are now being allocated to business segments.
6Supplemental unaudited historical business segment data (net sales and operating income) for prior periods is being furnished under the new structure.
7The company emphasizes that this information is furnished and not 'filed' for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act.

3M CO 8-K Report, Financial Results (Mar 8, 2019)

Summary

Key Highlights

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