3M Company (MMM) Outpaced Broader Market in 2025 with Renewed Focus on Core Businesses

3M Company (NYSE:MMM) is one of the Best Dividend Stocks of 2025.

The stock has delivered a nearly 14% return since the start of 2025. The company posted strong earnings in the first quarter of 2025 and continues to make headway on key operational goals tied to CEO Bill Brown’s turnaround strategy.

Following the spin-off of its healthcare division as Solventum last year, and the resolution of legal issues related to PFAS and combat earplugs, both management and investors now have more clarity on the company’s future financial obligations.

With these major distractions behind it, 3M Company (NYSE:MMM)’s leadership is now better positioned to focus on enhancing the business. To that end, Brown has outlined several areas for improvement, including a renewed emphasis on research and development to drive new product innovation, optimizing asset efficiency, and lowering working capital needs. He has also openly acknowledged the importance of improving on-time, full deliveries, particularly in the safety and industrial segments.

3M Company (NYSE:MMM)’s dividend is also gaining traction among investors. It currently offers a quarterly dividend of $0.73 per share, having raised it by 4.3% in February. The stock supports a dividend yield of 1.94%, as of June 26.

While we acknowledge the potential of MMM as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 10 Best Dividend Stocks for a Bear Market and 10 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy for Dependable Dividend Growth.

Disclosure. None.