3M Company

04/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/21/2026 10:23

Quarterly Report for Quarter Ending March 31, 2026 (Form 10-Q)

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") is designed to provide a reader of 3M's financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of management. The MD&A should be read in conjunction with 3M's consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 3M's MD&A is presented in the following sections:
•Overview
•Results of Operations
•Performance by Business Segment
•Financial Condition and Liquidity
•Forward-Looking Statements
Forward-looking statements in Part I, Item 2 may involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those projected (refer to the section entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" in Part I, Item 2 and described in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 for discussion of these risks and uncertainties).
Overview
3M is a diversified global manufacturer, technology innovator and marketer of a wide variety of products and services.
As discussed in Note 1, certain changes are reflective in this document for all applicable periods presented. Effective in the first quarter of 2026, the Company made changes to the measure of segment operating performance and segment composition used by its CODM, impacting the disclosed measure of segment profit (business segment operating income). Further details are provided in Note 16.
3M manages its operations in three operating business segments: Safety and Industrial; Transportation and Electronics; and Consumer. From a geographic perspective, "EMEA" refers to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa on a combined basis.
Unless otherwise noted, all year-over-year ("YoY") comparisons in this MD&A refer to the first quarter of 2026 compared with the first quarter of 2025.
Financial highlights for the first quarter of 2026:
Three months ended
March 31, 2026
GAAP
Adjusted(a)
Net sales (millions) $ 6,030 $ 6,003
Total sales change 1.3 % 3.9 %
Organic sales change(b)
(1.4) % 1.2 %
(a) The Company refers to various "adjusted" amounts or measures on an "adjusted" basis. These exclude special items. These non-GAAP measures are further described and reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in the Certain amounts adjusted for special items - (non-GAAP measures) section below.
(b) Organic sales change (which includes both organic volume and selling price impacts), is defined as the change in net sales, absent the impacts from foreign currency translation and acquisitions, net of divestitures. 3M believes this information is useful to investors and management in understanding ongoing operations and in analysis of ongoing operating trends.
Net sales change was driven by strength in electrical markets, adhesives, abrasives, and aerospace-supported by commercial excellence and innovation. These were partially offset by weakness in consumer electronics, auto, roofing granules and consumer, and the YoY impact of the manufactured PFAS products special item.
Three months ended
March 31, 2026
GAAP
Adjusted(a)
Operating income margin 23.2 % 23.8 %
YoY change in operating income margin 2.3 ppts 0.3 ppts
GAAP operating margins were affected by the YoY impact of special items. The primary drivers were lower net costs for significant litigation, reflecting increased insurance recoveries (discussed in Note 15). These were partially offset by higher costs related to manufactured PFAS products and 2026 transformation costs.
Outside of special items, both GAAP and adjusted operating margins reflect benefits from growth, broad-based productivity, and favorable foreign currency impacts, partially offset by tariff impacts, cost dis-synergies (from the exit of PFAS manufacturing and the 2024 spin of Solventum), and growth investments.
Three months ended
March 31, 2026
GAAP
Adjusted(a)
Earning per diluted share (EPS) $ 1.23 $ 2.14
YoY change in EPS (40) % 14 %
GAAP EPS YoY was affected by the net impact of special items, including those impacting operating income discussed above, as well as by the negative impact from the decrease in Solventum's share price during the period in 2026 compared to an increase in 2025.
Outside of special items, both GAAP and adjusted EPS reflect the impact of the other operating income items discussed above, while a lower share count provided additional benefits. EPS also benefited from tax timing and reduced pension expense, partially offset by higher interest costs (apart from special items).
3M completed its exit of PFAS manufacturing at the end of 2025 as discussed in Note 15. Decisions or circumstances associated with the extent and type of remaining activity at particular locations and impacts on assets and potential obligations, among other factors, could result in additional expenses.
Additional information regarding certain items impacting pre-2026 periods that may also be relevant in 2026 can be found in the Overview section of Part II, Item 7 as well as in further sections of 3M's 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Results of Operations
Net Sales: Discussion of business segment results is provided in the Performance by Business Segment section. Information regarding sales by geographic area is included below.
Three months ended March 31, 2026
Americas
Asia Pacific
EMEA
Worldwide
Net sales (millions) $ 3,153 $ 1,783 $ 1,094 $ 6,030
% of worldwide sales 52.3 % 29.6 % 18.1 % 100.0 %
Components of net sales change:
Organic sales(b)
(2.6) 2.0 (3.2) (1.4)
Divestitures(c)
(0.2) - - (0.1)
Translation 1.1 1.6 9.9 2.8
Total sales change (1.7) % 3.6 % 6.7 % 1.3 %
(c) Acquisition and divestiture sales change impacts are measured separately for the first twelve months post-transaction.
Operating Expenses:
Three months ended March 31,
(Percent of net sales) 2026 2025 Change
Cost of sales 59.3 % 58.4 % 0.9 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) 12.3 15.9 (3.6)
Research, development and related expenses (R&D) 5.1 4.8 0.3
Loss (gain) on business divestitures
0.1 - 0.1
Operating income margin
23.2 % 20.9 % 2.3 %
Cost of Sales measured as a percent of sales: Increases in the first quarter of 2026 were primarily due to cost dis-synergies due to the PFAS exit and tariff impacts, partially offset by ongoing manufacturing productivity initiatives. See also Certain Expenses Impacting Multiple Line Items within Results of Operations subsection further below.
SG&A measured as a percent of sales: Decreases were primarily impacted by benefits from insurance recoveries reducing net costs from significant litigation. See also Certain Expenses Impacting Multiple Line Items within Results of Operations subsection further below.
R&D measured as a percent of sales: 3M continues to invest in a range of R&D activities from application development, product and manufacturing support, product development and technology development aimed at disruptive innovations. See also Certain Expenses Impacting Multiple Line Items within Results of Operations subsection further below.
Other Expense (Income), Net: See Note 6 for a detailed breakout of this line item.
Interest expense (net of interest income) decreased YoY driven by reduced imputed interest associated with the obligations resulting from the PWS Settlement and the CAE Settlement (discussed in Note 15).
The non-service pension and postretirement net cost decreased approximately $30 million YoY. See also Certain Expenses Impacting Multiple Line Items within Results of Operations subsection further below.
Solventum ownership - change in value resulted in a YoY headwind of $699 million in the first quarter of 2026 as Solventum's share price decreased during the period in 2026 compared to an increase in 2025.
Provision for Income Taxes:
Three months ended
March 31,
(Percent of pre-tax income) 2026 2025
Effective tax rate 25.2 % 19.1 %
Adjusted effective tax rate(a)
17.5 20.9
The primary factors that increased the Company's effective tax rate YoY were the tax impacts of 3M's retained ownership interest in Solventum, partially offset by increased tax benefits from stock-based compensation.
Income from Unconsolidated Subsidiaries, Net of Taxes:
Three months ended
March 31,
(Millions) 2026 2025
Income from unconsolidated subsidiaries, net of taxes $ 2 $ 2
Income from unconsolidated subsidiaries, net of taxes, is attributable to the Company's accounting under the equity method for ownership interests in certain entities. In the second quarter of 2025, 3M sold its interest in one of these investments.
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest:
Three months ended
March 31,
(Millions) 2026 2025
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest $ 6 $ 6
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest represents the elimination of the income or loss attributable to non-3M ownership interests in 3M consolidated entities. The primary noncontrolling interest relates to 3M India Limited, of which 3M's effective ownership is 75 percent.
Certain Expenses Impacting Multiple Line Items within Results of Operations:
Stock compensation impacts cost of sales, SG&A, and R&D. YoY stock compensation expense was relatively consistent.
Pre-tax defined benefit pension and postretirement service cost expense impacts cost of sales, SG&A, and R&D while the non-service cost component of pension and postretirement benefits impacts the other expense (income), net line item. Refer to Note 12 for additional information.
Pre-tax stock compensation expense and defined benefit pension and postretirement expense for the periods presented were the following:
Three months ended
March 31,
Pre-tax amounts (millions) 2026 2025
Stock compensation expense $ 80 $ 85
Defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit expense
Service cost $ 39 $ 41
Non-service cost (benefit) (2) 28
Total defined pension and postretirement expense $ 37 $ 69
Performance by Business Segment
Disclosures relating to 3M's business segments are provided in Note 16. 3M manages its operations in three business segments. The reportable segments are Safety and Industrial; Transportation and Electronics; and Consumer.
Safety and Industrial Business:
Three months ended March 31,
2026 2025
Sales (millions) $ 2,930 $ 2,745
Sales change analysis:
Organic sales(b)
3.2 %
Translation 3.6
Total sales change 6.8 %
Business segment operating income (millions)
$ 776 $ 699
Percent change 11.0 %
Percent of sales 26.5 % 25.5 %
First quarter 2026 results: Sales in Safety and Industrial were up 6.8 percent in U.S. dollars.
Organic sales increased in electrical markets, industrial adhesives and tapes, abrasives, personal safety and automotive aftermarket, and decreased in roofing granules and industrial specialties. Progress on commercial excellence and innovation drove growth, partially offset by weakness in roofing granules.
Business segment operating income margins increased YoY, driven by benefits from growth and broad-based productivity. These benefits were partially offset by tariffs, continued growth investments and cost dis-synergies from the exit of PFAS manufacturing.
Transportation and Electronics Business:
Three months ended March 31,
2026 2025
Sales (millions) $ 1,848 $ 1,816
Sales change analysis:
Organic sales(b)
(0.3) %
Divestitures(c)
(0.3)
Translation 2.4
Total sales change 1.8 %
Business segment operating income (millions) $ 399 $ 390
Percent change 2.2 %
Percent of sales 21.6 % 21.5 %
First quarter 2026 results: Sales in Transportation and Electronics were up 1.8 percent in U.S. dollars.
Organic growth was driven by strength in semiconductor, data center, aerospace, and commercial branding, partially offset by market weakness in consumer electronics, and auto.
Business segment operating income margins increased YoY, driven by benefits from growth and broad-based productivity. These benefits were partially offset by tariffs, continued growth investments and cost dis-synergies from the exit of PFAS manufacturing.
Consumer Business:
Three months ended March 31,
2026 2025
Sales (millions) $ 1,131 $ 1,124
Sales change analysis:
Organic sales(b)
(1.3) %
Translation 1.9
Total sales change 0.6 %
Business segment operating income (millions) $ 217 $ 219
Percent change (0.6) %
Percent of sales 19.2 % 19.5 %
First quarter 2026 results: Sales in Consumer were up 0.6 percent in U.S. dollars.
Organic sales increased in home and auto care, were flat in consumer safety and well-being, and decreased in packaging and expression and home improvement. Overall growth was constrained by weak U.S. consumer discretionary spending, with pockets of strength in select products (for example, Scotch-Brite™) and international markets providing partial offset.
Business segment operating income margins decreased YoY, reflecting tariffs, continued growth investments and cost dis-synergies from the exit of PFAS manufacturing, partially offset by benefits from productivity.
Corporate: Outside of 3M's reportable segments, 3M has Corporate which is not a reportable business segment as it does not meet the segment reporting criteria. Because Corporate includes a variety of miscellaneous items, it is subject to fluctuation on a quarterly and annual basis. Corporate is further described in Note 16.
Refer to the Certain amounts adjusted for special items - (non-GAAP measures) section below and Note 16 for details on the components of corporate special items and their impact. Corporate-level income decreased YoY in the first quarter 2026, primarily due to Solventum-related items.
Certain amounts adjusted for special items - (non-GAAP measures)
In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP, 3M also provides certain non-GAAP measures. These measures are not in accordance with, nor are they a substitute for GAAP measures, and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Certain measures adjust for the impacts of special items. Special items for the periods presented include the items described in the section entitled "Description of special items". Because 3M provides certain information with respect to business segments, it is noteworthy that special items impacting operating income (loss) are reflected in Corporate.
This document contains measures for which 3M provides the reported GAAP measure and a non-GAAP measure adjusted for special items. The document also contains additional measures which are not defined under U.S. GAAP. These measures and reasons 3M believes they are useful to investors (and, as applicable, used by 3M) include:
GAAP amounts for which a measure adjusted for special items is also provided: Reasons 3M believes the measure is useful
•Net sales (and sales change)
Considered in evaluating and managing operations; useful in understanding underlying business performance, provides additional transparency to special items
•Operating income (loss) and operating income (loss) margin
•Income before taxes
•Provision for income taxes and effective tax rate
•Net income
•EPS
Special items for the periods presented include:
Net costs for significant litigation:
•These relate to 3M's respirator mask/asbestos (which include Aearo and non-Aearo items), PFAS-related other environmental, and Combat Arms Earplugs matters (as discussed in Note 15). Net costs include the impacts of changes in accrued liabilities (including interest imputation on applicable settlement obligations), legal costs, and insurance recoveries, along with the associated tax impacts. Associated tax impacts of significant litigation include impacts on Foreign Derived Intangible Income ("FDII"), Net Controlled Foreign Corporation Tested Income ("NCTI"), foreign tax credits, and tax costs of repatriation. 3M does not consider the elements of the net costs associated with these matters to be normal, operating expenses related to the Company's ongoing operations, revenue generating activities, business strategy, industry, and regulatory environment.
Gain/loss on business divestitures:
•In the third quarter of 2025, 3M classified a business as held for sale. In the first quarter of 2026, 3M reflected an adjustment to carrying it at its selling price less cost to sell. See Note 3 for additional information.
Manufactured PFAS products:
•These amounts relate to sales and income (loss) regarding manufactured PFAS products that 3M exited by the end of 2025. Income does not contemplate impacts on non-operating items such as net interest income/expense and the non-service cost components portion of defined benefit plan net periodic benefit costs.
Solventum ownership - change in value:
•This amount relates to the change in value of 3M's retained ownership interest in Solventum common stock reflected in other expense (income), net.
Transformation costs:
•These represent net costs associated with 3M's transformation program, intended as a structural redesign of longer-term manufacturing, distribution, and business process services and locations. Accordingly, 3M does not consider the nature or effect of this program to be normal, operating expenses related to the Company's ongoing operations, revenue generating activities, and day-to-day business strategy. Net costs include restructuring and other related items such as site closure, sale, moving and set-up, accelerated depreciation, and program management.
Three months ended March 31, 2025
Total Company
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Net sales Operating income Operating income margin Income before taxes Provision for income taxes Effective tax rate Net income attributable to 3M EPS
Total company
GAAP amounts $ 5,954 $ 1,246 20.9 % $ 1,385 $ 265 19.1 % $ 1,116 $ 2.04
Adjustments for special items:
Net costs for significant litigation - 74 224 (2) 226 0.41
Manufactured PFAS products (174) 38 38 9 29 0.06
Solventum ownership - change in value - - (343) - (343) (0.63)
Total special items (174) 112 (81) 7 (88) (0.16)
Adjusted amounts (non-GAAP measures) $ 5,780 $ 1,358 23.5 % $ 1,304 $ 272 20.9 % $ 1,028 $ 1.88
Three months ended March 31, 2026
Total Company
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Net sales Sales change Operating income Operating income margin Income before taxes Provision for income taxes Effective tax rate Net income attributable to 3M EPS EPS percent change
Total company
GAAP amounts $ 6,030 1.3 % $ 1,397 23.2 % $ 878 $ 221 25.2 % $ 653 $ 1.23 (40) %
Adjustments for special items:
Net costs (benefit) from significant litigation
- (170) (45) (25) (20) (0.04)
Loss on business divestitures
- 7 7 1 6 0.01
Manufactured PFAS products (27) 126 126 31 95 0.18
Solventum ownership - change in value - - 356 - 356 0.67
Transformation costs - 66 66 16 50 0.09
Total special items (27) 29 510 23 487 0.91
Adjusted amounts (non-GAAP measures) $ 6,003 3.9 % $ 1,426 23.8 % $ 1,388 $ 244 17.5 % $ 1,140 $ 2.14 14 %
Three months ended March 31, 2026
Sales change
Organic sales Divestitures Translation Total sales change
Total company
(1.4) % (0.1) % 2.8 % 1.3 %
Remove manufactured PFAS products special item impact 2.6 - - 2.6
Adjusted total company (non-GAAP measures)
1.2 % (0.1) % 2.8 % 3.9 %
Financial Condition and Liquidity
The strength and stability of 3M's business model and strong free cash flow capability, together with proven capital markets access, provide financial flexibility to deploy capital in accordance with the Company's stated priorities and meet needs associated with contractual commitments and other obligations. Investing in 3M's business to drive organic growth and deliver strong returns on invested capital remains the first priority for capital deployment. This includes research and development, capital expenditures, and commercialization capability. The Company also continues to actively manage its portfolio through acquisitions and divestitures to maximize value for shareholders. 3M expects to continue returning cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. To fund cash needs in the United States, the Company relies on ongoing cash flow from U.S. operations, access to capital markets and repatriation of the earnings of its foreign affiliates that are not considered to be permanently reinvested. For those international earnings considered to be reinvested indefinitely, the Company currently has no plans or intentions to repatriate these funds for U.S. operations.
3M maintains a strong liquidity profile. The Company believes its primary short-term liquidity needs can be met through cash on hand and U.S. commercial paper issuances. 3M expects to have continuous access to the commercial paper market. 3M's commercial paper program permits the Company to have a maximum of $5 billion outstanding with a maximum maturity of 397 days from date of issuance. The Company had no commercial paper outstanding as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025.
Total debt: The strength of 3M's credit profile and significant ongoing cash flows provide 3M proven access to capital markets. Additionally, the Company's debt maturity profile is staggered to help make refinancing needs in any given year reasonable in proportion to the total portfolio. As of the date of this report, 3M had the following credit ratings:
Credit rating agency
Long-term rating
Outlook
Moody's Investors Service A3 Stable
S&P Global Ratings BBB+ Stable
Fitch Ratings A- Stable
The Company's total debt at March 31, 2026, remained largely consistent with December 31, 2025, as there were no material debt maturities or issuances during the quarter.
In February 2026, the Company renewed its "well-known seasoned issuer" shelf registration statement, which registers an indeterminate amount of debt or equity securities for future issuance and sale.
Information with respect to long-term debt issuances and maturities for the periods presented is included in Note 11.
3M has a principal amount of long-term debt of $1.5 billion which will mature in 2026. The Company's financial condition and liquidity enable it to address these obligations by refinancing, redemption, or both.
3M has a $4.25 billion five-year revolving credit facility that expires in May 2028. The revolving credit agreement includes a provision under which 3M may request an increase of up to $1.0 billion (at lenders' discretion), bringing the total facility up to $5.25 billion. The credit facility was undrawn at March 31, 2026. Under the $4.25 billion credit facility, the Company is required to maintain its EBITDA to Interest Ratio as of the end of each fiscal quarter at not less than 3.0 to 1. This is calculated (based on amounts defined in the amended agreement) as the ratio of consolidated total EBITDA for the four consecutive quarters then ended to total interest expense on all funded debt for the same period. At March 31, 2026, 3M was in compliance with this requirement. Debt covenants do not restrict the payment of dividends.
In the first quarter of 2026, as discussed in Note 11, 3M entered into a $1.45 billion term loan facility which was undrawn as of March 31, 2026. The facility was established to provide financing flexibility in connection with the Madison acquisition and venture formation described in Note 3.
The Company also had $0.6 billion in stand-alone letters of credit, bank guarantees, and other similar instruments issued and outstanding at March 31, 2026. These instruments are utilized in connection with normal business activities.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities: Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities are invested in bank instruments and other high quality securities. The table below provides the breakout of the balance between the Company's foreign subsidiaries and the United States as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025.
(Billions) March 31, 2026 December 31, 2025
Foreign subsidiaries $ 3.4 $ 3.5
United States 0.8 2.4
Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities $ 4.2 $ 5.9
The decrease from December 31, 2025, was primarily driven by $2.0 billion in purchases of treasury stock, $0.4 billion in dividend payments and $0.3 billion in payments associated with CAE legal settlement and PFAS-related environmental liabilities. Outflows associated with the CAE and PFAS matters were largely offset by $0.3 billion in insurance recoveries (as discussed in Note 15). In addition, overall outflows were partially offset by $0.3 billion in proceeds from the issuances of treasury shares pursuant to option/benefit plans (see "Cash Flows from Operating Activities" section below for further discussion).
Current equity investments: Current equity investments consist of 3M's ownership interest in Solventum. As of March 31, 2026, 3M owned approximately 15% of Solventum's common stock, with a fair value of $1.7 billion. As previously disclosed, 3M expects to sell its ownership in Solventum within five years of its 2024 spin-off. Sales of 3M's retained stake are subject to regulatory and other restrictions.
Balance Sheet: 3M's strong balance sheet and liquidity provide the Company with significant flexibility to fund its numerous opportunities going forward. The Company intends to continue investing in its operations to drive growth, including continual review of acquisition opportunities.
Cash Flows: Discussions of cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities are provided in the sections that follow.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Cash flows from operating activities can fluctuate significantly from period to period, as working capital movements, tax timing differences and other items such as litigation payments can significantly impact cash flows.
In the first three months of 2026, cash flows provided by operating activities increased by $0.7 billion YoY, primarily driven by lower net payments associated with PFAS-related environmental liabilities and the CAE legal settlement driven by insurance recoveries.
Working capital, defined as current assets minus current liabilities, decreased from December 31, 2025. This decrease was primarily driven by a reduction in current assets, including lower balances of cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, and a decrease in the fair value of 3M's remaining interest in Solventum.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Investments in PP&E enable growth across many diverse markets, helping to meet product demand and increasing manufacturing efficiency. 3M invested $0.2 billion on PP&E in the first three months of 2026. The Company expects 2026 capital spending to be approximately $1.1 billion as 3M continues to invest in growth, productivity and sustainability.
Purchases of marketable securities and investments and proceeds from maturities and sale of marketable securities and investments are primarily attributable to certificates of deposit/time deposits, commercial paper, and other securities, which are classified as available-for-sale. Refer to Note 14 for more details about 3M's diversified marketable securities portfolio.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
3M's primary short-term liquidity needs are met through cash on hand and U.S. commercial paper issuances. Refer to Note 11 for more detail regarding debt.
In February 2025, 3M's Board of Directors replaced the Company's 2018 repurchase program with a new repurchase program. This new program authorizes the repurchase of up to $7.5 billion of 3M's outstanding common stock, with no pre-established end date. Repurchases of common stock are made to support the Company's stock-based employee compensation plans and for other corporate purposes. In the first three months of 2026, the Company purchased $2.0 billion of its own stock, compared to $1.3 billion of stock purchases in the first three months of 2025. As of March 31, 2026, approximately $2.7 billion remained available under the authorization. For more information, refer to the table titled "Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities" in Part II, Item 2. The Company also had $0.3 billion in proceeds from issuance of treasury stock pursuant to stock option and benefit plans in the first three months of 2026.
3M has paid dividend continuously since 1916. In February 2026, 3M's Board of Directors declared a first-quarter 2026 dividend of $0.78 per share, an increase of 7 percent.
Other cash flows from financing activities may include various other items, such as cash paid associated with certain derivative instruments, distributions to or sales of noncontrolling interests, changes in overdraft balances, and principal payments for finance leases.
Significant Accounting Policies: Information regarding new accounting standards is included in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Material Cash Requirements from Known Contractual and Other Obligations: See the Financial Condition and Liquidity - Material Cash Requirements from Known Contractual and Other Obligations section of Item 7 of 3M's 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this document, as well as other filings we make with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and other written and oral information we release, including statements regarding our performance, estimates, expectations, beliefs, intentions, projections, strategies for the future, costs and effects of legal proceedings, or other events or developments in the future are considered "forward-looking statements" under the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended (the "PSLRA"). Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this document and are typically identified by the words "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "can," "continue," "could," "estimate," "evaluate," "expect," "forecast," "future," "goal," "guidance," "impact," "initial," "intend," "likely," "may," "outlook," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "probable," "project," "seek," "should," "strategy," "target," "will," "would," and other words that are similar to, or have the opposite meanings, of those words.
All forward-looking statements are intended to enjoy the protection of the PSLRA's safe harbor for forward looking-statements, as well as the protections provided by other securities laws. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements.
Although the Company believes it has a reasonable basis for the forward-looking statements it makes, those statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Changes in those assumptions, expectations, or other factors could produce materially different results. The most important risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ from the Company's forward-looking statements include: (1) worldwide economic, political, regulatory, international trade, geopolitical, tariffs, and retaliatory counter measures, capital markets, and other external conditions, (2) foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates, (3) liabilities and contingencies related to PFAS, including liabilities related to claims, lawsuits, and government regulatory proceedings concerning various PFAS-related products and chemistries, as well as risks related to the Company's exit of PFAS manufacturing and work to discontinue use of PFAS across its product portfolio, (4) risks related to the PWS Settlement to resolve claims by public water suppliers in the United States regarding PFAS, as well as risks related to ongoing PFAS-related settlements and claims, (5) legal proceedings, including significant developments that could occur in the legal and regulatory proceedings described in the Company's reports on Form 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, as well as compliance risks related to legal or regulatory requirements, government contract requirements, policies and practices, or other matters that require or encourage the Company or its customers, suppliers, vendors, or channel partners to conduct business in a certain way, (6) competitive conditions and customer preferences, (7) the timing and market acceptance of new product and service offerings, (8) the availability and cost of purchased components, compounds, raw materials and energy due to shortages, increased demand and wages, tariffs, supply chain interruptions, or natural or other disasters, (9) unanticipated problems or delays when implementing new business systems and solutions, including with the phased implementation of a global enterprise resource planning system, or security breaches and other disruptions to the Company's information or operational technology infrastructure, (10) use of artificial intelligence technologies, (11) the impact of acquisitions, strategic alliances, divestitures, and other strategic events resulting from portfolio management actions and other evolving business strategies, (12) operational execution, including the extent to which the Company can realize the benefits of planned productivity improvements, as well as the impact of organizational restructuring activities, (13) financial market risks that may affect the Company's funding obligations under defined benefit pension and postretirement plans, (14) the Company's credit ratings and its cost of funding, (15) tax-related external conditions, including changes in tax rates, laws, or regulations, (16) matters relating to the Company's Aearo Entities, Combat Arms Earplugs Settlement, and related products, and (17) matters relating to the spin-off of Solventum, the Company's former Health Care business, into an independent public company.
Those risks, uncertainties, and other factors are further described in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. For additional information concerning factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's forward-looking statements, see the Company's reports on Form 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K filed with the SEC from time to time.
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