EXHIBIT 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ST. PAUL, Minn. March 15, 2004 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced it expects first-quarter and full-year earnings to be higher than previously indicated.
For the first quarter ending March 31, the company anticipates earnings to be in the range of $0.86 to $0.88 per share versus prior guidance of $0.80 to $0.82 per share. The company expects first-quarter sales volume growth to be toward the higher end of its previously stated range of 5 to 8 percent.
For the full year 2004, 3M increased its earnings guidance to $3.52 to $3.62 per share versus $3.46 to $3.52 previously. Full-year sales volume growth is expected to be in the range of 5 to 8 percent.
The company said that revenue growth, in U.S. dollars, is again expected to exceed 10 percent in the first quarter, led by continued strength in its Display and Graphics business, along with improving growth trends in many of its industrial-based businesses. Currency effects are expected to contribute about 5 percent to first-quarter sales growth.
3M will discuss first-quarter results and its outlook for the remainder of 2004 in a teleconference April 19, 9 a.m. Eastern Time. This conference will be available via webcast at http://investor.3M.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains
forward-looking statements that reflect current views and estimates of 3Ms
management of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company
performance and financial results. The statements are based on many assumptions
and factors including: (1) worldwide economic conditions; (2) foreign currency
exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates; (3) the timing and acceptance of
new product offerings; (4) purchased components and materials, including
shortages and increases in the costs of such components and materials; (5)
3Ms ability to successfully manage acquisitions, divestitures and
strategic alliances; and (6) legal proceedings. Changes in such assumptions or
factors, including without limitation the outcome of and information derived
from pending Congressional action concerning asbestos-related litigation, could
produce significantly different results.
About 3M A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever
they are, whatever they do, the companys customers know they can rely on
3M to help make their lives better. 3Ms brands include icons such as
Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and
Dyneon. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the
companys 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global
strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and
graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection
services; health care; industrial and transportation.
Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Dyneon are trademarks of 3M.
Investor Contacts: | Matt Ginter | Media Contact: | John Cornwell | ||||
3M (651) 733-8206 | 3M (651) 733-7698 | ||||||
Bruce Jermeland 3M (651) 733-1807 |
From:
3M Public Relations and Corporate Communications
3M Center, Building 0225-01-S-15
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000