3M is poised for big gains

Article Excerpt

U.S. industrial production fell 1.1% in May, and by 0.4% in June, but swung to a 1.0% gain in July. Production slipped slightly in August, but was still positive, at 0.8%. That’s good news for 3M. Because of its large product line (it makes over 55,000 different items), the company’s earnings and share price tend to reflect U.S. manufacturing activity. 3M also stands to gain from any uptick in consumer spending. Moreover, the company is aggressively cutting its costs. This should help fuel its earnings growth as the global economy recovers. 3M COMPANY $74 (New York symbol MMM; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 698.3 million; Market cap: $51.7 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 2.3; WSSF Rating: Above Average) is a diversified manufacturing firm. The company was formerly known as Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing. 3M owns a large number of well-known brands. Post-it notes, Scotch tape, Scotch-Brite household-cleaning products, Scotchguard protection and Thinsulate insulation are just a few. The company has six…