Spinoff spotlight: 3M Company

Article Excerpt

3M COMPANY $101 is a buy for long-term gains. The company (New York symbol MMM; Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares o/s: 552.0 million; Market cap: $55.8 billion; Divd. yield: 5.9%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.3m.com) plans to spin off its Health Care division as a separate firm at some point between late 2023 and early 2024. That business makes products to treat and prevent infection in wounds; it also manufactures dental filling materials and filtration and purification products. 3M will retain a 19.9% stake in the independent firm but sell that over time. The company has also agreed to settle lawsuits related to the release of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from its operations in several U.S. cities. PFAS chemicals resist heat, oil, stains and water and are used in a number of products. The U.S. Center for Disease Control recognizes that exposure to high levels of PFAS may impact the immune system. 3M plans to stop producing PFAS in 2025. Under the settlement, 3M will pay $10.3…