3M cutting thousands of jobs, profits tumble

CEO: Job cuts ‘a necessary decision’

Multinational conglomerate 3M will cut 2,500 global manufacturing roles after fourth-quarter profits plummeted due to a slowing economy. 

Mike Roman, chairman and CEO of 3M, said in a release, "In a year impacted by inflation, global conflicts, and economic softening, our team took actions to position 3M for future success."

But, he added, "We expect macroeconomic challenges to persist in 2023.". 

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MMM 3M CO. 132.89 -0.64 -0.48%

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The company announced profits fell to $541 million compared to $1.3 billion over the same time in 2021. The earnings statement also showed sales for the quarter slipped 6%, operating cash flow went down 4%, and organic sales growth lost 0.4%.

3M Products

Currently, 3M employs roughly 95,000 people in over 70 countries around the world and produces more than 60,000 products, including laminates, abrasives and paint protection films. (Reuters/Mario Anzuoni / Reuters Photos)

On the year, 3M’s operating cash flow dropped 25% to $5.6 billion, while adjusted free cash flow also dropped 25% to $4.7 billion.

The company reported the declines were "primarily due to lower net income and the cash impact from capitalization of R&D for U.S. tax purposes."

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Roman said, "The slower-than-expected growth was due to rapid declines in consumer-facing markets along with significant slowing in China due to COVID-related disruptions."

"As demand weakened, we adjusted manufacturing output and controlled costs, which enabled us to improve inventory levels," he added.

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