3M Company Faces Challenges in Consumer Segment Amid Soft Retail Markets: Is a Turnaround on the Horizon?

3M Company (MMM) has been facing persistent weakness in its Consumer segment, primarily due to lower consumer discretionary spending. This has resulted in a decrease of 1.4% in the Consumer segment's top line in the first quarter of 2025, following a decline of about 2% in 2024. The company's command and packaging expression businesses have been particularly weak, while the auto OEM business has also been affected by low auto build rates in Europe and the United States.

The Federal Reserve's cautious approach regarding interest rate adjustments, with a rate cut likely to be held until at least September, is expected to further delay the segment's recovery. 3M expects consumer spending on hardline goods to remain muted and hurt the segment's performance in the near term.

However, 3M is poised to benefit from the continued strength in its Safety and Industrial segment. Strong momentum in the electrical, roofing granules, industrial adhesives and tapes, industrial specialties, and personal safety markets bodes well for the company's growth in the quarters ahead.

Among 3M's major peers, Griffon Corporation (GFF) has been witnessing weakness in the Consumer and Professional Products segment, while Carlisle Companies Incorporated (CSL) has been subject to a slowdown in the residential construction market and project delays. This has adversely impacted Carlisle's Weatherproofing Technologies segment's performance.

From a valuation standpoint, 3M is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 17.94X, above the industry average of 16.44X and its five-year median of 15.97X. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MMM's earnings for second-quarter 2025 and 2025 has declined 1% and 0.9%, respectively, in the past 60 days. MMM stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

In conclusion, while 3M faces challenges in its Consumer segment, it is poised to benefit from strength in its Safety and Industrial segment. Investors should keep an eye on the company's performance and any updates on its strategies to mitigate the impact of weak consumer spending.