After the successful spinoff of its healthcare division SOLVENTUM, the US conglomerate 3M has readjusted its dividend policy. As the company announced on Tuesday during the presentation of its quarterly results, 3M plans to distribute about 40 percent of its adjusted free cash flow to shareholders in the future. This adjustment takes place in a market environment that was characterized by the IPO of SOLVENTUM in early April, during which 3M received almost 8 billion dollars.

The company based in St. Paul, Minnesota, reported a stable revenue of around 8 billion US dollars for the first quarter. Despite financial challenges stemming from multibillion-dollar legal disputes, among other things, adjusted earnings per share increased by over 20 percent to 2.39 dollars, significantly exceeding analysts' expectations. For the current fiscal year, 3M expects earnings of 6.80 to 7.30 dollars per share, with figures from the spun-off healthcare division no longer included.

Revenue in the first quarter was maintained despite the sale of SOLVENTUM, while net income fell by 5 percent to $933 million due to higher tax reserves. The announced withdrawal from the remaining SOLVENTUM shares, which still comprise 20 percent and are to be sold over the next five years, is a strategic move by 3M to further strengthen its financial position.

At the stock exchange, the quarterly figures and the adjusted dividend policy were well received: 3M's stock rose by 4.44 percent to 96.25 US dollars in pre-market trading, while SOLVENTUM slightly fell by 0.93 percent to 65.30 US dollars. This reflects the confidence of investors in 3M's strategic realignment, especially after a financially challenging previous year that was burdened by high comparative payments.