3M Surges on Strong Earnings and Trade Relief as $540M Volume Ranks 196th

On August 4, 2025, 3M (MMM) rose 2.40% to $147.87, with a trading volume of $0.54 billion, ranking 196th in market activity. The stock’s performance was influenced by strong earnings and strategic updates from the industrial conglomerate.

UBS reaffirmed a “Buy” rating for 3M, citing robust Q2 results and an upward revision of full-year earnings guidance. The firm highlighted the company’s resilience in organic growth, driven by its Safety and Industrial division, which reported a fifth consecutive quarter of expansion amid heightened demand in safety and electrical markets.

3M’s Safety and Industrial unit has become a key growth driver, supported by sustained demand for its adhesive and industrial solutions. The company also marked the 100th anniversary of its Scotch Brand, emphasizing its legacy of innovation across global markets. These factors underscore the stock’s appeal as a defensive play amid trade uncertainty.

Reduced U.S.-China trade tensions further bolstered sentiment. 3M now anticipates a lower annual tariff impact of 20 cents per share, down from 60 cents, due to reduced duties on Chinese imports. CEO Bill Brown noted cost-cutting measures and pricing adjustments would offset half of the remaining burden.

The strategy of purchasing the top 500 stocks by daily trading volume and holding them for one day delivered a 166.71% return from 2022 to 2025, outperforming the benchmark by 137.53%. This highlights the potential of liquidity-driven strategies in volatile markets, where high-volume stocks like 3M can amplify gains through concentrated trading activity.