Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of 3M Company (MMM). Below are some highlights from the linked analysis:

Company Description: 3M Co. provides enhanced product functionality in electronics, health care, industrial, consumer, office, telecommunications, safety & security, and other markets via coatings, sealants, adhesives and other chemical additives.

Fair Value: In calculating fair value, I consider the NPV MMA Differential Fair Value along with these four calculations of fair value, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:

1. Avg. High Yield Price
2. 20-Year DCF Price
3. Avg. P/E Price
4. Graham Number

MMM is trading at a discount to 1.) and 3.) above. Since MMM's tangible book value is not meaningful, a Graham number can not be calculated. When also considering the NPV MMA Differential, the stock is trading at an 11.6% discount to its calculated fair value of $115.95. MMM earned a Star in this section since it is trading at a fair value.

Dividend Analytical Data: In this section, there are three possible Stars and three key metrics, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:

1. Free Cash Flow Payout
2. Debt To Total Capital
3. Key Metrics
4. Dividend Growth Rate
5. Years of Div. Growth
6. Rolling 4-yr Div. > 15%

MMM earned one Star in this section for 3.) above. MMM earned a Star for having an acceptable score in at least two of the four Key Metrics measured. The company has paid a cash dividend to shareholders every year since 1916 and has increased its dividend payments for 65 consecutive years.

Dividend Income vs. MMA: Why would you assume the equity risk and invest in a dividend stock if you could earn a better return in a much less risky money market account (MMA) or Treasury bond? This section compares the earning ability of this stock with a high-yield MMA. Two items are considered in this section, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:

1. NPV MMA Diff.
2. Years to > MMA

MMM earned a Star in this section for its NPV MMA Diff. of $786 This amount is in excess of the $500 target I look for in a stock that has increased dividends as long as MMM has. The stock's current yield of 5.85% exceeds the 3.75% estimated 20-year average MMA rate.

Peers: The company's peer group includes: General Electric Co. (GE) with a 0.3% yield and Carlisle Companies Inc. (CSL) with a 1.3% yield.

Conclusion: MMM earned one Star in the Fair Value section, earned one Star in the Dividend Analytical Data section, and earned one Star in the Dividend Income vs. MMA section for a total of three Stars. This quantitatively ranks MMM as a 3-Star Hold stock.

Using my D4L-PreScreen.xls model, I determined the share price would need to increase to $117.32 before MMM's NPV MMA Differential decreased to the $500 minimum that I look for in a stock with 65 years of consecutive dividend increases. At that price the stock would yield 5.1%.

Resetting the D4L-PreScreen.xls model and solving for the dividend growth rate needed to generate the target $500 NPV MMA Differential, the calculated rate is -0.9%. This dividend growth rate is lower than the 0.7% used in this analysis, thus providing a margin of safety. MMM has a risk rating of 1.75 which classifies it as a Medium risk stock.

MMM is the leader in many of the markets that it serves with a culture that thrives on innovation. Its bottom-line focus and low-cost manufacturing have built a wide moat around its core businesses. The company has enjoyed strong historical earnings, dividend growth and free cash flow, with only modest capital investment.

The company has consistently returned significant cash to its shareholders through share repurchase and dividends. Its Free Cash Flow Payout of 82% (up from 68%) is above my maximum of 60%, and its Debt to Total Capital of 52% (down from previous 54%) is above my maximum of 45%. The stock is currently trading above my calculated fair value of $115.95. I recently sold my entire position in the stock due to poor long-term performance.

More By This Author:

Amgen Inc. Dividend Stock Analysis
Abbvie Inc. Dividend Stock Analysis
3 Dividend Growth Stocks to Buy Now