Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
 
x    ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
 
Commission file number 1-3285
 
3M COMPANY

State of Incorporation: Delaware	 	I.R.S. Employer Identification No.  41-0417775	
 
Principal executive offices: 3M Center, St. Paul, Minnesota 55144
 
Telephone number: (651) 733-1110
 
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

Title of each class	 	Name of each exchange
on which registered	
Common Stock, Par Value $.01 Per Share	 	New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc.	
 
Note: The common stock of the Registrant is also traded on the SWX Swiss Exchange.
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None
 
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes   x     No    o
 
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes   o     No   x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes   x     No   o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes   x     No   o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x	 	Accelerated filer o	 	 Non-accelerated filer o	 	Smaller reporting company o	
 	 	 	 	(Do not check if a smaller
reporting company)	 	 	
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   Yes   o      No   x
 
The aggregate market value of voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the closing price and shares outstanding, was approximately $103.0 billion as of January 31, 2015 (approximately $92.8 billion as of June 30, 2014, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second quarter).
 
Shares of common stock outstanding at January 31, 2015: 634,749,706
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Parts of the Company’s definitive proxy statement (to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after Registrant’s fiscal year-end of December 31, 2014) for its annual meeting to be held on May 12, 2015, are incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K in response to Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

 

Table of Contents
 
3M COMPANY
FORM 10-K
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 	 	 	 	Beginning
Page	
PART I	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 1	 	Business	 	3	
 	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 1A	 	Risk Factors	 	10	
 	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 1B	 	Unresolved Staff Comments	 	12	
 	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 2	 	Properties	 	12	
 	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 3	 	Legal Proceedings	 	12	
 	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 4	 	Mine Safety Disclosures	 	12	
 	 	 	 	 	
PART II	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 5	 	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	 	13	
 	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 6	 	Selected Financial Data	 	15	
 	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 7	 	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	 	16	
 	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 7A	 	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	 	43	
 	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 8	 	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	 	45	
 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	Index to Financial Statements	 	45	
 	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 9	 	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	 	118	
 	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 9A	 	Controls and Procedures	 	118	
 	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 9B	 	Other Information	 	118	
 	 	 	 	 	
PART III	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 10	 	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	 	119	
 	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 11	 	Executive Compensation	 	119	
 	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 12	 	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	 	120	
 	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 13	 	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	 	120	
 	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 14	 	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	 	120	
 	 	 	 	 	
PART IV	 	 	 	 	
ITEM 15	 	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	 	121	
 
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3M COMPANY
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
PART I 
 
Item 1. Business. 
 
3M Company was incorporated in 1929 under the laws of the State of Delaware to continue operations begun in 1902. The Company’s ticker symbol is MMM. As used herein, the term “3M” or “Company” includes 3M Company and its subsidiaries unless the context indicates otherwise. In this document, for any references to Note 1 through Note 17, refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.
 
Available Information
 
The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including the Company, that file electronically with the SEC. The public can obtain any documents that the Company files with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. The Company files annual reports, quarterly reports, proxy statements and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). The public may read and copy any materials that the Company files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
 
3M also makes available free of charge through its website (http://investor.3M.com) the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and, if applicable, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC.
 
General
 
3M is a diversified technology company with a global presence in the following businesses: Industrial; Safety and Graphics; Electronics and Energy; Health Care; and Consumer. 3M is among the leading manufacturers of products for many of the markets it serves. Most 3M products involve expertise in product development, manufacturing and marketing, and are subject to competition from products manufactured and sold by other technologically oriented companies.
 
At December 31, 2014, the Company employed 89,800 people (full-time equivalents), with 35,581 employed in the United States and 54,219 employed internationally.
 
Business Segments
 
As described in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, effective in the first quarter of 2014, 3M transferred a product line between divisions within different business segments and made other changes within business segments in its continuing effort to improve the alignment of its businesses around markets and customers. In addition, effective in the second quarter of 2014, within the Electronics and Energy business segment, 3M combined three existing divisions into two new divisions. A large portion of both the Electronics Markets Materials Division and the Electronic Solutions Division were combined to form the Electronics Materials Solutions Division, which focuses on semiconductor and electronics materials and assembly solutions. The Optical Systems Division, the remaining portion of the Electronic Solutions Division and a portion of the Electronics Markets Materials Division were combined to form the Display Materials and Systems Division, which focuses on delivering light, color and user interface solutions. Also, effective in the fourth quarter of 2014, within the Industrial business segment, the Personal Care Division, which focuses on tapes and attachment systems for infant and adult hygiene, was combined with the Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division.
 
3M manages its operations in five operating business segments: Industrial; Safety and Graphics; Electronics and Energy; Health Care; and Consumer. 3M’s five business segments bring together common or related 3M technologies, enhancing the development of innovative products and services and providing for efficient sharing of business resources. These segments have worldwide responsibility for virtually all 3M product lines. Certain small businesses and lab-sponsored products, as well as various corporate assets and expenses, are not attributed to the business segments. Financial information and other disclosures relating to 3M’s business segments and operations in major geographic areas are provided in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
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Industrial Business: The Industrial segment serves a broad range of markets, such as automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and automotive aftermarket (auto body shops and retail), electronics, appliance, paper and printing, packaging, food and beverage, and construction. Industrial products include tapes, a wide variety of coated, non-woven and bonded abrasives, adhesives, advanced ceramics, sealants, specialty materials, 3M Purification Inc. (filtration products), closure systems for personal hygiene products, acoustic systems products, and components and products that are used in the manufacture, repair and maintenance of automotive, marine, aircraft and specialty vehicles. 3M is also a leading global supplier of precision grinding technology serving customers in the area of hard-to-grind precision applications in industrial, automotive, aircraft and cutting tools. In the fourth quarter of 2012, 3M acquired Ceradyne, Inc., which develops and produces advanced technical ceramics for demanding applications in the automotive, oil and gas, solar, industrial, electronics and defense industries.
 
Major industrial products include vinyl, polyester, foil and specialty industrial tapes and adhesives; Scotch® Masking Tape, Scotch® Filament Tape and Scotch® Packaging Tape; packaging equipment; 3M™ VHB™ Bonding Tapes; conductive, low surface energy, sealants, hot melt, spray and structural adhesives; reclosable fasteners; label materials for durable goods; and coated, nonwoven and microstructured surface finishing and grinding abrasives for the industrial market. 3M Purification Inc. provides a comprehensive line of filtration products for the separation, clarification and purification of fluids and gases. Other industrial products include fluoroelastomers for seals, tubes and gaskets in engines.
 
Major transportation products include insulation components, including Thinsulate™ Acoustic Insulation and components for cabin noise reduction and catalytic converters; functional and decorative graphics; abrasion-resistant films; adhesives; sealants; masking tapes; fasteners and tapes for attaching nameplates, trim, moldings, interior panels and carpeting; coated, nonwoven and microstructured finishing and grinding abrasives; structural adhesives; and other specialty materials. In addition, 3M provides paint finishing and detailing products, including a complete system of cleaners, dressings, polishes, waxes and other products.
 
Safety and Graphics Business: The Safety and Graphics segment serves a broad range of markets that increase the safety, security and productivity of people, facilities and systems. Major product offerings include personal protection products; traffic safety and security products, including border and civil security solutions; commercial solutions, including commercial graphics sheeting and systems, architectural surface and lighting solutions, and cleaning and protection products for commercial establishments; and roofing granules for asphalt shingles.
 
This segment’s products include personal protection products, such as certain maintenance-free and reusable respirators, personal protective equipment, head and face protection, body protection, hearing protection and protective eyewear. In traffic safety and security, 3M provides reflective sheeting used on highway signs, vehicle license plates, construction work-zone devices, trucks and other vehicles, and also provides pavement marking systems, in addition to electronic surveillance products, films that protect against counterfeiting, and reflective materials that are widely used on apparel, footwear and accessories, enhancing visibility in low-light situations. Traffic safety and security also provides finger, palm, face and iris biometric systems for governments, law enforcement agencies, and commercial enterprises, in addition to remote people-monitoring technologies used for offender-monitoring applications. Major commercial graphics products include films, inks, digital signage systems and related products used to produce graphics for vehicles, signs and interior surfaces. Other products include spill-control sorbents; nonwoven abrasive materials for floor maintenance and commercial cleaning; floor matting; and natural and color-coated mineral granules for asphalt shingles.
 
Electronics and Energy Business: The Electronics and Energy segment serves customers in electronics and energy markets, including solutions that improve the dependability, cost-effectiveness, and performance of electronic devices; electrical products, including infrastructure protection; telecommunications networks, and power generation and distribution.
 
This segment’s electronics solutions include the display materials and systems business, which provides films that serve numerous market segments of the electronic display industry. 3M provides distinct products for five market segments, including products for: 1) LCD computer monitors 2) LCD televisions 3) handheld devices such as cellular phones and tablets 4) notebook PCs and 5) automotive displays. This segment also provides desktop and notebook computer screen filters that address display light control, privacy, and glare reduction needs. Major electronics products also include packaging and interconnection devices; high performance fluids and abrasives used in the manufacture of computer chips, and for cooling electronics and lubricating computer hard disk drives; and high-temperature and display tapes. Flexible circuits use electronic packaging and interconnection technology, providing more connections in less space, and are used in ink-jet printer cartridges, cell phones and electronic devices. This segment also includes the touch systems products, including touch screens, touch monitors, and touch sensor components.
 
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This segment’s energy solutions include electrical products, including infrastructure protection, telecommunications, and renewable energy. This segment serves the worlds electrical and telecommunications markets, including electrical utilities, electrical construction, maintenance and repair, original equipment manufacturers (OEM), telecommunications central office, outside plant and enterprise, as well as aerospace, military, automotive and medical markets, with products that enable the efficient transmission of electrical power and speed the delivery of information. Products in this segment include pressure sensitive tapes and resins, electrical insulation, a wide array of fiber-optic and copper-based telecommunications systems for rapid deployment of fixed and wireless networks, as well as the 3M™ Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced (ACCR) electrical power cable that increases transmission capacity for existing power lines. This segment also includes renewable energy component solutions for the solar and wind power industries, as well as infrastructure products solutions that provide municipalities both protection and detection solutions for electrical, oil, natural gas, water, rebar and other infrastructure assets.
 
Health Care Business: The Health Care segment serves markets that include medical clinics and hospitals, pharmaceuticals, dental and orthodontic practitioners, health information systems, and food manufacturing and testing. Products and services provided to these and other markets include medical and surgical supplies, skin health and infection prevention products, inhalation and transdermal drug delivery systems, dental and orthodontic products (oral care), health information systems, and food safety products. In April 2014, 3M (Health Care Business) purchased all of the outstanding equity interests of Treo Solutions LLC, headquartered in Troy, New York. Treo Solutions LLC is a provider of data analytics and business intelligence to healthcare payers and providers.
 
In the medical and surgical areas, 3M is a supplier of medical tapes, dressings, wound closure products, orthopedic casting materials, electrodes and stethoscopes. In infection prevention, 3M markets a variety of surgical drapes, masks and preps, as well as sterilization assurance equipment and patient warming solutions designed to prevent hypothermia in surgical settings. Other products include drug delivery systems, such as metered-dose inhalers, transdermal skin patches and related components. Dental and orthodontic products include restoratives, adhesives, finishing and polishing products, crowns, impression materials, preventive sealants, professional tooth whiteners, prophylaxis and orthodontic appliances, as well as digital workflow solutions to transform traditional impression and analog processes. In health information systems, 3M develops and markets computer software for hospital coding and data classification, and provides related consulting services. 3M provides food safety products that make it faster and easier for food processors to test the microbiological quality of food.
 
Consumer Business: The Consumer segment serves markets that include consumer retail, office retail, office business to business, home improvement, drug and pharmacy retail, and other markets. Products in this segment include office supply products, stationery products, construction and home improvement products (do-it-yourself), home care products, protective material products, certain consumer retail personal safety products, and consumer health care products.
 
Major consumer products include Scotch® brand products, such as Scotch® Magic™ Tape, Scotch® Glue Stick and Scotch® Cushioned Mailer; Post-it® Products, such as Post-it® Flags, Post-it® Note Pads, Post-it® Labeling & Cover-up Tape, and Post-it® Pop-up Notes and Dispensers; construction and home improvement products, including surface-preparation and wood-finishing materials, Command™ Adhesive Products and Filtrete™ Filters for furnaces and air conditioners; home care products, including Scotch-Brite® Scour Pads, Scotch-Brite® Scrub Sponges, Scotch-Brite™ Microfiber Cloth products, O-Cel-O™ Sponges; protective material products, such as Scotchgard™ Fabric Protectors; certain maintenance-free respirators; certain consumer retail personal safety products, including safety glasses, hearing protectors, and 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation, which is used in jackets, pants, gloves, hats and boots to keep people warm; Nexcare™ Adhesive Bandages; and ACE® branded (and related brands) elastic bandage, supports and thermometer product lines.
 
Distribution
 
3M products are sold through numerous distribution channels, including directly to users and through numerous wholesalers, retailers, jobbers, distributors and dealers in a wide variety of trades in many countries around the world. Management believes the confidence of wholesalers, retailers, jobbers, distributors and dealers in 3M and its products — a confidence developed through long association with skilled marketing and sales representatives — has contributed significantly to 3M’s position in the marketplace and to its growth.
 
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Research and Patents
 
Research and product development constitutes an important part of 3M’s activities and has been a major driver of 3M’s sales and profit growth. Research, development and related expenses totaled $1.770 billion in 2014, $1.715 billion in 2013 and $1.634 billion in 2012. Research and development, covering basic scientific research and the application of scientific advances in the development of new and improved products and their uses, totaled $1.193 billion in 2014, $1.150 billion in 2013 and $1.079 billion in 2012. Related expenses primarily include technical support provided by 3M to customers who are using existing 3M products; internally developed patent costs, which include costs and fees incurred to prepare, file, secure and maintain patents; amortization of externally acquired patents and externally acquired in-process research and development; and gains/losses associated with certain corporate approved investments in R&D-related ventures, such as equity method effects and impairments.
 
The Company’s products are sold around the world under various trademarks. The Company also owns, or holds licenses to use, numerous U.S. and foreign patents. The Company’s research and development activities generate a steady stream of inventions that are covered by new patents. Patents applicable to specific products extend for varying periods according to the date of patent application filing or patent grant and the legal term of patents in the various countries where patent protection is obtained. The actual protection afforded by a patent, which can vary from country to country, depends upon the type of patent, the scope of its coverage and the availability of legal remedies in the country.
 
The Company believes that its patents provide an important competitive advantage in many of its businesses. In general, no single patent or group of related patents is in itself essential to the Company as a whole or to any of the Company’s business segments. The importance of patents in the Electronics and Energy segment is described in “Performance by Business Segment” — “Electronics and Energy Business” in Part II, Item 7, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Raw Materials
 
In 2014, the Company experienced stable to declining costs for most raw material categories and transportation fuel. This was driven by year-on-year cost decreases in many feedstock categories, including petroleum based materials, minerals, metals and wood pulp based products. To date, the Company is receiving sufficient quantities of all raw materials to meet its reasonably foreseeable production requirements. It is impossible to predict future shortages of raw materials or the impact any such shortages would have. 3M has avoided disruption to its manufacturing operations through careful management of existing raw material inventories and development and qualification of additional supply sources. 3M manages commodity price risks through negotiated supply contracts, price protection agreements and forward contracts.
 
Environmental Law Compliance
 
3M’s manufacturing operations are affected by national, state and local environmental laws around the world. 3M has made, and plans to continue making, necessary expenditures for compliance with applicable laws. 3M is also involved in remediation actions relating to environmental matters from past operations at certain sites (refer to “Environmental Matters and Litigation” in Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies).
 
Environmental expenditures relating to existing conditions caused by past operations that do not contribute to current or future revenues are expensed. Reserves for liabilities for anticipated remediation costs are recorded on an undiscounted basis when they are probable and reasonably estimable, generally no later than the completion of feasibility studies, the Company’s commitment to a plan of action, or approval by regulatory agencies. Environmental expenditures for capital projects that contribute to current or future operations generally are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.
 
In 2014, 3M expended about $28 million for capital projects related to protecting the environment. This amount excludes expenditures for remediation actions relating to existing matters caused by past operations that do not contribute to current or future revenues, which are expensed. Capital expenditures for environmental purposes have included pollution control devices — such as wastewater treatment plant improvements, scrubbers, containment structures, solvent recovery units and thermal oxidizers — at new and existing facilities constructed or upgraded in the normal course of business. Consistent with the Company’s policies stressing environmental responsibility, capital expenditures (other than for remediation projects) for known projects are presently expected to be about $51 million over the next two years for new or expanded programs to build facilities or modify manufacturing processes to minimize waste and reduce emissions.
 
While the Company cannot predict with certainty the future costs of such cleanup activities, capital expenditures or operating costs for environmental compliance, the Company does not believe they will have a material effect on its capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.
 
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Executive Officers
 
Following is a list of the executive officers of 3M, and their age, present position, the year elected to their present position and other positions they have held during the past five years. No family relationships exist among any of the executive officers named, nor is there any undisclosed arrangement or understanding pursuant to which any person was selected as an officer. This information is presented in the table below as of the date of the 10-K filing (February 12, 2015).

Name	 	Age	 	Present Position	 	Year 
Elected to
Present
Position	 	Other Positions Held During 2010-2014	
Inge G. Thulin	 	61	 	Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer	 	2012	 	President and Chief Executive Officer, 2012
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, 2011-2012
Executive Vice President, International Operations, 2004-2011	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
James L. Bauman	 	55	 	Senior Vice President, Business Transformation, Americas	 	2015	 	Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific, 2012-2014
Vice President and General Manager, Optical Systems Division, 2008-2012	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Julie L. Bushman	 	53	 	Senior Vice President, Business Transformation and Information Technology	 	2013	 	Executive Vice President, Safety and Graphics, 2012-2013
Executive Vice President, Safety, Security and Protection Services Business, 2011-2012
Vice President and General Manager, Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division, 2007-2011	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Joaquin Delgado	 	55	 	Executive Vice President, Health Care	 	2012	 	Executive Vice President, Electro and Communications Business, 2009-2012	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Ivan K. Fong	 	53	 	Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs and General Counsel	 	2012	 	General Counsel, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2009-2012	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Nicholas C. Gangestad	 	50	 	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer	 	2014	 	Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, 2011-2014
Director, Corporate Accounting, 2007-2011	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Ian F. Hardgrove	 	64	 	Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications and Enterprise Services	 	2014	 	Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Communications, 2011-2013
Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales, 2011
Vice President and General Manager, Automotive Aftermarket Division, 2007-2011	
 
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Executive Officers (continued)

Name	 	Age	 	Present Position	 	Year 
Elected to
Present
Position	 	Other Positions Held During 2010-2014	
Paul A. Keel	 	45	 	Senior Vice President, Supply Chain	 	2014	 	Managing Director, 3M United Kingdom-Ireland Region, 2013-2014
Vice President and General Manager, Skin and Wound Care Division, 2010-2013
Vice President and General Manager, 3M Unitek Corporation, 2007-2010	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Michael A. Kelly	 	58	 	Executive Vice President, Electronics and Energy	 	2012	 	Executive Vice President, Display and Graphics Business, 2006-2012	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Ashish K. Khandpur	 	47	 	Senior Vice President, Research and Development and Chief Technology Officer	 	2014	 	Vice President and General Manager, Personal Safety Division, 2014
Vice President, Research and Development, Industrial Business Group, 2013
Vice President, Research and Development, Industrial and Transportation Business, 2012
Technical Director, Industrial and Transportation Business, Asia Pacific, 2011
Technical Director, 3M India and Sri Lanka, and Technical Director, Industrial and Transportation Business, Asia Pacific, 2010-2011
Technical Director, 3M India and Sri Lanka, India, 2008-2010	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Jon T. Lindekugel	 	51	 	Senior Vice President, Business Development	 	2014	 	President, Health Information Systems Inc., 2008-2014	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Frank R. Little	 	54	 	Executive Vice President, Safety and Graphics Business Group	 	2013	 	Vice President and General Manager, Personal Safety Division, 2013
Vice President and General Manager, Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division, 2011-2012
Managing Director, 3M Korea, 2008-2011	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Marlene M. McGrath	 	52	 	Senior Vice President, Human Resources	 	2012	 	Vice President, Human Resources, International Operations, 2010-2012
Director, Human Resources, International Operations, 2006-2010	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Michael F. Roman	 	55	 	Executive Vice President, Industrial Business Group	 	2014	 	Senior Vice President, Business Development, 2013-2014
Vice President and General Manager, Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division, 2011-2013
Vice President and General Manager, Renewable Energy Division, 2009-2011	
 
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Executive Officers (continued)

Name	 	Age	 	Present Position	 	Year 
Elected to
Present
Position	 	Other Positions Held During 2010-2014	
Hak Cheol Shin	 	57	 	Executive Vice President, International Operations	 	2011	 	Executive Vice President, Industrial and Transportation Division Business, 2006-2011	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Jesse G. Singh	 	49	 	Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales	 	2014	 	Vice President and General Manager, Stationery and Office Supplies Division, 2012-2013
President, Sumitomo 3M Limited, 2007-2012	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Michael G. Vale	 	48	 	Executive Vice President, Consumer	 	2012	 	Executive Vice President, Consumer and Office Business, 2011-2012
Managing Director, 3M Brazil, 2009-2011	
 
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Cautionary Note Concerning Factors That May Affect Future Results
 
This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company may also make forward-looking statements in other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in materials delivered to shareholders and in press releases. In addition, the Company’s representatives may from time to time make oral forward-looking statements.
 
Forward-looking statements relate to future events and typically address the Company’s expected future business and financial performance. Words such as “plan,” “expect,” “aim,” “believe,” “project,” “target,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “will,” “should,” “could” and other words and terms of similar meaning, typically identify such forward-looking statements. In particular, these include, among others, statements relating to
 
·                   the Company’s strategy for growth, future revenues, earnings, cash flow, uses of cash and other measures of financial performance, and market position,
·                   worldwide economic and capital markets conditions, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, financial conditions of our suppliers and customers, and natural and other disasters affecting the operations of the Company or our suppliers and customers,
·                   new business opportunities, product development, and future performance or results of current or anticipated products,
·                   the scope, nature or impact of acquisition, strategic alliance and divestiture activities,
·                   the outcome of contingencies, such as legal and regulatory proceedings,
·                   future levels of indebtedness, common stock repurchases and capital spending,
·                   future availability of and access to credit markets,
·                   pension and postretirement obligation assumptions and future contributions, asset impairments, tax liabilities, information technology security, and
·                   the effects of changes in tax, environmental and other laws and regulations in the United States and other countries in which we operate.
 
The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
 
Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual future results and trends may differ materially from historical results or those reflected in any such forward-looking statements depending on a variety of factors. Important information as to these factors can be found in this document, including, among others, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under the headings of “Overview,” “Critical Accounting Estimates” and “Financial Condition and Liquidity.” Discussion of these factors is incorporated by reference from Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of this document, and should be considered an integral part of Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” For additional information concerning factors that may cause actual results to vary materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements, see our reports on Form 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with the SEC from time to time.
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors. 
 
Provided below is a cautionary discussion of what we believe to be the most important risk factors applicable to the Company. Discussion of these factors is incorporated by reference into and considered an integral part of Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations.”
 
* Results are impacted by the effects of, and changes in, worldwide economic and capital markets conditions. The Company operates in more than 70 countries and derives approximately two-thirds of its revenues from outside the United States. The Company’s business is subject to global competition and may be adversely affected by factors in the United States and other countries that are beyond its control, such as disruptions in financial markets, economic downturns in the form of either contained or widespread recessionary conditions, elevated unemployment levels, sluggish or uneven recovery, in specific countries or regions, or in the various industries in which the Company operates; social, political or labor conditions in specific countries or regions; natural and other disasters affecting the operations of the Company or its customers and suppliers; or adverse changes in the availability and cost of capital, interest rates, tax rates, or regulations in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates.
 
* The Company’s credit ratings are important to 3M’s cost of capital. The major rating agencies routinely evaluate the Company’s credit profile and assign debt ratings to 3M. As of February 2015, the Company has an AA- credit rating, with
 
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a stable outlook, from Standard & Poor’s and an Aa3 credit rating, with a negative outlook, from Moody’s Investors Service. This evaluation is based on a number of factors, which include financial strength, business and financial risk, as well as transparency with rating agencies and timeliness of financial reporting. The Company’s credit ratings have facilitated lower borrowing costs and access to a variety of lenders. 3M’s ongoing transition to a more optimized capital structure, financed with additional low-cost debt, could impact 3M’s credit rating in the future. Failure to maintain strong investment grade ratings would adversely affect the Company’s cost of funds and could adversely affect liquidity and access to capital markets.
 
* The Company’s results are affected by competitive conditions and customer preferences. Demand for the Company’s products, which impacts revenue and profit margins, is affected by (i) the development and timing of the introduction of competitive products; (ii) the Company’s response to downward pricing to stay competitive; (iii) changes in customer order patterns, such as changes in the levels of inventory maintained by customers and the timing of customer purchases which may be affected by announced price changes, changes in the Company’s incentive programs, or the customer’s ability to achieve incentive goals; and (iv) changes in customers’ preferences for our products, including the success of products offered by our competitors, and changes in customer designs for their products that can affect the demand for some of the Company’s products.
 
* Foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates may affect the Company’s ability to realize projected growth rates in its sales and earnings. Because the Company’s financial statements are denominated in U.S. dollars and approximately two-thirds of the Company’s revenues are derived from outside the United States, the Company’s results of operations and its ability to realize projected growth rates in sales and earnings could be adversely affected if the U.S. dollar strengthens significantly against foreign currencies.
 
* The Company’s growth objectives are largely dependent on the timing and market acceptance of its new product offerings, including its ability to continually renew its pipeline of new products and to bring those products to market. This ability may be adversely affected by difficulties or delays in product development, such as the inability to identify viable new products, obtain adequate intellectual property protection, or gain market acceptance of new products. There are no guarantees that new products will prove to be commercially successful.
 
* The Company’s future results are subject to fluctuations in the costs and availability of purchased components, compounds, raw materials and energy, including oil and natural gas and their derivatives, due to shortages, increased demand, supply interruptions, currency exchange risks, natural disasters and other factors. The Company depends on various components, compounds, raw materials, and energy (including oil and natural gas and their derivatives) supplied by others for the manufacturing of its products. It is possible that any of its supplier relationships could be interrupted due to natural and other disasters and other events, or be terminated in the future. Any sustained interruption in the Company’s receipt of adequate supplies could have a material adverse effect on the Company. In addition, while the Company has a process to minimize volatility in component and material pricing, no assurance can be given that the Company will be able to successfully manage price fluctuations or that future price fluctuations or shortages will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
* Acquisitions, strategic alliances, divestitures, and other unusual events resulting from portfolio management actions and other evolving business strategies, and possible organizational restructuring could affect future results. The Company monitors its business portfolio and organizational structure and has made and may continue to make acquisitions, strategic alliances, divestitures and changes to its organizational structure. With respect to acquisitions, future results will be affected by the Company’s ability to integrate acquired businesses quickly and obtain the anticipated synergies.
 
* The Company’s future results may be affected if the Company generates fewer productivity improvements than estimated. The Company utilizes various tools, such as Lean Six Sigma, to improve operational efficiency and productivity. There can be no assurance that all of the projected productivity improvements will be realized.
 
* The Company employs information technology systems to support its business, including ongoing phased implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system on a worldwide basis over the next several years. Security breaches and other disruptions to the Company’s information technology infrastructure could interfere with the Company’s operations, compromise information belonging to the Company and its customers and suppliers, and expose the Company to liability which could adversely impact the Company’s business and reputation. In the ordinary course of business, the Company relies on information technology networks and systems, some of which are managed by third parties, to process, transmit and store electronic information, and to manage or support a variety of business processes and activities. Additionally, the Company collects and stores certain data, including proprietary business information, and may have access to confidential or personal information in certain of our businesses that is subject to privacy and security laws, regulations and customer-imposed controls. Despite our cybersecurity measures (including employee and third-
 
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party training, monitoring of networks and systems, and maintenance of backup and protective systems) which are continuously reviewed and upgraded, the Company’s information technology networks and infrastructure may still be vulnerable to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to attack by hackers or breaches, employee error or malfeasance, power outages, computer viruses, telecommunication or utility failures, systems failures, natural disasters or other catastrophic events. It is possible for such vulnerabilities to remain undetected for an extended period, up to and including several years. While we have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, these types of threats to the Company’s information technology networks and infrastructure, none of them to date has had a material impact to the Company. There may be other challenges and risks as the Company upgrades and standardizes its ERP system on a worldwide basis. Any such events could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability or penalties under privacy laws, disruption in operations, and damage to the Company’s reputation, which could adversely affect the Company’s business. Although the Company maintains insurance coverage for various cybersecurity risks, there can be no guarantee that all costs or losses incurred will be fully insured.
 
* The Company’s future results may be affected by various legal and regulatory proceedings and legal compliance risks, including those involving product liability, antitrust, intellectual property, environmental, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-bribery, anti-corruption, or other matters. The outcome of these legal proceedings may differ from the Company’s expectations because the outcomes of litigation, including regulatory matters, are often difficult to reliably predict. Various factors or developments can lead the Company to change current estimates of liabilities and related insurance receivables where applicable, or make such estimates for matters previously not susceptible of reasonable estimates, such as a significant judicial ruling or judgment, a significant settlement, significant regulatory developments or changes in applicable law. A future adverse ruling, settlement or unfavorable development could result in future charges that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or cash flows in any particular period. For a more detailed discussion of the legal proceedings involving the Company and the associated accounting estimates, see the discussion in Note 13 “Commitments and Contingencies” within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. 
 
None.
 
Item 2. Properties. 
 
3M’s general offices, corporate research laboratories, and certain division laboratories are located in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Company operates 88 manufacturing facilities in 30 states. The Company operates 127 manufacturing and converting facilities in 38 countries outside the United States.
 
3M owns the majority of its physical properties. 3M’s physical facilities are highly suitable for the purposes for which they were designed. Because 3M is a global enterprise characterized by substantial intersegment cooperation, properties are often used by multiple business segments.
 
Item 3. Legal Proceedings. 
 
Discussion of legal matters is incorporated by reference from Part II, Item 8, Note 13, “Commitments and Contingencies,” of this document, and should be considered an integral part of Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings.”
 
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. 
 
Pursuant to Section 1503 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Act”), the Company is required to disclose, in connection with the mines it operates, information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters in its periodic reports filed with the SEC. For the year 2014, the information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Act is included in Exhibit 95 to this annual report.
 
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PART II 
 
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. 
 
Equity compensation plans’ information is incorporated by reference from Part III, Item 12, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters,” of this document, and should be considered an integral part of Item 5. At January 31, 2015, there were 87,598 shareholders of record. 3M’s stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (NYSE), the Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc., and the SWX Swiss Exchange. Cash dividends declared in the fourth quarter of 2014 included a dividend paid in November 2014 of $0.855 per share and a dividend payable in March 2015 of $1.025 per share. Cash dividends declared and paid totaled $0.855 per share for the second and third quarters of 2014. Cash dividends declared in the fourth quarter of 2013 included a dividend paid in November 2013 of $0.635 per share and a dividend paid in March 2014 of $0.855 per share. Cash dividends declared and paid totaled $0.635 per share for the first three quarters of 2013. Stock price comparisons follow:
 
Stock price comparisons (NYSE composite transactions)

(Per share amounts)	 	First Quarter	 	Second
Quarter	 	Third Quarter	 	Fourth
Quarter	 	Total	 	
2014 High	 	$	139.29	 	$	145.53	 	$	147.87	 	$	168.16	 	$	168.16	 	
2014 Low	 	123.61	 	132.02	 	138.43	 	130.60	 	123.61	 	
2013 High	 	$	106.88	 	$	113.25	 	$	122.27	 	$	140.43	 	$	140.43	 	
2013 Low	 	93.96	 	102.89	 	108.21	 	116.65	 	93.96	 	
 
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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Repurchases of 3M common stock are made to support the Company’s stock-based employee compensation plans and for other corporate purposes. In February 2013, 3M’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $7.5 billion of 3M’s outstanding common stock, with no pre-established end date. In February 2014, 3M’s Board of Directors replaced the Company’s February 2013 repurchase program with a new repurchase program. This new program authorizes the repurchase of up to $12 billion of 3M’s outstanding common stock, with no pre-established end date.
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
(registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act)

Period	 	Total Number of
Shares Purchased
(1)	 	Average Price
Paid per
Share	 	Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs (2)	 	Maximum
Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
under the Plans
or Programs
(Millions)	 	
January 1-31, 2014	 	2,152,171	 	$	134.07	 	2,148,754	 	$	2,229	 	
February 1-28, 2014	 	5,058,426	 	$	130.79	 	5,058,426	 	$	11,338	 	
March 1-31, 2014	 	5,789,597	 	$	132.90	 	5,786,921	 	$	10,569	 	
Total January 1-March 31, 2014	 	13,000,194	 	$	132.27	 	12,994,101	 	$	10,569	 	
April 1-30, 2014	 	4,615,353	 	$	135.93	 	4,607,663	 	$	9,943	 	
May 1-31, 2014	 	2,619,394	 	$	141.05	 	2,613,100	 	$	9,574	 	
June 1-30, 2014	 	2,674,367	 	$	143.80	 	2,674,367	 	$	9,190	 	
Total April 1-June 30, 2014	 	9,909,114	 	$	139.41	 	9,895,130	 	$	9,190	 	
July 1-31, 2014	 	2,969,148	 	$	144.54	 	2,963,047	 	$	8,762	 	
August 1-31, 2014	 	3,783,000	 	$	141.90	 	3,783,000	 	$	8,225	 	
September 1-30, 2014	 	2,209,057	 	$	143.58	 	2,209,057	 	$	7,908	 	
Total July 1-September 30, 2014	 	8,961,205	 	$	143.19	 	8,955,104	 	$	7,908	 	
October 1-31, 2014	 	6,112,233	 	$	137.96	 	6,109,426	 	$	7,065	 	
November 1-30, 2014	 	881,629	 	$	158.12	 	881,629	 	$	6,925	 	
December 1-31, 2014	 	1,370,427	 	$	162.45	 	1,369,777	 	$	6,703	 	
Total October 1-December 31, 2014	 	8,364,289	 	$	144.10	 	8,360,832	 	$	6,703	 	
Total January 1-December 31, 2014	 	40,234,802	 	$	138.92	 	40,205,167	 	$	6,703	 	

(1)	The total number of shares purchased includes: (i) shares purchased under the Board’s authorizations described above, and (ii) shares purchased in connection with the exercise of stock options.	
 	 	
(2)	The total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs includes shares purchased under the Board’s authorizations described above.	
 
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Item 6. Selected Financial Data. 

(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	2011	 	2010	 	
Years ended December 31:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net sales	 	$	31,821	 	$	30,871	 	$	29,904	 	$	29,611	 	$	26,662	 	
Net income attributable to 3M	 	4,956	 	4,659	 	4,444	 	4,283	 	4,085	 	
Per share of 3M common stock:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net income attributable to 3M — basic	 	7.63	 	6.83	 	6.40	 	6.05	 	5.72	 	
Net income attributable to 3M — diluted	 	7.49	 	6.72	 	6.32	 	5.96	 	5.63	 	
Cash dividends declared per 3M common share	 	3.59	 	3.395	 	2.36	 	2.20	 	2.10	 	
Cash dividends paid per 3M common share	 	3.42	 	2.54	 	2.36	 	2.20	 	2.10	 	
At December 31:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total assets	 	$	31,269	 	$	33,550	 	$	33,876	 	$	31,616	 	$	30,156	 	
Long-term debt (excluding portion due within one year) and long-term capital lease obligations	 	6,790	 	4,384	 	4,987	 	4,563	 	4,277	 	
 
In December 2014, 3M’s Board of Directors declared a first-quarter 2015 dividend of $1.025 per share (payable in March 2015), which when added to second, third and fourth quarter 2014 declared dividends of $0.855 per share, resulted in total year 2014 declared dividends of $3.59 per share. In December 2013, 3M’s Board of Directors declared a first-quarter 2014 dividend of $0.855 per share (paid in March 2014). This resulted in total year 2013 declared dividends of $3.395 per share, with $2.54 per share paid in 2013 and the additional $0.855 per share paid in March 2014.
 
Year 2010 included a one-time, non-cash income tax charge of $84 million, or 12 cents per diluted share, resulting from the March 2010 enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including modifications made in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. This impact is included in the preceding table.
 
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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is designed to provide a reader of 3M’s financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of management. 3M’s MD&A is presented in eight sections:
 
·        Overview
·        Results of Operations
·        Performance by Business Segment
·        Performance by Geographic Area
·        Critical Accounting Estimates
·        New Accounting Pronouncements
·        Financial Condition and Liquidity
·        Financial Instruments
 
Forward-looking statements in Item 7 may involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those projected (refer to the section entitled “Cautionary Note Concerning Factors That May Affect Future Results” in Item 1 and the risk factors provided in Item 1A for discussion of these risks and uncertainties).
 
OVERVIEW
 
3M is a diversified global manufacturer, technology innovator and marketer of a wide variety of products and services. As described in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, effective in the first quarter of 2014, 3M transferred a product line between divisions within business segments, and in the first, second and fourth quarters of 2014 also made certain changes within business segments in its continuing effort to improve the alignment of its businesses around markets and customers. Segment information presented herein reflects the impact of these changes for all periods presented. 3M manages its operations in five operating business segments: Industrial; Safety and Graphics; Electronics and Energy; Health Care; and Consumer. From a geographic perspective, any references to EMEA refer to Europe, Middle East and Africa on a combined basis.
 
Financial goals:
 
As a result of 3M’s performance in 2014, the Company believes it remains on track to deliver its 2013-2017 financial goals:
 
·                   Grow diluted earnings per share 9-11 percent per year, on average (11.5 percent in 2014)
·                   Grow organic local-currency sales 4-6 percent per year, on average (4.9 percent in 2014)
·                   Achieve return on invested capital of approximately 20 percent (22 percent in 2014)
·                   Convert approximately 100 percent of net income to free cash flow (104 percent in 2014)
 
These results are discussed further in the following MD&A discussion, with return on invested capital and free cash flow conversion (non-GAAP measures) discussed more fully in the Financial Condition and Liquidity section.
 
Fourth quarter of 2014 results:
 
Fourth-quarter 2014 net income attributable to 3M was $1.179 billion, or $1.81 per diluted share, compared to $1.103 billion, or $1.62 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2013. Fourth-quarter 2014 sales totaled $7.7 billion, an increase of 2.0 percent from the fourth quarter of 2013. 3M achieved organic local-currency sales growth (which includes organic volume and selling price impacts) in all five of its business segments, led by Safety and Graphics. Organic local-currency sales increased 9.2 percent in Safety and Graphics, led by personal safety and commercial solutions, partially offset by declines in roofing granules, and traffic safety and security. Organic local-currency sales grew 6.4 percent in the Health Care business segment, with every business posting positive growth, led by health information systems, food safety, infection prevention, and critical and chronic care. Electronics and Energy organic local-currency sales growth was 6.2 percent, with increases in electronic-related sales in both electronics materials solutions, and display materials and systems. Energy-related sales growth was led by electrical markets, partially offset by declines in renewable energy and communications markets. Industrial organic local-currency sales increased 5.9 percent, led by advanced materials, aerospace and commercial transportation, industrial adhesives and tapes, automotive aftermarket, and automotive OEM. Organic local-currency sales increased 5.8 percent in the Consumer business segment, with positive growth in all businesses, led by the construction and home improvement business (do-it-yourself), and consumer health care. For the Company in total, organic-local currency sales grew 6.3 percent, with higher organic volumes contributing 5.6 percent and
 
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selling price increases contributing 0.7 percent. Acquisitions added 0.1 percent to sales, which related to the April 2014 acquisition of Treo Solutions LLC (Treo). Foreign currency translation reduced sales by 4.4 percent year-on-year.
 
From a geographic area perspective, fourth-quarter 2014 organic local-currency sales growth was 9.0 percent in Latin America/Canada, 6.9 percent in Asia Pacific, 6.6 percent in the United States, and 3.3 percent in EMEA. Organic local-currency sales growth in Latin America/Canada was led by Electronics and Energy, Health Care, and Safety and Graphics. Mexico delivered strong growth and Brazil was up slightly. Organic local-currency sales growth in Asia Pacific was led by Safety and Graphics, and Health Care. Sales in Japan grew 9 percent organically, or 4 percent excluding electronics. China/Hong Kong sales grew 4 percent organically, or 6 percent excluding electronics. Organic local-currency sales growth in the United States was strong in four of the five business segments, while Electronics and Energy was flat. Organic local-currency sales growth in EMEA was positive in four of five business segments, led by Safety and Graphics, and Electronics and Energy, while Consumer was down slightly in the quarter. Central/East Europe and Middle East/Africa each showed solid local-currency sales growth in the quarter, while West Europe grew 1 percent. EMEA economies remain soft, but 3M is managing the situation by growing market positions and driving continuous productivity across the region.
 
Operating income in the fourth quarter of 2014 was 21.5 percent of sales, compared to 20.9 percent of sales in the fourth quarter of 2013, an increase of 0.6 percentage points. These results included a benefit from the combination of selling price increases and raw material cost decreases, lower pension/postretirement benefit costs, and profit leverage on organic volume growth. These factors were partially offset by strategic investments, and other factors. Strategic investments are further described for year 2014 in the section entitled “Results of Operations”.
 
The income tax rate was 28.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2014, down 0.4 percentage points versus the fourth quarter of 2013, which increased earnings per diluted share by approximately 1 cent. Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding in the fourth quarter of 2014 declined 4.5 percent year-on-year to 650.9 million, which increased earnings per diluted share by approximately 8 cents. Foreign exchange impacts decreased earnings per diluted share by approximately 5 cents.
 
Year 2014 results:
 
For total year 2014, net income attributable to 3M was $4.956 billion, or $7.49 per diluted share, compared to $4.659 billion, or $6.72 per diluted share, in 2013, an increase of 11.5 percent on a per diluted share basis. Sales totaled $31.8 billion, an increase of 3.1 percent from 2013. From a business segment perspective, organic local-currency sales growth was 5.8 percent in Health Care, 5.4 percent in Safety and Graphics, 5.2 percent in Electronics and Energy, 4.9 percent in Industrial, and 3.9 percent in Consumer. From a geographic area perspective, 2014 organic local-currency sales growth was 6.3 percent in Asia Pacific, 4.9 percent in the United States, 4.5 percent in Latin America/Canada, and 3.2 percent in EMEA. For the Company in total, organic local-currency sales grew 4.9 percent, with higher organic volumes contributing 3.9 percent and selling price increases contributing 1.0 percent. Acquisitions added 0.1 percent to sales, driven by the Treo acquisition discussed above. Foreign currency translation reduced sales by 1.9 percent year-on-year.
 
Operating income in 2014 was 22.4 percent of sales, compared to 21.6 percent of sales in 2013, an increase of 0.8 percentage points. These results included a benefit from the combination of selling price increases and raw material cost decreases, lower pension/postretirement benefit costs, and profit leverage on organic volume growth. These factors were partially offset by strategic investments and other factors. Refer to the section entitled “Results of Operations” for further discussion.
 
The income tax rate was 28.9 percent in 2014, up 0.8 percentage points versus 2013, which decreased earnings per diluted share by approximately 8 cents. Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding in 2014 declined 4.6 percent year-on-year to 662.0 million, which increased earnings per diluted share by approximately 34 cents. Foreign exchange impacts decreased earnings per diluted share by approximately 15 cents.
 
Fourth quarter of 2013 results:
 
Fourth-quarter 2013 net income attributable to 3M was $1.103 billion, or $1.62 per diluted share, compared to $991 million, or $1.41 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2012. Fourth-quarter 2013 sales totaled $7.6 billion, an increase of 2.4 percent from the fourth quarter of 2012. 3M achieved organic local-currency sales growth (which includes organic volume and selling price impacts) in all five of its business segments, led by Industrial. Industrial organic local-currency sales increased 5.8 percent, led by advanced materials, automotive OEM, 3M Purification Inc. (filtration products), aerospace and commercial transportation, and automotive aftermarket. Organic local-currency sales increased 4.7 percent in Safety and Graphics, led by roofing granules, personal safety, and commercial solutions. Organic local-
 
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currency sales grew 3.6 percent in the Health Care business segment, with the strongest sales growth in health information systems, food safety, critical and chronic care, and infection prevention; organic local-currency sales declined in drug delivery systems. Organic local-currency sales increased 1.3 percent in the Consumer business segment, led by the consumer health care and home care businesses. Electronics and Energy organic local-currency sales growth was 0.4 percent, with increases in energy-related sales in renewable energy and electrical markets. Electronic-related sales declined, with growth in display materials and systems more than offset by declines in electronics materials solutions. For the Company in total, organic-local currency sales grew 3.4 percent, with higher organic volumes contributing 2.0 percent and selling price increases contributing 1.4 percent. Acquisitions added 0.7 percent to sales, which related to the late November 2012 acquisition of Ceradyne, Inc. Foreign currency translation reduced sales by 1.7 percent year-on-year.
 
From a geographic area perspective, fourth-quarter 2013 organic local-currency sales growth was 4.5 percent in the United States, 3.4 percent in EMEA, 3.3 percent in Asia Pacific, and 2.2 percent in Latin America/Canada. In the U.S., EMEA, and Asia Pacific, all five business segments generated positive organic local-currency sales growth. Organic local-currency sales growth in the United States was led by Industrial, and Safety and Graphics. Organic local-currency sales growth in EMEA was led by Industrial. West Europe grew organically by 3 percent year-on-year, continuing the positive trends 3M had seen in preceding quarters. Organic local-currency sales growth in Asia Pacific was led by Consumer, Safety and Graphics, and Health Care. Sales in Japan grew 4 percent organically. China/Hong Kong sales grew 1 percent organically, impacted by a strong prior-year comparison of 16 percent growth in the fourth quarter of 2012 and weakness in electronics. Organic local-currency sales growth in Latin America/Canada was positive across most countries, but below trend levels for a few reasons. First, slowing in government tenders for infrastructure projects in certain countries impacted sales in Electronics and Energy. Consumer was also soft in the fourth quarter due to weak retail demand and challenging year-on-year comparisons. And lastly, sales in Venezuela declined year-on-year due to the economic and political situation there. Venezuela diluted fourth-quarter organic sales growth in Latin America/Canada by 1.5 percentage points, as 3M continued to work towards minimizing its Bolivar exposure and any associated costs.
 
Year 2013 results:
 
For total year 2013, net income attributable to 3M was $4.659 billion, or $6.72 per diluted share, compared to $4.444 billion, or $6.32 per diluted share, in 2012, an increase of 6.3 percent on a per diluted share basis. Sales totaled $30.9 billion, an increase of 3.2 percent from 2012. From a business segment perspective, organic local-currency sales growth was 5.0 percent in Health Care, 4.6 percent in Industrial, 4.1 percent in Safety and Graphics, 3.0 percent in Consumer, and was flat in Electronics and Energy. From a geographic area perspective, 2013 organic local-currency sales growth was 7.1 percent in Latin America/Canada, 3.6 percent in Asia Pacific, 3.1 percent in the United States, and 2.1 percent in EMEA. For the Company in total, organic local-currency sales grew 3.4 percent, with higher organic volumes contributing 2.5 percent and selling price increases contributing 0.9 percent. Acquisitions added 1.4 percent to sales, driven by the November 2012 acquisition of Ceradyne, Inc. (Industrial), the September 2012 purchase of the net assets that comprised the business of Federal Signal Technologies Group (Safety and Graphics), and the April 2012 acquisition of CodeRyte, Inc. (Health Care). Foreign currency translation reduced sales by 1.6 percent year-on-year.
 
Operating income in 2013 was 21.6 percent of sales, compared to 21.7 percent of sales in 2012, a decline of 0.1 percentage points. Items that reduced operating income margins included lower factory utilization/productivity, strategic investments, the impact of 2012 acquisitions, and other factors. These factors were largely offset by the combination of selling price increases and raw material cost decreases, in addition to lower pension/postretirement benefit costs. Refer to the section entitled “Results of Operations” for further discussion.
 
The income tax rate was 28.1 percent in 2013, down 0.9 percentage points versus 2012, which increased earnings per diluted share by approximately 9 cents. Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding in 2013 declined 1.4 percent year-on-year to 693.6 million, which increased earnings per diluted share by approximately 9 cents. Foreign exchange impacts decreased earnings per diluted share by approximately 11 cents.
 
Sales and operating income by business segment:
 
The following table contains sales and operating income results by business segment for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. In addition to the discussion below, refer to the section entitled “Performance by Business Segment” and “Performance by Geographic Area” later in MD&A for a more detailed discussion of the sales and income results of the Company and its respective business segments (including Corporate and Unallocated). Refer to Note 15 for additional information on business segments, including Elimination of Dual Credit.
 
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 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	2014 vs. 2013	 	
 	 	2014	 	2013	 	% change	 	
 	 	Net	 	% of	 	Oper.	 	Net	 	% of	 	Oper.	 	Net	 	Oper.	 	
(Dollars in millions)	 	Sales	 	Total	 	Income	 	Sales	 	Total	 	Income	 	Sales	 	Income	 	
Business Segments	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Industrial	 	$	10,990	 	34.5	%	$	2,389	 	$	10,657	 	34.5	%	$	2,307	 	3.1	%	3.6	%	
Safety and Graphics	 	5,732	 	18.0	%	1,296	 	5,584	 	18.1	%	1,227	 	2.7	%	5.6	%	
Electronics and Energy	 	5,604	 	17.6	%	1,115	 	5,393	 	17.5	%	954	 	3.9	%	16.8	%	
Health Care	 	5,572	 	17.5	%	1,724	 	5,334	 	17.3	%	1,672	 	4.5	%	3.1	%	
Consumer	 	4,523	 	14.2	%	995	 	4,435	 	14.4	%	945	 	2.0	%	5.3	%	
Corporate and Unallocated	 	4	 	—	%	(251	)	8	 	—	%	(321	)	—	 	—	 	
Elimination of Dual Credit	 	(604	)	(1.8	)%	(133	)	(540	)	(1.8	) %	(118	)	—	 	—	 	
Total Company	 	$	31,821	 	100.0	%	$	7,135	 	$	30,871	 	100.0	%	$	6,666	 	3.1	%	7.0	%	
 
Sales in 2014 increased 3.1 percent, led by Health Care at 4.5 percent, Electronics and Energy at 3.9 percent, Industrial at 3.1 percent, Safety and Graphics at 2.7 percent, and Consumer at 2.0 percent. Total company organic l ocal-currency sales growth (which includes organic volume and selling price impacts) was 4.9 percent, acquisitions added 0.1 percent, and foreign currency translation reduced sales by 1.9 percent. All of 3M’s five business segments posted operating income margins of approximately 20 percent or more in 2014. Worldwide operating income margins for 2014 were 22.4 percent, compared to 21.6 percent for 2013.
 
Sales in 2013 increased 3.2 percent, led by Industrial at 6.5 percent, Health Care at 3.8 percent, and Safety and Graphics at 3.3 percent. Sales increased 1.1 percent in Consumer and declined 1.2 percent in Electronics and Energy. Total company organic l ocal-currency sales growth (which includes organic volume and selling price impacts) was 3.4 percent, acquisitions added 1.4 percent, and foreign currency translation reduced sales by 1.6 percent. Four of 3M’s five business segments posted operating income margins in excess of 21 percent in 2013. Worldwide operating income margins for 2013 were 21.6 percent, compared to 21.7 percent for 2012.
 
Financial condition:
 
3M generated $6.626 billion of operating cash flow in 2014, an increase of $809 million when compared to 2013. This followed an increase of $517 million when comparing 2013 to 2012. Refer to the section entitled “Financial Condition and Liquidity” later in MD&A for a discussion of items impacting cash flows. In February 2014, 3M’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $12 billion of 3M’s outstanding common stock, which replaced the Company’s February 2013 repurchase program. This new program has no pre-established end date. In 2014, the Company purchased $5.652 billion of stock, and in 2013 the Company purchased $5.212 billion of stock, up significantly from $2.204 billion in 2012. The Company expects to purchase $3 billion to $5 billion of stock in 2015. In December 2014, 3M’s Board of Directors declared a first-quarter 2015 dividend of $1.025 per share, an increase of 20 percent. This marked the 57th consecutive year of dividend increases for 3M. 3M’s debt to total capital ratio (total capital defined as debt plus equity) was 34 percent at December 31, 2014, and 25 percent at both December 31, 2013 and 2012. As of February 2015, the Company has an AA- credit rating, with a stable outlook, from Standard & Poor’s and an Aa3 credit rating, with a negative outlook, from Moody’s Investors Service. The Company has significant cash on hand and sufficient additional access to capital markets to meet its funding needs. 3M currently expects that its effective tax rate for 2015 will be approximately 28.0 to 29.0 percent, which assumes that the U.S. research and development credit will be reinstated for 2015.
 
Raw materials:
 
In 2014, the Company experienced stable to declining costs for most raw material categories and transportation fuel. This was driven by year-on-year cost decreases in many feedstock categories, including petroleum based materials, minerals, metals and wood pulp based products. To date the Company is receiving sufficient quantities of all raw materials to meet its reasonably foreseeable production requirements. It is impossible to predict future shortages of raw materials or the impact any such shortages would have. 3M has avoided disruption to its manufacturing operations through careful management of existing raw material inventories and development and qualification of additional supply sources. 3M manages commodity price risks through negotiated supply contracts, price protection agreements and forward contracts.
 
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Pension and postretirement defined benefit plans:
 
On a worldwide basis, 3M’s pension and postretirement plans were 85 percent funded at year-end 2014. The primary U.S. qualified pension plan, which is approximately 68 percent of the worldwide pension obligation, was 92 percent funded and the international pension plans were 85 percent funded. The U.S. non-qualified pension plan is not funded due to tax considerations and other factors. Asset returns in 2014 for the primary U.S. qualified pension plan was 13.0%, as 3M strategically invests in both growth assets and fixed income matching assets to manage its funded status. For the primary U.S. qualified pension plan, the expected long-term rate of return on an annualized basis for 2015 is 7.75%, unchanged from 2014. The primary U.S. qualified pension plan year-end 2014 discount rate was 4.10%, down 0.88 percentage points from the year-end 2013 discount rate of 4.98%. The decrease in U.S. discount rates resulted in an increased valuation of the projected benefit obligation, which decreased the plans’ funded status. Additional detail and discussion of international plan asset returns and discount rates is provided in Note 10 (Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans).
 
The changes in 3M’s defined benefit pension and postretirement plans’ funded status, which is required to be measured as of each year-end, significantly impacted several balance sheet amounts. In the fourth quarter of 2014, these required annual measurements decreased prepaid pension benefits by $0.7 billion, increased deferred taxes within other assets by $0.8 billion, increased pension and postretirement benefits’ long-term liabilities by $1.9 billion, and decreased stockholders’ equity by $1.8 billion. Other pension and postretirement changes during the year, such as contributions and amortization, also impacted these balance sheet amounts.
 
In addition, two items will impact the income statement in 2015:
 
·                   In the fourth quarter of 2014, 3M’s Board of Directors approved an amendment of the U.S. defined benefit pension plan to include a lump sum payment option for employees that have vested retirement benefits who commence their pension January 1, 2015, or later. This option is also available to vested employees who leave 3M before becoming eligible to retire at the time of termination. This change reduced 3M’s year-end 2014 projected benefit obligation (PBO) liability by approximately $266 million.
·                   As of December 31, 2014, the Company converted to the “RP 2014 Mortality Tables” and updated the mortality improvement scale it used for calculating the year-end 2014 U.S. defined benefit pension annuitant and postretirement obligations and 2015 expense. The impact of this change increased the year-end 2014 U.S. PBO for pension by approximately $820 million and the 2014 U.S. accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by approximately $100 million.
 
3M expects to contribute approximately $100 million to $200 million of cash to its global defined benefit pension and postretirement plans in 2015. The Company does not have a required minimum cash pension contribution obligation for its U.S. plans in 2015. 3M expects global defined benefit pension and postretirement expense in 2015 (before settlements, curtailments, special termination benefits and other) to increase by approximately $210 million pre-tax when compared to 2014. Refer to “Critical Accounting Estimates” within MD&A and Note 10 (Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans) for additional information concerning 3M’s pension and post-retirement plans.
 
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Net Sales:

 	 	2014	 	2013	 	
 	 	U.S.	 	Intl.	 	Worldwide	 	U.S.	 	Intl.	 	Worldwide	 	
Net sales (millions)	 	$	11,714	 	$	20,107	 	$	31,821	 	$	11,151	 	$	19,720	 	$	30,871	 	
% of worldwide sales	 	36.8	%	63.2	%	 	 	36.1	%	63.9	%	 	 	
Components of net sales change:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Volume — organic	 	4.4	%	3.8	%	3.9	%	2.4	%	2.7	%	2.5	%	
Price	 	0.5	 	1.2	 	1.0	 	0.7	 	0.9	 	0.9	 	
Organic local-currency sales	 	4.9	 	5.0	 	4.9	 	3.1	 	3.6	 	3.4	 	
Acquisitions	 	0.2	 	—	 	0.1	 	2.5	 	0.9	 	1.4	 	
Divestitures	 	(0.1	)	—	 	—	 	(0.1	)	—	 	—	 	
Translation	 	—	 	(3.0	)	(1.9	)	—	 	(2.5	)	(1.6	)	
Total sales change	 	5.0	%	2.0	%	3.1	%	5.5	%	2.0	%	3.2	%	

In 2014, organic local-currency sales grew 4.9 percent, with increases of 6.3 percent in Asia Pacific, 4.9 percent in the United States, 4.5 percent in Latin America/Canada, and 3.2 percent in EMEA. Organic local-currency sales growth was 5.6 percent across developing markets, and 4.5 percent in developed markets. Worldwide organic local-currency sales grew 5.8 percent in Health Care, 5.4 percent in Safety and Graphics, 5.2 percent in Electronics and Energy, 4.9 percent in Industrial, and 3.9 percent in Consumer. Acquisitions added 0.1 percent to worldwide growth and foreign currency translation reduced worldwide sales growth by 1.9 percent.
 
Worldwide selling prices rose 1.0 percent in 2014. Selling prices continue to be supported by technology innovation, which is a key fundamental strength of the Company, helping to drive unique customer solutions and an increasing flow of new products. 3M also began raising selling prices in mid-2013 to help offset currency weakness in select developing countries. This resulted in 3M’s price performance moderating in the second half of 2014.
 
In 2013, organic local-currency sales grew 3.4 percent, with increases of 7.1 percent in Latin America/Canada, 3.6 percent in Asia Pacific, 3.1 percent in the United States, and 2.1 percent in EMEA. Organic local-currency sales growth was 6.9 percent across developing markets, and 1.6 percent in developed markets. Worldwide organic local-currency sales grew 5.0 percent in Health Care, 4.6 percent in Industrial, 4.1 percent in Safety and Graphics, 3.0 percent in Consumer, and were flat in Electronics and Energy. Acquisitions added 1.4 percent to worldwide growth and foreign currency translation reduced worldwide sales growth by 1.6 percent.
 
Refer to the sections entitled “Performance by Business Segment” and “Performance by Geographic Area” later in MD&A for additional discussion of sales change.
 
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Operating Expenses:

(Percent of net sales)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	2014 Versus
2013	 	2013 Versus
2012	 	
Cost of sales	 	51.7	%	52.1	%	52.4	%	(0.4	)%	(0.3	)%	
Selling, general and administrative expenses	 	20.3	 	20.7	 	20.4	 	(0.4	)	0.3	 	
Research, development and related expenses	 	5.6	 	5.6	 	5.5	 	—	 	0.1	 	
Operating income	 	22.4	%	21.6	%	21.7	%	0.8	%	(0.1	)%	
 
Pension and postretirement expense decreased $162 million in 2014 compared to 2013, versus a decrease of $97 million in 2013 compared to 2012. 2012 includes a $26 million charge related to the first-quarter 2012 voluntary early retirement incentive program (discussed in Note 10). Pension and postretirement expense is recorded in cost of sales; selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A); and research, development and related expenses (R&D). Refer to Note 10 (Pension and Postretirement Plans) for components of net periodic benefit cost and the assumptions used to determine net cost.
 
The Company is investing in business transformation. This term includes the ongoing multi-year phased implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system on a worldwide basis, as well as changes in processes and internal/external service delivery across 3M.
 
Cost of Sales:
 
Cost of sales includes manufacturing, engineering and freight costs.
 
Cost of sales, measured as a percent of net sales, was 51.7 percent in 2014, a decrease of 0.4 percentage points from 2013. Cost of sales as a percent of sales decreased due to the combination of selling price increases and raw material cost decreases, as selling prices increased net sales by 1.0 percent and raw material cost deflation was favorable by approximately 1.5 percent year-on-year. In addition, lower pension and postretirement costs (of which a portion impacts cost of sales), along with organic volume leverage, decreased cost of sales as a percent of sales.
 
Cost of sales, measured as a percent of net sales, was 52.1 percent in 2013, a decrease of 0.3 percentage points from 2012. Cost of sales as a percent of sales decreased due to the combination of selling price increases and raw material cost decreases, as selling prices increased net sales by 0.9 percent and raw material cost deflation was favorable by approximately 2 percent year-on-year. In addition, lower pension and postretirement costs (of which a portion impacts cost of sales), in addition to organic volume increases, decreased cost of sales as a percent of sales. These benefits were partially offset by the impact of 2012 acquisitions and lower factory utilization.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) increased $85 million, or 1.3 percent, in 2014 when compared to 2013. Year 2014 included strategic investments in business transformation, while lower pension and postretirement expense benefitted SG&A. SG&A, measured as a percent of sales, decreased 0.4 percentage points to 20.3 percent in 2014, compared to 20.7 percent of sales in 2013.
 
SG&A increased $282 million, or 4.6 percent, in 2013 when compared to 2012. In 2013, SG&A included strategic investments in business transformation, in addition to increases from acquired businesses that were largely not in 3M’s 2012 spending (Ceradyne, Inc. and Federal Signal Technologies), which were partially offset by lower pension and postretirement expense. SG&A, measured as a percent of sales, increased 0.3 percentage points to 20.7 percent in 2013, compared to 20.4 percent of sales in 2012.
 
Research, Development and Related Expenses:
 
Research, development and related expenses (R&D) increased 3.2 percent in 2014 compared to 2013 and increased 4.9 percent in 2013 compared to 2012, as 3M continued to support its key growth initiatives, including more R&D aimed at disruptive innovation, which refers to innovation which has the potential to create new markets and disrupt existing markets. These increases were partially offset by lower pension and postretirement expense. In 2013, increases from acquired businesses that were largely not in 3M’s 2012 spending (primarily Ceradyne, Inc. and Federal Signal
 
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Technologies) were partially offset by lower pension and postretirement expense. R&D, measured as a percent of sales, was 5.6 percent in both 2014 and 2013, compared to 5.5 percent in 2012.
 
Operating Income:
 
3M uses operating income as one of its primary business segment performance measurement tools.
 
Operating income margins were 22.4 percent in 2014 compared to 21.6 in 2013, an increase of 0.8 percentage points. These results included a 1.0 percentage point benefit from the combination of higher selling prices and lower raw material costs. In addition, lower year-on-year pension and postretirement benefit costs provided a 0.5 percentage point benefit and profit leverage on organic volume growth added 0.3 percentage points. Items that reduced operating income margins included a 0.6 percentage point impact from strategic investments, which included investments in disruptive R&D, business transformation, the supply chain center of expertise in Europe, and portfolio management actions. The Company invested $90 million in 2014 in portfolio management actions to position 3M for greater success. Foreign currency effects reduced operating income margins by 0.3 percentage points, and the Treo acquisition reduced operating income margins by 0.1 percentage points.
 
Operating income margins were 21.6 percent in 2013, compared to 21.7 in 2012, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points. Items that reduced operating income margins included a 0.5 percentage point impact from lower factory utilization/productivity, along with a 0.4 percentage point impact from strategic investments, which included business transformation, along with more R&D aimed at disruptive innovation. The recently enacted medical device excise tax in the U.S., foreign currency effects, acquisition impacts, and other net impacts reduced operating income margins by 0.7 percentage points. These factors were largely offset by items that increased operating income margins, which included a 1.2 percentage point benefit from the combination of selling price increases and raw material cost decreases. Finally, lower pension/postretirement benefit costs increased operating income margins by 0.3 percentage points.
 
Interest Expense and Income:

(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Interest expense	 	$	142	 	$	145	 	$	171	 	
Interest income	 	(33	)	(41	)	(39	)	
Total	 	$	109	 	$	104	 	$	132	 	
 
Interest Expense : Interest expense, despite higher debt levels, decreased in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to lower U.S. borrowing costs as debt maturities were replaced with lower cost financing from commercial paper and lower interest rates on new debt issuances. Interest expense decreased in 2013 compared to 2012, driven by lower interest rates on U.S. debt. Capitalized interest related to property, plant and equipment construction in progress is recorded as a reduction to interest expense. The amounts shown in the table above for interest expense are net of capitalized interest amounts of $15 million, $21 million, and $23 million, in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Interest Income: Interest income in 2014 was lower when compared to 2013 due to lower cash balances. Interest income was up $2 million when comparing 2013 to 2012, as higher average international cash balances were largely offset by lower average U.S. balances and lower U.S. and international interest rates.
 
Provision for Income Taxes:

(Percent of pre-tax income)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Effective tax rate	 	28.9	%	28.1	%	29.0	%	
 
The effective tax rate for 2014 was 28.9 percent, compared to 28.1 percent in 2013, an increase of 0.8 percentage points, impacted by many factors. Factors which increased the Company’s effective tax rate included a one-time international tax impact related to the establishment of the supply chain center of expertise in Europe, decreased U.S. research and development credit in 2014 compared to 2013 due to two years inclusion as a result of the reinstatement in 2013, decreased domestic manufacturer’s deduction, and other items. Combined, these factors increased the Company’s effective tax rate by 1.6 percentage points. This increase was partially offset by a 0.8 percentage point decrease, which related to both lower 3M income tax reserves for 2014 when compared to 2013 and international taxes as a result of changes to the geographic mix of income before taxes.
 
The effective tax rate for 2013 was 28.1 percent, compared to 29.0 percent in 2012, a decrease of 0.9 percentage points, impacted by many factors. Factors that decreased the Company’s effective tax rate included international taxes as a
 
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result of changes to the geographic mix of income before taxes, the reinstatement of the U.S. research and development credit in 2013, an increase in the domestic manufacturer’s deduction benefit, the restoration of tax basis on certain assets for which depreciation deductions were previously limited, and other items. Combined, these factors decreased the Company’s effective tax rate by 4.0 percentage points. This benefit was partially offset by factors that increased the effective tax rate by 3.1 percentage points, which largely related to increases in 3M’s income tax reserves for 2013 when compared to 2012.
 
The Company currently expects that its effective tax rate for 2015 will be approximately 28.0 to 29.0 percent, which assumes that the U.S. research and development credit will be reinstated for 2015. The rate can vary from quarter to quarter due to discrete items, such as the settlement of income tax audits and changes in tax laws, as well as recurring factors, such as the geographic mix of income before taxes.
 
Refer to Note 7 for further discussion of income taxes.
 
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest:

(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	 	$	42	 	$	62	 	$	67	 	

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest represents the elimination of the income or loss attributable to non-3M ownership interests in 3M consolidated entities. The changes in noncontrolling interest amounts have largely related to Sumitomo 3M Limited (Japan), which was 3M’s most significant consolidated entity with non-3M ownership interests. As discussed in Note 5, on September 1, 2014, 3M purchased the remaining 25 percent ownership in Sumitomo 3M Limited, bringing 3M’s ownership to 100 percent. Thus, effective September 1, 2014, net income attributable to noncontrolling interest was significantly reduced. The primary remaining noncontrolling interest relates to 3M India Limited, of which 3M’s effective ownership is 75 percent.
 
Currency Effects:
 
3M estimates that year-on-year currency effects, including hedging impacts, decreased net income attributable to 3M by approximately $97 million and $74 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively. These estimates include the effect of translating profits from local currencies into U.S. dollars; the impact of currency fluctuations on the transfer of goods between 3M operations in the United States and abroad; and transaction gains and losses, including derivative instruments designed to reduce foreign currency exchange rate risks and the negative impact of swapping Venezuelan bolivars into U.S. dollars. 3M estimates that year-on-year derivative and other transaction gains and losses increased net income attributable to 3M by approximately $8 million in 2014 and decreased net income attributable to 3M by approximately $12 million in 2013. Refer to Note 11 in the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information concerning 3M’s hedging activities.
 
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PERFORMANCE BY BUSINESS SEGMENT
 
Disclosures relating to 3M’s business segments are provided in Item 1, Business Segments. Financial information and other disclosures are provided in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As discussed in Note 15, effective in the first quarter of 2014, 3M transferred a product line between divisions within business segments, and in the first, second, and fourth quarters of 2014 also made certain changes within business segments in its continuing effort to improve the alignment of its businesses around markets and customers. Segment information presented herein reflects the impact of these changes for all periods presented. 3M manages its operations in five operating business segments. The reportable segments are Industrial; Safety and Graphics; Electronics and Energy; Health Care; and Consumer.
 
Corporate and Unallocated:
 
In addition to these five operating business segments, 3M assigns certain costs to “Corporate and Unallocated,” which is presented separately in the preceding business segments table and in Note 15. Corporate and Unallocated includes a variety of miscellaneous items, such as corporate investment gains and losses, certain derivative gains and losses, certain insurance-related gains and losses, certain litigation and environmental expenses, corporate restructuring charges and certain under- or over-absorbed costs (e.g. pension, stock-based compensation) that the Company may choose not to allocate directly to its business segments. Because this category includes a variety of miscellaneous items, it is subject to fluctuation on a quarterly and annual basis.
 
Corporate and Unallocated operating expenses decreased by $70 million in 2014 when compared to 2013. This decrease was driven by lower pension and postretirement benefit expenses, which declined year-on-year by $162 million. Of this reduction, $116 million was allocated to Corporate and Unallocated. This was partially offset by higher Corporate and Unallocated expenses related to year-on-year increases in annual incentive plan expenses and legal accruals.
 
Corporate and Unallocated operating expenses decreased by $151 million in 2013 when compared to 2012. Of the $151 million decrease in 2013, approximately $127 million was due to lower pension and postretirement benefit expense.
 
Operating Business Segments:
 
Each of 3M’s five business segments absorbed additional incremental investments in both 2014 and 2013 related to business transformation, enabled by 3M’s global ERP implementation. This negatively impacted each of the five business segments’ 2014 annual operating margins by approximately 0.20 percentage points when compared to 2013, following an approximate 0.30 percentage point year-on-year reduction in operating income margins for 2013 when compared to 2012.
 
Information related to 3M’s business segments is presented in the tables that follow. Organic local-currency sales include both organic volume impacts plus selling price impacts. Acquisition impacts, if any, are measured separately for the first twelve months of the acquisition. The divestiture impacts, if any, foreign currency translation impacts and total sales change are also provided for each business segment. Any references to EMEA relate to Europe, Middle East and Africa on a combined basis.
 
The following discusses total year results for 2014 compared to 2013, and also discusses 2013 compared to 2012, for each business segment.
 
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Industrial Business (34.5% of consolidated sales):

 	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Sales (millions)	 	$	10,990	 	$	10,657	 	$	10,008	 	
Sales change analysis:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Organic local currency	 	4.9	%	4.6	%	5.2	%	
Acquisitions	 	—	 	3.6	 	1.1	 	
Translation	 	(1.8	)	(1.7	)	(3.0	)	
Total sales change	 	3.1	%	6.5	%	3.3	%	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Operating income (millions)	 	$	2,389	 	$	2,307	 	$	2,244	 	
Percent change	 	3.6	%	2.8	%	12.9	%	
Percent of sales	 	21.7	%	21.6	%	22.4	%	
 
The Industrial segment serves a broad range of markets, such as automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and automotive aftermarket (auto body shops and retail), electronics, appliance, paper and printing, packaging, food and beverage, and construction. Industrial products include tapes, a wide variety of coated, non-woven and bonded abrasives, adhesives, advanced ceramics, sealants, specialty materials, 3M Purification Inc. (filtration products), closure systems for personal hygiene products, acoustic systems products, and components and products that are used in the manufacture, repair and maintenance of automotive, marine, aircraft and specialty vehicles.
 
Year 2014 results:
 
Sales in Industrial totaled $11.0 billion, up 3.1 percent in U.S. dollars. Organic local-currency sales increased 4.9 percent, and foreign currency translation reduced sales by 1.8 percent. On an organic local-currency basis, sales growth was positive across all businesses, led by aerospace and commercial transportation, automotive OEM, 3M Purification Inc., advanced materials, and abrasive systems.
 
Geographically, organic local-currency sales increased 6 percent in the United States, 5 percent in Asia Pacific, and 3 percent in both EMEA and Latin America/Canada.
 
Operating income was $2.4 billion in 2014, an increase of 3.6 percent. Operating income margins increased by 0.1 percentage points to 21.7 percent. Operating income margins improved due to sales volume leverage, plus the combination of selling price increases and raw material cost decreases. As indicated in the preceding Operating Business Segments section, each of 3M’s five business segments absorbed incremental investments in 2014 related to business transformation and global ERP implementation. This reduced operating income margins in each of the businesses by approximately 0.2 percentage points year-on-year.
 
Year 2013 results:
 
Sales in Industrial totaled $10.7 billion, up 6.5 percent in U.S. dollars. Organic local-currency sales increased 4.6 percent, acquisitions added 3.6 percent, and foreign currency translation reduced sales by 1.7 percent. On an organic local-currency basis, all of Industrial’s businesses experienced positive sales growth in 2013, led by aerospace and commercial transportation, automotive OEM, 3M Purification Inc. (filtration products), and industrial adhesives and tapes. Acquisition growth related to the 2012 acquisition of Ceradyne, Inc. (Ceradyne). As disclosed in Note 2, in November 2012, 3M acquired Ceradyne, which is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California. Ceradyne is involved in the development and production of advanced technical ceramics for demanding applications in the automotive, oil and gas, solar, industrial, electronics and defense industries.
 
Geographically, organic local-currency sales increased 8 percent in Latin America/Canada, 5 percent in the United States, 4 percent in EMEA, and 3 percent in Asia Pacific.
 
Operating income was $2.3 billion in 2013, up 2.8 percent year-on-year. Operating income margins decreased by 0.8 percentage points to 21.6 percent. This decline in margins largely related to the Ceradyne acquisition, which reduced 2013 operating income margins by 0.7 percentage points. As indicated in the preceding Operating Business Segments section, each of 3M’s five business segments absorbed incremental investments related to business transformation, enabled by 3M’s global ERP implementation, which reduced operating income margins in each of 3M’s five business segments by approximately 0.3 percentage points when comparing 2013 to 2012.
 
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Safety and Graphics Business (18.0% of consolidated sales):

 	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Sales (millions)	 	$	5,732	 	$	5,584	 	$	5,406	 	
Sales change analysis:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Organic local currency	 	5.4	%	4.1	%	2.3	%	
Acquisitions	 	—	 	1.3	 	0.6	 	
Translation	 	(2.7	)	(2.1	)	(2.8	)	
Total sales change	 	2.7	%	3.3	%	0.1	%	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Operating income (millions)	 	$	1,296	 	$	1,227	 	$	1,210	 	
Percent change	 	5.6	%	1.4	%	(1.8	)%	
Percent of sales	 	22.6	%	22.0	%	22.4	%	
 
The Safety and Graphics segment serves a broad range of markets that increase the safety, security and productivity of people, facilities and systems. Major product offerings include personal protection products; traffic safety and security products, including border and civil security solutions; commercial solutions, including commercial graphics sheeting and systems, architectural surface and lighting solutions, and cleaning and protection products for commercial establishments; and roofing granules for asphalt shingles.
 
Year 2014 results:
 
Sales in Safety and Graphics totaled $5.7 billion, up 2.7 percent in U.S. dollars. Organic local-currency sales increased 5.4 percent, and foreign currency translation reduced sales by 2.7 percent. On an organic local-currency basis, sales growth was led by personal safety. 3M also saw positive organic local-currency sales growth in commercial solutions, and traffic safety and security systems. Sales in the roofing granules business declined year-on-year.
 
Organic local-currency sales increased 6 percent in EMEA, and increased 5 percent in the United States, Asia Pacific, and Latin America/Canada.
 
Operating income in 2014 totaled $1.3 billion, up 5.6 percent. Operating income margins were 22.6 percent of sales, compared to 22.0 percent in 2013. Operating income margins benefited from organic volume leverage plus selling price increases, partially offset by incremental investments related to business transformation, enabled by 3M’s global ERP implementation, plus selective restructuring.
 
Year 2013 results:
 
Sales in Safety and Graphics totaled $5.6 billion, up 3.3 percent in U.S. dollars. Organic local-currency sales increased 4.1 percent, acquisitions added 1.3 percent, and foreign currency translation reduced sales by 2.1 percent. On an organic local-currency basis, sales grew in personal safety, commercial solutions, and industrial minerals. Organic local-currency sales declined in traffic safety and security systems. Acquisition growth related to the September 2012 purchase of net assets that comprised the business of Federal Signal Technologies Group.
 
Organic local-currency sales increased 9 percent in both Latin America/Canada and Asia Pacific, and 2 percent in the United States. Organic local-currency sales were flat in EMEA.
 
Operating income in 2013 totaled $1.2 billion, up 1.4 percent. Operating income margins were 22.0 percent of sales, compared to 22.4 percent in 2012. This decline in margins related to the Federal Signal Technologies Group acquisition, which reduced 2013 operating income margins by 0.5 percentage points.
 
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Electronics and Energy Business (17.6% of consolidated sales):

 	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Sales (millions)	 	$	5,604	 	$	5,393	 	$	5,458	 	
Sales change analysis:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Organic local currency	 	5.2	%	—	%	(3.7	)%	
Translation	 	(1.3	)	(1.2	)	(1.1	)	
Total sales change	 	3.9	%	(1.2	)%	(4.8	)%	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Operating income (millions)	 	$	1,115	 	$	954	 	$	1,026	 	
Percent change	 	16.8	%	(7.0	)%	(10.0	)%	
Percent of sales	 	19.9	%	17.7	%	18.8	%	
 
The Electronics and Energy segment serves customers in electronics and energy markets, including solutions that improve the dependability, cost-effectiveness, and performance of electronic devices; electrical products, including infrastructure protection; telecommunications networks, and power generation and distribution. This segment’s electronics solutions include optical film solutions for the electronic display industry; packaging and interconnection devices; high performance fluids and abrasives; high-temperature and display tapes; flexible circuits, which use electronic packaging and interconnection technology; and touch systems products, which includes touch screens, touch monitors, and touch sensor components. This segment’s energy solutions include pressure sensitive tapes and resins; electrical insulation; infrastructure products that provide both protection and detection solutions; a wide array of fiber-optic and copper-based telecommunications systems; and renewable energy component solutions for the solar and wind power industries.
 
The display materials and systems business provides films that serve numerous market segments of the electronic display industry. 3M provides distinct products for five market segments, including products for: 1) LCD computer monitors 2) LCD televisions 3) handheld devices such as cellular phones and tablets 4) notebook PCs and 5) automotive displays. The optical business includes a number of different products that are protected by various patents and groups of patents. These patents provide varying levels of exclusivity to 3M for a number of such products. As some of 3M’s multi-layer optical film patents expired at the end of 2013 and will expire over several years thereafter, 3M will likely see more competition in these products. 3M continues to innovate in the area of optical films and files patents on its new technology and products. 3M’s proprietary manufacturing technology and know-how also provide a competitive advantage to 3M independent of its patents.
 
Year 2014 results:
 
Electronics and Energy sales totaled $5.6 billion, up 3.9 percent in U.S. dollars. Organic local-currency sales increased 5.2 percent, and foreign currency translation reduced sales by 1.3 percent.
 
Organic local-currency sales increased approximately 8 percent in 3M’s electronics-related businesses, with growth led by display materials and systems. In 3M’s energy-related businesses, organic local-currency sales increased approximately 1 percent, with growth in electrical markets and telecommunications, partially offset by reductions in renewable energy.
 
On a geographic basis, organic local-currency sales increased 8 percent in Latin America/Canada, 7 percent in Asia Pacific, and 1 percent in EMEA, while sales in the United States were flat.
 
Operating income increased 16.8 percent to $1.1 billion in 2014. Operating income margins were 19.9 percent compared to 17.7 percent in 2013, helped by sales volume leverage. In addition, recent portfolio management actions are enhancing 3M’s relevance with customers and generating operational efficiencies, which also contributed to the operating income margin improvement in 2014.
 
Year 2013 results:
 
Electronics and Energy sales totaled $5.4 billion, down 1.2 percent in U.S. dollars, with this decrease related to foreign currency translation. Organic local-currency sales were flat in 3M’s electronics-related businesses, with sales increases in display materials and systems offset by declines in electronics materials solutions. Organic local-currency sales were also flat in 3M’s energy-related businesses, where sales gains in electrical markets were offset by sales declines in telecommunication markets, and renewable energy.
 
On a geographic basis, organic local-currency sales increased slightly in Latin America/Canada and Asia Pacific. Organic local-currency sales declined slightly in the United States and EMEA.
 
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Operating income decreased 7.0 percent to $954 million in 2013. Operating income margins were 17.7 percent, compared to 18.8 percent in 2012. The operating margin decline was primarily attributable to lower factory utilization and flat year-on-year organic local-currency sales.
 
Health Care Business (17.5% of consolidated sales):

 	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Sales (millions)	 	$	5,572	 	$	5,334	 	$	5,138	 	
Sales change analysis:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Organic local currency	 	5.8	%	5.0	%	4.7	%	
Acquisitions	 	0.4	 	0.1	 	0.3	 	
Translation	 	(1.7	)	(1.3	)	(2.5	)	
Total sales change	 	4.5	%	3.8	%	2.5	%	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Operating income (millions)	 	$	1,724	 	$	1,672	 	$	1,641	 	
Percent change	 	3.1	%	1.9	%	10.5	%	
Percent of sales	 	30.9	%	31.3	%	31.9	%	
 
The Health Care segment serves markets that include medical clinics and hospitals, pharmaceuticals, dental and orthodontic practitioners, health information systems, and food manufacturing and testing. Products and services provided to these and other markets include medical and surgical supplies, skin health and infection prevention products, inhalation and transdermal drug delivery systems, dental and orthodontic products (oral care), health information systems, and food safety products.
 
Year 2014 results:
 
Health Care sales totaled $5.6 billion, an increase of 4.5 percent in U.S. dollars. Organic local-currency sales increased 5.8 percent, acquisitions added 0.4 percent, and foreign currency translation reduced sales by 1.7 percent. Organic local-currency sales grew in all businesses, with the strongest growth in health information systems, drug delivery systems, food safety, critical and chronic care, and infection prevention.
 
Acquisition sales growth related to the April 2014 purchase of Treo Solutions LLC, headquartered in Troy, New York. Treo Solutions LLC is a provider of data analytics and business intelligence to healthcare payers and providers.
 
On a geographic basis, organic local-currency sales increased 9 percent in Latin America/Canada, 8 percent in Asia Pacific, 6 percent in the United States, and 3 percent in EMEA.
 
In developing markets, Health Care organic local-currency sales grew 12 percent.
 
Operating income increased 3.1 percent to $1.7 billion. Operating income margins were 30.9 percent in 2014, compared to 31.3 percent in 2013, with acquisition impacts reducing operating income margins by 0.3 percentage points. As discussed below in 2013 results, the gain from sale of a non-strategic equity method investment benefited total year 2013 operating income margins by 0.3 percentage points.
 
Year 2013 results:
 
Health Care sales totaled $5.3 billion, an increase of 3.8 percent in U.S. dollars. Organic local-currency sales increased 5.0 percent, acquisitions added 0.1 percent, and foreign currency translation reduced sales by 1.3 percent. Organic local-currency sales growth was led by health information systems, food safety, critical and chronic care, infection prevention, and oral care. Organic local-currency sales declined in drug delivery. Acquisition growth related to the April 2012 acquisition of CodeRyte, Inc., which provides clinical natural language processing technology and computer-assisted coding solutions for outpatient providers.
 
On a geographic basis, organic local-currency sales increased 10 percent in Latin America/Canada, 8 percent in Asia Pacific, and 4 percent in both EMEA and the United States.
 
Operating income increased 1.9 percent to $1.7 billion. Operating income margins were 31.3 percent in 2013, compared to 31.9 percent in 2012. Effective January 1, 2013, 3M began to absorb additional costs related to the U.S. medical device excise tax, which decreased operating income margins by 0.4 percentage points. The third-quarter 2013 gain from sale of a non-strategic equity method investment benefited total year 2013 operating income margins by 0.3 percentage points.
 
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Consumer Business (14.2% of consolidated sales):

 	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Sales (millions)	 	$	4,523	 	$	4,435	 	$	4,386	 	
Sales change analysis:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Organic local currency	 	3.9	%	3.0	%	3.6	%	
Acquisitions	 	—	 	—	 	2.0	 	
Divestitures	 	(0.1	)	(0.1	)	—	 	
Translation	 	(1.8	)	(1.8	)	(1.9	)	
Total sales change	 	2.0	%	1.1	%	3.7	%	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Operating income (millions)	 	$	995	 	$	945	 	$	943	 	
Percent change	 	5.3	%	0.2	%	10.3	%	
Percent of sales	 	22.0	%	21.3	%	21.5	%	
 
The Consumer segment serves markets that include consumer retail, office retail, office business to business, home improvement, drug and pharmacy retail, and other markets. Products in this segment include office supply products, stationery products, construction and home improvement products (do-it-yourself), home care products, protective material products, certain consumer retail personal safety products, and consumer health care products.
 
Year 2014 results:
 
Sales in Consumer totaled $4.5 billion, up 2.0 percent in U.S. dollars. Organic local-currency sales increased 3.9 percent, divestitures reduced sales by 0.1 percent, and foreign currency translation reduced sales by 1.8 percent. On an organic local-currency basis, sales growth was led by construction and home improvement. 3M also posted positive growth in its consumer health care and home care businesses. Sales in the stationery and office supplies business were flat.
 
On a geographic basis, organic local-currency sales increased 6 percent in Asia Pacific, 4 percent in the United States, 3 percent in Latin America/Canada, and 1 percent in EMEA.
 
In developing markets, organic local-currency growth was 6 percent.
 
Consumer operating income was $1.0 billion, up 5.3 percent from 2013. Operating income margins were 22.0 percent, up from 21.3 percent in 2013. The combination of strong organic growth, productivity, and portfolio prioritization continued to drive efficiencies across this business.
 
Year 2013 results:
 
Sales in Consumer totaled $4.4 billion, up 1.1 percent in U.S. dollars. Organic local-currency sales increased 3.0 percent, divestitures reduced sales by 0.1 percent, and foreign currency translation reduced sales by 1.8 percent. On an organic local-currency basis, sales growth was led by consumer health care, home care, and construction and home improvement. Organic local-currency sales increased slightly in stationery and office supplies, impacted by continued consolidation trends in the office retail and wholesale market.
 
On a geographic basis, organic local-currency sales increased 7 percent in Asia Pacific and 3 percent in both Latin America/Canada and the United States. Organic local-currency sales declined 1 percent in EMEA.
 
Consumer operating income was $945 million, up 0.2 percent from 2012. Operating income margins were 21.3 percent, down slightly from 2012.
 
As discussed in Note 2, in June 2013, 3M completed the sale of the Scientific Anglers and Ross Reels businesses to The Orvis Company, Inc. based in Manchester, Vermont.
 
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PERFORMANCE BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA
 
While 3M manages its businesses globally and believes its business segment results are the most relevant measure of performance, the Company also utilizes geographic area data as a secondary performance measure. Export sales are generally reported within the geographic area where the final sales to 3M customers are made. A portion of the products or components sold by 3M’s operations to its customers are exported by these customers to different geographic areas. As customers move their operations from one geographic area to another, 3M’s results will follow. Thus, net sales in a particular geographic area are not indicative of end-user consumption in that geographic area. Financial information related to 3M operations in various geographic areas is provided in Note 16.
 
A summary of key information and discussion related to 3M’s geographic areas follow:

 	 	2014	 	
 	 	United
States	 	Asia
Pacific	 	Europe,
Middle East
& Africa	 	Latin
America/
Canada	 	Other
Unallocated	 	Worldwide	 	
Net sales (millions)	 	$	11,714	 	$	9,418	 	$	7,198	 	$	3,504	 	$	(13	)	$	31,821	 	
% of worldwide sales	 	36.8	%	29.6	%	22.6	%	11.0	%	—	 	100.0	%	
Components of net sales change:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Volume — organic	 	4.4	%	6.2	%	2.1	%	0.2	%	—	 	3.9	%	
Price	 	0.5	 	0.1	 	1.1	 	4.3	 	—	 	1.0	 	
Organic local-currency sales	 	4.9	 	6.3	 	3.2	 	4.5	 	—	 	4.9	 	
Acquisitions	 	0.2	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	0.1	 	
Divestitures	 	(0.1	)	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	
Translation	 	—	 	(2.2	)	(1.6	)	(7.5	)	—	 	(1.9	)	
Total sales change	 	5.0	%	4.1	%	1.6	%	(3.0	)%	—	 	3.1	%	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Operating income (millions)	 	$	2,540	 	$	2,487	 	$	1,234	 	$	867	 	$	7	 	$	7,135	 	
Percent change	 	14.9	%	4.2	%	5.7	%	(4.5	)%	—	 	7.0	%	
 
For total year 2014, as shown in the preceding table, sales rose 3.1 percent, with organic volume increases of 3.9 percent and selling price increases of 1.0 percent. Acquisitions added 0.1 percent, while foreign currency translation reduced sales by 1.9 percent. Organic local-currency sales increased 6.3 percent in Asia Pacific, 4.9 percent in the United States, 4.5 percent in Latin America/Canada, and 3.2 percent in EMEA. For 2014, international operations represented 63.2 percent of 3M’s sales.

 	 	2013	 	
 	 	United
States	 	Asia
Pacific	 	Europe,
Middle East
& Africa	 	Latin
America/
Canada	 	Other
Unallocated	 	Worldwide	 	
Net sales (millions)	 	$	11,151	 	$	9,047	 	$	7,085	 	$	3,611	 	$	(23	)	$	30,871	 	
% of worldwide sales	 	36.1	%	29.3	%	22.9	%	11.7	%	—	 	100.0	%	
Components of net sales change:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Volume — organic	 	2.4	%	4.3	%	1.5	%	1.5	%	—	 	2.5	%	
Price	 	0.7	 	(0.7	)	0.6	 	5.6	 	—	 	0.9	 	
Organic local-currency sales	 	3.1	 	3.6	 	2.1	 	7.1	 	—	 	3.4	 	
Acquisitions	 	2.5	 	0.2	 	2.0	 	0.3	 	—	 	1.4	 	
Divestitures	 	(0.1	)	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	
Translation	 	—	 	(4.3	)	1.2	 	(5.1	)	—	 	(1.6	)	
Total sales change	 	5.5	%	(0.5	)%	5.3	%	2.3	%	—	 	3.2	%	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Operating income (millions)	 	$	2,210	 	$	2,386	 	$	1,168	 	$	908	 	$	(6	)	$	6,666	 	
Percent change	 	14.0	%	(2.6	)%	0.4	%	(3.0	)%	—	 	2.8	%	
 
For total year 2013, as shown in the preceding table, sales rose 3.2 percent, with organic volume increases of 2.5 percent and selling price increases of 0.9 percent. Acquisitions added 1.4 percent, while foreign currency translation reduced sales by 1.6 percent. Organic local-currency sales increased 7.1 percent in Latin America/Canada, 3.6 percent in Asia
 
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Pacific, 3.1 percent in the United States, and 2.1 percent in EMEA. For 2013, international operations represented 63.9 percent of 3M’s sales.
 
Geographic Area Supplemental Information

 	 	Employees as of December 31,	 	Capital Spending	 	Property, Plant and
Equipment - net
as of December 31,	 	
(Millions, except Employees)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	2014	 	2013	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
United States	 	35,581	 	34,719	 	34,851	 	$	909	 	$	941	 	$	816	 	$	4,619	 	$	4,478	 	
Asia Pacific	 	17,854	 	18,417	 	18,210	 	184	 	284	 	332	 	1,798	 	1,943	 	
Europe, Middle East and Africa	 	20,506	 	20,504	 	20,638	 	288	 	290	 	226	 	1,502	 	1,636	 	
Latin America and Canada	 	15,859	 	15,027	 	13,978	 	112	 	150	 	110	 	570	 	595	 	
Total Company	 	89,800	 	88,667	 	87,677	 	$	1,493	 	$	1,665	 	$	1,484	 	$	8,489	 	$	8,652	 	
 
Employment:
 
Employment increased by 1,133 positions in 2014 and 990 positions in 2013. The primary factors that increased employment in both years was additions in developing economies to support growth, plus additions related to the Treo Solutions LLC acquisition in 2014.
 
Capital Spending/Net Property, Plant and Equipment:
 
Investments in property, plant and equipment enable growth across many diverse markets, helping to meet product demand and increasing manufacturing efficiency. 3M’s capital spending by geography has been led by the United States (61% of spending in 2014), followed by Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America/Canada. 3M is continuing to increase its manufacturing and sourcing capability, particularly in developing economies, in order to more closely align its product capability with its sales in major geographic areas. 3M will continue to make investments in critical developing markets, such as Brazil, China, Mexico, Panama, Poland, Singapore, Southeast Asia, and Turkey. Capital spending is discussed in more detail later in MD&A in the section entitled “Cash Flows from Investing Activities.”
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
 
Information regarding significant accounting policies is included in Note 1. As stated in Note 1, the preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
 
The Company believes its most critical accounting estimates relate to legal proceedings, the Company’s pension and postretirement obligations, asset impairments and income taxes. Senior management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of its critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of 3M’s Board of Directors.
 
Legal Proceedings:
 
The categories of claims for which the Company has a probable and estimable liability, the amount of its liability accruals, and the estimates of its related insurance receivables are critical accounting estimates related to legal proceedings. Please refer to the section entitled “Process for Disclosure and Recording of Liabilities and Insurance Receivables Related to Legal Proceedings” (contained in “Legal Proceedings” in Note 13) for additional information about such estimates.
 
Pension and Postretirement Obligations:
 
3M has various company-sponsored retirement plans covering substantially all U.S. employees and many employees outside the United States. The primary U.S. defined-benefit pension plan was closed to new participants effective January 1, 2009. The Company accounts for its defined benefit pension and postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 715, Compensation — Retirement Benefits , in measuring plan assets and benefit obligations and in determining the amount of net periodic benefit cost. ASC 715
 
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requires employers to recognize the underfunded or overfunded status of a defined benefit pension or postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and recognize changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through accumulated other comprehensive income, which is a component of stockholders’ equity. While the company believes the valuation methods used to determine the fair value of plan assets are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.
 
Pension benefits associated with these plans are generally based primarily on each participant’s years of service, compensation, and age at retirement or termination. Two critical assumptions, the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets, are important elements of expense and liability measurement. See Note 10 for additional discussion of actuarial assumptions used in determining pension and postretirement health care liabilities and expenses.
 
The Company determines the discount rate used to measure plan liabilities as of the December 31 measurement date for its pension and postretirement benefit plans. The discount rate reflects the current rate at which the associated liabilities could be effectively settled at the end of the year. The Company sets its rate to reflect the yield of a portfolio of high quality, fixed-income debt instruments that would produce cash flows sufficient in timing and amount to settle projected future benefits. Using this methodology, the Company determined a discount rate of 4.10% for the primary U.S. qualified pension plan and 4.07% for U.S. postretirement plans to be appropriate as of December 31, 2014, which represents a decrease from the 4.98% and 4.83% rates, respectively, used as of December 31, 2013. The weighted average discount rate for international pension plans as of December 31, 2014 was 3.11%, a decrease from the 4.02% rate used as of December 31, 2013.
 
A significant element in determining the Company’s pension expense in accordance with ASC 715 is the expected return on plan assets, which is based on historical results for similar allocations among asset classes. For the primary U.S. qualified pension plan, the expected long-term rate of return on an annualized basis for 2015 is 7.75%, unchanged from 2013. Refer to Note 10 for information on how the 2014 rate was determined. Return on assets assumptions for international pension and other post-retirement benefit plans are calculated on a plan-by-plan basis using plan asset allocations and expected long-term rate of return assumptions. The weighted average expected return for the international pension plan is 5.90% for 2015, compared to 5.83% for 2014.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized total consolidated defined benefit pre-tax pension and postretirement expense (after settlements, curtailments, special termination benefits and other) of $391 million, down from $553 million in 2013. Defined benefit pension and postretirement expense (before settlements, curtailments, special termination benefits and other) is anticipated to increase to $601 million in 2015, an increase of $210 million compared to 2014. For the pension plans, holding all other factors constant, a 0.25 percentage point increase/decrease in the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets would decrease/increase 2015 pension expense by approximately $34 million for U.S. pension plans and approximately $15 million for international pension plans. Also, holding all other factors constant, a 0.25 percentage point increase in the discount rate used to measure plan liabilities would decrease 2015 pension expense by approximately $33 million for U.S. pension plans and approximately $24 million for international pension plans. In addition, a 0.25 percentage point decrease in the discount rate used to measure plan liabilities would increase 2015 pension expense by approximately $34 million for U.S. pension plans and approximately $26 million for international pension plans.
 
Asset Impairments:
 
As of December 31, 2014, net property, plant and equipment totaled $8.5 billion and net identifiable intangible assets totaled $1.4 billion. Management makes estimates and assumptions in preparing the consolidated financial statements for which actual results will emerge over long periods of time. This includes the recoverability of long-lived assets employed in the business, including assets of acquired businesses. These estimates and assumptions are closely monitored by management and periodically adjusted as circumstances warrant. For instance, expected asset lives may be shortened or an impairment recorded based on a change in the expected use of the asset or performance of the related asset group.
 
3M goodwill totaled approximately $7.1 billion as of December 31, 2014. 3M’s annual goodwill impairment testing is performed in the fourth quarter of each year. Impairment testing for goodwill is done at a reporting unit level, with all goodwill assigned to a reporting unit. Reporting units are one level below the business segment level, but can be combined when reporting units within the same segment have similar economic characteristics. At 3M, reporting units generally correspond to a division. 3M did not combine any of its reporting units for impairment testing.
 
An impairment loss generally would be recognized when the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s net assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The estimated fair value of a reporting unit is determined using earnings for
 
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the reporting unit multiplied by a price/earnings ratio for comparable industry groups, or by using a discounted cash flow analysis. 3M typically uses the price/earnings ratio approach for stable and growing businesses that have a long history and track record of generating positive operating income and cash flows. 3M uses the discounted cash flow approach for start-up, loss position and declining businesses, but also uses discounted cash flow as an additional tool for businesses that may be growing at a slower rate than planned due to economic or other conditions.
 
As discussed in Notes 3 and 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, effective in the first quarter of 2014, 3M transferred a product line between divisions within business segments, and in the first, second and fourth quarters of 2014 also made certain changes within business segments in its continuing effort to improve the alignment of its businesses around markets and customers. Concurrent with these business segment changes, certain products were moved between and within business segments. For any product moves that resulted in reporting unit changes, the Company applied the relative fair value method to determine the impact on goodwill of the associated reporting units. During the first, second and fourth quarters of 2014, the Company completed its assessment of any potential goodwill impairment for reporting units impacted by this new structure and determined that no impairment existed. The discussion that follows relates to the separate fourth quarter 2014 annual impairment test and is in the context of the reporting unit structure that existed at that time.
 
As of October 1, 2014, 3M had 27 primary reporting units, with ten reporting units accounting for approximately 81 percent of the goodwill. These ten reporting units were comprised of the following divisions: 3M ESPE, 3M Purification Inc., Advanced Materials, Communication Markets, Display Materials and Systems, Health Information Systems, Industrial Adhesives and Tapes, Infection Prevention, Personal Safety, and Traffic Safety and Security Systems. The estimated fair values for all significant reporting units were in excess of carrying value by approximately 50 percent or more. 3M’s market value at both September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2014, was significantly in excess of its equity of approximately $16 billion and $13 billion, respectively.
 
In 2014, 3M primarily used an industry price-earnings ratio approach, but also used a discounted cash flows approach for certain reporting units, to determine fair values. Where applicable, 3M used a weighted-average discounted cash flow analysis for certain divisions, using projected cash flows that were weighted based on different sales growth and terminal value assumptions, among other factors. The weighting was based on management’s estimates of the likelihood of each scenario occurring.
 
3M is an integrated materials enterprise, thus many of 3M’s businesses could not easily be sold on a stand-alone basis. 3M’s focus on research and development has resulted in a portion of 3M’s value being comprised of internally developed businesses that have no goodwill associated with them. Based on the annual test in the fourth quarter of 2014, no goodwill impairment was indicated for any of the reporting units.
 
Factors which could result in future impairment charges include, among others, changes in worldwide economic conditions, changes in competitive conditions and customer preferences, and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. These risk factors are discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of this document. In addition, changes in the weighted average cost of capital could also impact impairment testing results. As indicated above, during the first, second and fourth quarters of 2014, the Company completed its assessment of any potential goodwill impairment for reporting units impacted by product moves plus other changes between reporting units and determined that no impairment existed. Long-lived assets with a definite life are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) may not be recoverable. If future non-cash asset impairment charges are taken, 3M would expect that only a portion of the long-lived assets or goodwill would be impaired. 3M will continue to monitor its reporting units and asset groups in 2015 for any triggering events or other indicators of impairment.
 
Income Taxes:
 
The extent of 3M’s operations involves dealing with uncertainties and judgments in the application of complex tax regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions. The final taxes paid are dependent upon many factors, including negotiations with taxing authorities in various jurisdictions and resolution of disputes arising from federal, state, and international tax audits. The Company recognizes potential liabilities and records tax liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues in the United States and other tax jurisdictions based on its estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. The Company follows guidance provided by ASC 740,  Income Taxes , regarding uncertainty in income taxes, to record these liabilities (refer to Note 7 for additional information). The Company adjusts these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances; however, due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from the Company’s current estimate of the tax liabilities. If the Company’s estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, an additional charge to expense would result. If payment of
 
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these amounts ultimately proves to be less than the recorded amounts, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when the Company determines the liabilities are no longer necessary.
 
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
Information regarding new accounting pronouncements is included in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
 
3M continues to manage towards a better-optimized capital structure by adding balance sheet leverage, which is being used for two purposes: first, to invest in 3M’s businesses, and second, to increase cash returns to shareholders. The strength and stability of 3M’s business model and strong free cash flow capability, together with proven capital markets access, enables 3M to implement this strategy while continuing to invest in its businesses. Organic growth remains a high priority, thus 3M will continue to invest in research and development, capital expenditures, and commercialization capability. In addition, sources for cash availability in the United States, such as ongoing cash flow from operations and access to capital markets, have historically been sufficient to fund dividend payments to shareholders and share repurchases, as well as funding U.S. acquisitions and other items as needed. For those international earnings considered to be reinvested indefinitely, the Company currently has no plans or intentions to repatriate these funds for U.S. operations. However, if these international funds are needed for operations in the U.S., 3M would be required to accrue and pay U.S. taxes to repatriate them. See Note 7 for further information on earnings considered to be reinvested indefinitely.
 
3M’s primary short-term liquidity needs are met through cash on hand and U.S. commercial paper issuances. 3M resumed commercial paper funding in July 2013 for the first time since late 2008. 3M expects to maintain a consistent presence in the market and believes it will have continuous access to the commercial paper market. 3M’s commercial paper program permits the Company to have a maximum of $3 billion outstanding with a maximum maturity of 397 days from date of issuance.
 
Net Debt:
 
The Company defines net debt as total debt less the total of cash, cash equivalents and current and long-term marketable securities. 3M considers net debt and its components to be an important indicator of liquidity and a guiding measure of capital structure strategy. Net debt is not defined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and may not be computed the same as similarly titled measures used by other companies. The following table provides net debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

At December 31	 	 	 	 	 	
(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total Debt	 	$	6,837	 	$	6,009	 	
Less: Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities	 	3,351	 	4,790	 	
Net Debt	 	$	3,486	 	$	1,219	 	
 
In 2014, net debt increased by $2.3 billion to a net debt balance of $3.5 billion (as of December 31, 2014), as 3M progressed on its capital structure strategy and experienced higher debt levels and lower cash balances in both the U.S. and internationally. Specific actions related to cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, in addition to debt, are discussed further below.
 
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities:
 
At December 31, 2014, 3M had $3.4 billion of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, of which approximately $3.3 billion was held by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries and less than $100 million was held by the United States. Of the $3.3 billion held internationally, U.S. dollar-based cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $1.9 billion, or 58 percent, which was invested in money market funds, asset-backed securities, agency securities, corporate medium-term note securities and other high quality fixed income securities. At December 31, 2013, cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities held by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries and in the United States totaled approximately $4.3 billion and $0.5 billion, respectively.
 
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The Company’s total balance of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities was $1.4 billion lower at December 31, 2014 when compared to December 31, 2013. 3M was able to manage the business with lower cash levels, particularly in the U.S., due to significant ongoing cash flow generation and proven access to capital markets funding throughout business cycles.
 
Total debt:
 
The Company’s total debt was $0.8 billion higher at December 31, 2014 when compared to December 31, 2013. The strength of 3M’s capital structure and significant ongoing cash flows provide 3M proven access to capital markets. Additionally, the Company’s maturity profile is staggered to help ensure refinancing needs in any given year are reasonable in proportion to the total portfolio. As of February 2015, the Company has an AA- credit rating, with a stable outlook, from Standard & Poor’s and an Aa3 credit rating, with a negative outlook, from Moody’s Investors Service. The Company’s ongoing transition to a more optimized capital structure, financed with additional low-cost debt, could impact 3M’s credit rating in the future.
 
Effective May 16, 2014, the Company updated its “well-known seasoned issuer” shelf registration statement, which registers an indeterminate amount of debt or equity securities for future sales. This replaced 3M’s previous shelf registration dated August 5, 2011. In June 2014, in connection with the May 16, 2014 shelf registration, 3M re-commenced its medium-term notes program (Series F) under which 3M may issue, from time to time, up to $9 billion aggregate principal amount of notes. Included in this $9 billion are $2.25 billion of notes previously issued in 2011 and 2012 as part of Series F.
 
Significant long-term debt activity during 2013 is summarized below:
 
·                   In August 2013, 3M repaid $850 million (principal amount) of medium-term notes.
·                   In November 2013, 3M issued an eight-year Eurobond for an amount of 600 million Euros.
 
Significant long-term debt activity in 2014 is summarized below:
 
·                   In June 2014, 3M issued $625 million aggregate principal amount of five-year fixed-rate medium-term notes due 2019 with a coupon rate of 1.625%. Upon debt issuance, the Company entered into an interest rate swap to convert $600 million of this amount to an interest rate based on a floating LIBOR index (Series F).
·                   In addition, in June 2014, 3M issued $325 million aggregate principal amount of thirty-year fixed-rate medium-term notes due 2044 with a coupon rate of 3.875% (Series F).
·                   In July 2014, 3M repaid 1.025 billion Euros (principal amount) of maturing Eurobond notes.
·                   In November 2014, the Company issued 500 million Euros aggregate principal amount of four-year floating rate medium-term notes due 2018 with interest based on a floating EURIBOR index (Series F).
·                   Also, in November 2014, the Company issued a 750 million Euros aggregate principal amount of 12-year fixed rate medium-term notes due 2026 with a coupon rate of 1.5% (Series F).
 
In August 2014, 3M amended and extended the existing $1.5 billion five-year multi-currency revolving credit agreement to a $2.25 billion five-year multi-currency revolving credit agreement, with an expiration date of August 2019. This credit agreement includes a provision under which 3M may request an increase of up to $2.25 billion, bringing the total facility up to $4.5 billion (at the lenders’ discretion). This facility was undrawn at December 31, 2014. Under the $2.25 billion credit agreement, the Company is required to maintain its EBITDA to Interest Ratio as of the end of each fiscal quarter at not less than 3.0 to 1. This is calculated (as defined in the agreement) as the ratio of consolidated total EBITDA for the four consecutive quarters then ended to total interest expense on all funded debt for the same period. At December 31, 2014, this ratio was approximately 60 to 1. Debt covenants do not restrict the payment of dividends.
 
In December 2012, 3M entered into a three-year 66 million British Pound (approximately $106 million based on agreement date exchange rates) committed credit agreement, which was fully drawn as of December 31, 2012. 3M repaid 36 million British Pounds in the first quarter of 2014, with the remaining balance of 30 million British Pounds repaid in December 2014. Apart from the committed facilities, an additional $219 million in stand-alone letters of credit and $18 million in bank guarantees were also issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014. These lines of credit are utilized in connection with normal business activities.
 
Balance Sheet:
 
3M’s strong balance sheet and liquidity provide the Company with significant flexibility to take advantage of numerous opportunities going forward. The Company will continue to invest in its operations to drive growth, including continual review of acquisition opportunities.
 
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Various assets and liabilities, including cash and short-term debt, can fluctuate significantly from month to month depending on short-term liquidity needs. Working capital (defined as current assets minus current liabilities) totaled $5.767 billion at December 31, 2014, compared with $5.235 billion at December 31, 2013, an increase of $532 million. Current asset balance changes decreased working capital by $968 million, driven by decreases in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, plus inventory decreases. Current liability balance changes increased working capital by $1.5 billion, largely due to decreases in short-term debt.
 
The Company uses various working capital measures that place emphasis and focus on certain working capital assets and liabilities. These measures are not defined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and may not be computed the same as similarly titled measures used by other companies. One of the primary working capital measures 3M uses is a combined index, which includes accounts receivable, inventories and accounts payable. This combined index (defined as quarterly net sales — fourth quarter at year-end — multiplied by four, divided by ending net accounts receivable plus inventories less accounts payable) was 5.0 at December 31, 2014 compared to 4.8 at December 31, 2013. Receivables decreased $15 million, or 0.4 percent, compared with December 31, 2013, with higher December 2014 sales compared to December 2013 sales contributing to this increase. Currency translation impacts decreased accounts receivable by $292 million. Inventories decreased $158 million, or 4.1 percent, compared with December 31, 2013. The inventory decrease was attributable to currency translation, which decreased inventories by $271 million, partially offset by an increase in demand. Accounts payable had a minimal change when compared with December 31, 2013.
 
Return on Invested Capital (non-GAAP measure):
 
The Company uses non-GAAP measures to focus on shareholder value creation. 3M uses return on invested capital (ROIC), defined as annualized after-tax operating income (including interest income) divided by average operating capital. Operating capital is defined as net assets (total assets less total liabilities) excluding debt. This measure is not recognized under U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. ROIC was 22.0 percent for 2014, and 20.0 percent for 2013.
 
Cash Flows:
 
Cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities are provided in the tables that follow. Individual amounts in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows exclude the effects of acquisitions, divestitures and exchange rate impacts on cash and cash equivalents, which are presented separately in the cash flows. Thus, the amounts presented in the following operating, investing and financing activities tables reflect changes in balances from period to period adjusted for these effects.
 
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Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

Years Ended December 31	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net income including noncontrolling interest	 	$	4,998	 	$	4,721	 	$	4,511	 	
Depreciation and amortization	 	1,408	 	1,371	 	1,288	 	
Company pension contributions	 	(210	)	(476	)	(1,079	)	
Company postretirement contributions	 	(5	)	(6	)	(67	)	
Company pension expense	 	310	 	446	 	534	 	
Company postretirement expense	 	81	 	107	 	116	 	
Stock-based compensation expense	 	280	 	240	 	223	 	
Income taxes (deferred and accrued income taxes)	 	60	 	39	 	123	 	
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	 	(167	)	(92	)	(62	)	
Accounts receivable	 	(268	)	(337	)	(133	)	
Inventories	 	(113	)	(86	)	(251	)	
Accounts payable	 	75	 	16	 	72	 	
Other — net	 	177	 	(126	)	25	 	
Net cash provided by operating activities	 	$	6,626	 	$	5,817	 	$	5,300	 	
 
Cash flows from operating activities can fluctuate significantly from period to period, as pension funding decisions, tax timing differences and other items can significantly impact cash flows.
 
In 2014, cash flows provided by operating activities increased $809 million compared to 2013. Operating cash flows benefited year-on-year from increases in net income including noncontrolling interest, lower pension and postretirement plans contributions, and lower year-on-year working capital requirements. The combination of accounts receivable, inventories and accounts payable increased working capital by $306 million in 2014, compared to increases of $407 million in 2013, with the year-on-year improvement related to higher receivable and inventory turns. Additional discussion on working capital changes is provided earlier in the “Financial Condition and Liquidity” section.
 
In 2013, cash flows provided by operating activities increased $517 million compared to 2012. Operating cash flows benefited year-on-year from $664 million of lower pension and postretirement plans contributions and increases in net income including noncontrolling interest, which were partially offset by higher year-on-year working capital requirements. The combination of accounts receivable, inventories and accounts payable increased working capital by $407 million in 2013, compared to increases of $312 million in 2012, primarily driven by year-on-year increases in working capital requirements due to increasing sales.
 
Free Cash Flow (non-GAAP measure):
 
In addition, to net cash provided by operating activities, 3M believes free cash flow and free cash flow conversion are useful measures of performance and uses these measures as an indication of the strength of the Company and its ability to generate cash. Free cash flow and free cash flow conversion are not defined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Therefore, they should not be considered a substitute for income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. 3M defines free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment (which is classified as an investing activity). It should not be inferred that the entire free cash flow amount is available for discretionary expenditures. 3M defines free cash flow conversion as free cash flow divided by net income attributable to 3M. Below find a recap of free cash flow and free cash flow conversion for 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Years ended December 31	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net cash provided by operating activities	 	$	6,626	 	$	5,817	 	$	5,300	 	
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (PP&E)	 	(1,493	)	(1,665	)	(1,484	)	
Free Cash Flow	 	$	5,133	 	$	4,152	 	$	3,816	 	
Free Cash Flow Conversion	 	104	%	89	%	86	%	
 
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Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

Years ended December 31	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (PP&E)	 	$	(1,493	)	$	(1,665	)	$	(1,484	)	
Proceeds from sale of PP&E and other assets	 	135	 	128	 	41	 	
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	 	(94	)	—	 	(1,046	)	
Purchases and proceeds from maturities and sale of marketable securities and investments, net	 	754	 	627	 	(211	)	
Proceeds from sale of businesses	 	—	 	8	 	—	 	
Other investing activities	 	102	 	46	 	14	 	
Net cash used in investing activities	 	$	(596	)	$	(856	)	$	(2,686	)	
 
Investments in property, plant and equipment enable growth across many diverse markets, helping to meet product demand and increasing manufacturing efficiency. Capital spending was $1.493 billion in 2014, compared to $1.665 billion in 2013 and $1.484 billion in 2012. The Company expects 2015 capital spending to be approximately $1.5 billion to $1.7 billion as 3M continues to invest in its businesses.
 
3M invests in renewable and maintenance programs, which pertains to cost reduction, cycle time, maintaining and renewing current capacity, eliminating pollution, and compliance. Costs related to maintenance, ordinary repairs, and certain other items are expensed. 3M also invests in growth, which adds to capacity, driven by new products, both through expansion of current facilities and new facilities, plus research facilities. Finally, 3M also invests in other initiatives, such as information technology (IT) and corporate laboratory facilities.
 
In 2014, investments in growth across geographies included production equipment, new sites and buildings, capacity investments, converting, and distribution, and other growth initiatives. Other investments include IT systems and infrastructure, including an ongoing multi-year phased implementation of an ERP system on a worldwide basis, In addition, 3M began a multi-year program in the United States to renew and upgrade laboratory facilities and administrative buildings.
 
In 2013, 3M continued its expansion of manufacturing capacity in key growth markets, including investments in the U.S., China, Germany, and Brazil. This included significant investments across 3M’s many businesses, such as abrasives, industrial adhesives and tapes, advanced materials, electronics-related, infection prevention, and other businesses. 3M continued its investments in IT systems and infrastructure. In addition, 3M sustained existing facilities through general maintenance, cost reduction, and compliance efforts.
 
In 2012, 3M expanded manufacturing capacity in key growth markets, particularly with respect to international and developing countries. This included investments in China, Turkey and Poland, in addition to investments in Singapore and the U.S. 3M also increased investments in IT systems and infrastructure and made strategic investments in research/development infrastructure and manufacturing sites to lay the foundation for future growth.
 
Proceeds from sale of PP&E and other assets totaled $135 million in 2014, $128 million in 2013, and $41 million in 2012. Apart from the normal periodic sales of PP&E, 2014 included proceeds of $114 million related to the sales of real estate and non-production equipment, and 2013 included proceeds of $79 million related to non-production equipment.
 
Refer to Note 2 for information on acquisitions and divestitures. The Company is actively considering additional acquisitions, investments and strategic alliances, and from time to time may also divest certain businesses.
 
Purchases of marketable securities and investments and proceeds from maturities and sale of marketable securities and investments are primarily attributable to asset-backed securities, agency securities, corporate medium-term note securities and other securities, which are classified as available-for-sale. Refer to Note 8 for more details about 3M’s diversified marketable securities portfolio. Purchases of investments include additional survivor benefit insurance, plus cost method and equity investments.
 
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Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

Years Ended December 31	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Change in short-term debt — net	 	$	27	 	$	(2	)	$	(36	)	
Repayment of debt (maturities greater than 90 days)	 	(1,625	)	(859	)	(612	)	
Proceeds from debt (maturities greater than 90 days)	 	2,608	 	824	 	1,370	 	
Total cash change in debt	 	$	1,010	 	$	(37	)	$	722	 	
Purchases of treasury stock	 	(5,652	)	(5,212	)	(2,204	)	
Proceeds from issuances of treasury stock pursuant to stock option and benefit plans	 	968	 	1,609	 	1,012	 	
Dividends paid to stockholders	 	(2,216	)	(1,730	)	(1,635	)	
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	 	167	 	92	 	62	 	
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	 	(861	)	—	 	—	 	
Other — net	 	(19	)	32	 	(15	)	
Net cash used in financing activities	 	$	(6,603	)	$	(5,246	)	$	(2,058	)	
 
Total debt was $6.8 billion at December 31, 2014, and $6.0 billion at both December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012. Total debt was 34 percent of total capital (total capital is defined as debt plus equity) at year-end 2014, and 25 percent of total capital at both year-end 2013 and 2012. In 2014, changes in short-term debt largely related to bank borrowings by international subsidiaries.
 
In 2014, repayment of debt primarily includes repayment of a Eurobond repaid in July 2014 totaling 1.025 billion Euros (approximately $1.4 billion carrying value), repayment of the three-year 66 million British Pound committed credit facility agreement entered into in December 2012, and repayment of other international debt. In 2013, repayment of debt related to the August 2013 repayment of $850 million (principal amount) of medium-term notes. In 2012, repayment of debt included $500 million (principal amount) of medium-term notes and repayment of debt acquired, primarily Ceradyne, Inc.
 
In 2014, proceeds from debt primarily related to the June 2014 issuances of $625 million aggregate principal amount of five-year fixed rate medium-term notes due 2019 and $325 million aggregate principal amount of thirty-year fixed rate medium-term notes due 2044, as well as the November 2014 issuances of 500 million Euros principal amount of four-year floating rate medium-term notes due 2018 and 750 million Euros principal amount of 12-year fixed rate medium-term notes due 2026 (refer to Note 9 for more detail). In addition, proceeds from debt for 2014 also include bank borrowings by international subsidiaries. Proceeds from debt in 2013 related to the November 2013 issuance of an eight-year Eurobond for an amount of 600 million Euros. Proceeds from debt in 2012 related to the June 2012 issuance of $650 million aggregate principal amount of five-year fixed rate medium-term notes due 2017 and $600 million aggregate principal amount of ten-year fixed rate medium-term notes due 2022, in addition to 66 million GBP (approximately $106 million) in UK borrowings, which was paid in full in 2014 (refer to Note 9 for further detail on these items).
 
Repurchases of common stock are made to support the Company’s stock-based employee compensation plans and for other corporate purposes. In February 2014, 3M’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $12 billion of 3M’s outstanding common stock, which replaced the Company’s February 2013 repurchase program. This authorization has no pre-established end date. In 2014, the Company purchased $5.652 billion of stock, and in 2013 the Company purchased $5.212 billion of stock, up significantly from $2.204 billion in 2012. The Company expects full-year 2015 gross share repurchases will be in the range of $3 billion to $5 billion. For more information, refer to the table titled “Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” in Part II, Item 5. The Company does not utilize derivative instruments linked to the Company’s stock.
 
Cash dividends paid to shareholders totaled $2.216 billion ($3.42 per share), $1.730 billion ($2.54 per share) in 2013, and $1.635 billion ($2.36 per share) in 2012. 3M has paid dividends since 1916. In December 2014, 3M’s Board of Directors declared a first-quarter 2015 dividend of $1.025 per share, an increase of 20 percent. This is equivalent to an annual dividend of $4.10 per share and marked the 57th consecutive year of dividend increases.
 
On September 1, 2014, 3M purchased (via Sumitomo 3M Limited) Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.’s 25 percent interest in 3M’s consolidated Sumitomo 3M Limited subsidiary for 90 billion Japanese Yen. Upon completion of this transaction, 3M owned 100 percent of Sumitomo 3M Limited. This was reflected as a “Purchase of noncontrolling interest” in the financing section of the consolidated statement of cash flows. In addition, in April 2014, 3M purchased the remaining noncontrolling interest in a consolidated 3M subsidiary for an immaterial amount, which was also classified as a “Purchase of noncontrolling interest” in the financing section of the consolidated statement of cash flows.
 
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In March 2013, 3M sold shares in 3M India Limited, a subsidiary of the Company, in return for $8 million. The noncontrolling interest shares of this subsidiary trade on a public exchange in India. This sale of shares complied with an amendment to Indian securities regulations that required 3M India Limited, as a listed company, to achieve a minimum public shareholding of at least 25 percent. As a result of this transaction, 3M’s ownership in 3M India Limited was reduced from 76 percent to 75 percent. The $8 million received in the first quarter of 2013 was classified as other financing activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows.
 
In addition to the March 2013 sale of noncontrolling interest described above, other cash flows from financing activities may include various other items, such as changes in cash overdraft balances, and principal payments for capital leases.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations:
 
As of December 31, 2014, the Company has not utilized special purpose entities to facilitate off-balance sheet financing arrangements. Refer to the section entitled “Warranties/Guarantees” in Note 13 for discussion of accrued product warranty liabilities and guarantees.
 
In addition to guarantees, 3M, in the normal course of business, periodically enters into agreements that require the Company to indemnify either major customers or suppliers for specific risks, such as claims for injury or property damage arising out of the use of 3M products or the negligence of 3M personnel, or claims alleging that 3M products infringe third-party patents or other intellectual property. While 3M’s maximum exposure under these indemnification provisions cannot be estimated, these indemnifications are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
 
A summary of the Company’s significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2014, follows:
 
Contractual Obligations

 	 	 	 	Payments due by year	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	After	 	
(Millions)	 	Total	 	2015	 	2016	 	2017	 	2018	 	2019	 	2019	 	
Long-term debt, including current portion (Note 9)	 	$	6,786	 	$	55	 	$	1,109	 	$	745	 	$	608	 	$	622	 	$	3,647	 	
Interest on long-term debt	 	1,995	 	139	 	136	 	118	 	114	 	111	 	1,377	 	
Operating leases (Note 13)	 	831	 	225	 	164	 	126	 	75	 	54	 	187	 	
Capital leases (Note 13)	 	73	 	11	 	11	 	7	 	4	 	3	 	37	 	
Unconditional purchase obligations and other	 	1,237	 	879	 	139	 	92	 	55	 	34	 	38	 	
Total contractual cash obligations	 	$	10,922	 	$	1,309	 	$	1,559	 	$	1,088	 	$	856	 	$	824	 	$	5,286	 	
 
Long-term debt payments due in 2015, 2016 and 2017 include floating rate notes totaling $55 million (classified as current portion of long-term debt), $71 million (included in other borrowings in the long-term debt table), and $96 million (included as a separate floating rate note in the long-term debt table), respectively, as a result of put provisions associated with these debt instruments. Interest projections on both floating and fixed rate long-term debt, including the effects of interest rate swaps, are based on effective interest rates as of December 31, 2014.
 
Unconditional purchase obligations are defined as an agreement to purchase goods or services that is enforceable and legally binding on the Company. Included in the unconditional purchase obligations category above are certain obligations related to take or pay contracts, capital commitments, service agreements and utilities. These estimates include both unconditional purchase obligations with terms in excess of one year and normal ongoing purchase obligations with terms of less than one year. Many of these commitments relate to take or pay contracts, in which 3M guarantees payment to ensure availability of products or services that are sold to customers. The Company expects to receive consideration (products or services) for these unconditional purchase obligations. Contractual capital commitments are included in the preceding table, but these commitments represent a small part of the Company’s expected capital spending in 2014 and beyond. The purchase obligation amounts do not represent the entire anticipated purchases in the future, but represent only those items for which the Company is contractually obligated. The majority of 3M’s products and services are purchased as needed, with no unconditional commitment. For this reason, these amounts will not provide a reliable indicator of the Company’s expected future cash outflows on a stand-alone basis.
 
Other obligations, included in the preceding table within the caption entitled “Unconditional purchase obligations and other,” include the current portion of the liability for uncertain tax positions under ASC 740, which is expected to be paid
 
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out in cash in the next 12 months. The Company is not able to reasonably estimate the timing of the long-term payments or the amount by which the liability will increase or decrease over time; therefore, the long-term portion of the net tax liability of $262 million is excluded from the preceding table. Refer to Note 7 for further details.
 
As discussed in Note 10, the Company does not have a required minimum cash pension contribution obligation for its U.S. plans in 2015 and Company contributions to its U.S. and international pension plans are expected to be largely discretionary in future years; therefore, amounts related to these plans are not included in the preceding table.
 
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts, options and swaps to hedge against the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash flows denominated in foreign currencies and certain intercompany financing transactions. The Company manages interest rate risks using a mix of fixed and floating rate debt. To help manage borrowing costs, the Company may enter into interest rate swaps. Under these arrangements, the Company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. The Company manages commodity price risks through negotiated supply contracts, price protection agreements and forward contracts.
 
Refer to Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”, for further discussion of foreign exchange rates risk, interest rates risk, commodity prices risk and value at risk analysis.
 
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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 
 
In the context of Item 7A, 3M is exposed to market risk due to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. Changes in those factors could cause fluctuations in earnings and cash flows. Senior management provides oversight for risk management and derivative activities, determines certain of the Company’s financial risk policies and objectives, and provides guidelines for derivative instrument utilization. Senior management also establishes certain associated procedures relative to control and valuation, risk analysis, counterparty credit approval, and ongoing monitoring and reporting.
 
The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties in interest rate swaps, currency swaps, commodity price swaps, and forward and option contracts. However, the Company’s risk is limited to the fair value of the instruments. The Company actively monitors its exposure to credit risk through the use of credit approvals and credit limits, and by selecting major international banks and financial institutions as counterparties. The Company does not anticipate nonperformance by any of these counterparties.
 
Foreign Exchange Rates Risk:
 
Foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates may affect the Company’s net investment in foreign subsidiaries and may cause fluctuations in cash flows related to foreign denominated transactions. 3M is also exposed to the translation of foreign currency earnings to the U.S. dollar. The Company enters into foreign exchange forward and option contracts to hedge against the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash flows denominated in foreign currencies. These transactions are designated as cash flow hedges. 3M may dedesignate these cash flow hedge relationships in advance of the occurrence of the forecasted transaction. Beginning in the second quarter of 2014, 3M began extending the maximum length of time over which it hedges its exposure to the variability in future cash flows of the forecasted transactions from a previous term of 12 months to a longer term of 24 months. In addition, 3M enters into foreign currency forward contracts that are not designated in hedging relationships to offset, in part, the impacts of certain intercompany activities (primarily associated with intercompany licensing arrangements and intercompany financing transactions). As circumstances warrant, the Company also uses foreign currency forward contracts and foreign currency denominated debt as hedging instruments to hedge portions of the Company’s net investments in foreign operations. The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of the Company’s foreign exchange forward and option contracts designated as cash flow hedges and those not designated as hedging instruments were $2.2 billion and $6.6 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had 200 million Euros in notional amount of foreign currency forward contracts designated as net investment hedges along with 1.85 billion Euros in principal amount of foreign currency denominated debt designated as non-derivative hedging instruments in certain net investment hedges as discussed in Note 11 in the “Net Investment Hedges” section.
 
Interest Rates Risk:
 
The Company may be impacted by interest rate volatility with respect to existing debt and future debt issuances. 3M manages interest expense using a mix of fixed and floating rate debt. To help manage borrowing costs, the Company may enter into interest rate swaps that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges. Under these arrangements, the Company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. The dollar equivalent (based on inception date foreign currency exchange rates) gross notional amount of the Company’s interest rate swaps at December 31, 2014 was $1 billion. Additional details about 3M’s long-term debt can be found in Note 9, including references to information regarding derivatives and/or hedging instruments associated with the Company’s long-term debt.
 
Commodity Prices Risk:
 
Certain commodities the Company uses in the production of its products are exposed to market price risks. 3M manages commodity price risks through negotiated supply contracts, price protection agreements and forward contracts. The Company uses commodity price swaps as cash flow hedges of forecasted commodity transactions to manage price volatility. Generally, the length of time over which 3M hedges its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for its forecasted transactions is 12 months. 3M also enters into commodity price swaps that are not designated in hedge relationships to offset, in part, the impacts of fluctuations in costs associated with the use of certain commodities and precious metals.
 
The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of the Company’s commodity price swaps designated as cash flow hedges and commodity price swaps not designated in hedge relationships were $20 million and $2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014.
 
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Value At Risk:
 
The value at risk analysis is performed annually. A Monte Carlo simulation technique was used to test the Company’s exposure to changes in currency rates, interest rates, and commodity prices and assess the risk of loss or benefit in after-tax earnings of financial instruments (primarily debt), derivatives and underlying exposures outstanding at December 31, 2014. The model (third-party bank dataset) used a 95 percent confidence level over a 12-month time horizon. The exposure to changes in currency rates model used 18 currencies, interest rates related to three currencies (four in 2013), and commodity prices related to five commodities. This model does not purport to represent what actually will be experienced by the Company. This model does not include certain hedge transactions, because the Company believes their inclusion would not materially impact the results. 3M changed to a different third-party bank dataset in 2014 and have revised 2013 amounts to reflect this change. Foreign exchange rate risk of loss or benefit increased in 2014, primarily due to increases in exposures, which is one of the key drivers in the valuation model. Interest rate volatility remained stable in 2014 because the majority of 3M’s debt is fixed and interest rates are currently very low and are projected to remain low, based on forward rates. The following table summarizes the possible adverse and positive impacts to after-tax earnings related to these exposures.

 	 	Adverse impact on after-tax
earnings	 	Positive impact on after-tax
earnings	 	
(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2014	 	2013	 	
Foreign exchange rates	 	$	(164	)	$	(128	)	$	173	 	$	134	 	
Interest rates	 	(4	)	(2	)	3	 	1	 	
Commodity prices	 	(1	)	(4	)	1	 	3	 	

In addition to the possible adverse and positive impacts discussed in the preceding table related to foreign exchange rates, recent historical information is as follows. 3M estimates that year-on-year currency effects, including hedging impacts, had the following effects on net income attributable to 3M: 2014 ($97 million decrease) and 2013 ($74 million decrease). This estimate includes the effect of translating profits from local currencies into U.S. dollars; the impact of currency fluctuations on the transfer of goods between 3M operations in the United States and abroad; and transaction gains and losses, including derivative instruments designed to reduce foreign currency exchange rate risks and the negative impact of swapping Venezuelan bolivars into U.S. dollars. 3M estimates that year-on-year derivative and other transaction gains and losses had the following effects on net income attributable to 3M: 2014 ($8 million increase) and 2013 ($12 million decrease).
 
An analysis of the global exposures related to purchased components and materials is performed at each year-end. A one percent price change would result in a pre-tax cost or savings of approximately $80 million per year. The global energy exposure is such that a ten percent price change would result in a pre-tax cost or savings of approximately $47 million per year. Global energy exposure includes energy costs used in 3M production and other facilities, primarily electricity and natural gas.
 
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 
 
Index to Financial Statements 

 	Beginning
page	
 	 	
Management’s Responsibility for Financial Reporting	46	
 	 	
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting	46	
 	 	
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	47	
 	 	
Consolidated Statement of Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012	48	
 	 	
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012	49	
 	 	
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014 and 2013	50	
 	 	
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012	51	
 	 	
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012	53	
 	 	
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	54	
 	 	
Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies	54	
Note 2. Acquisitions and Divestitures	61	
Note 3. Goodwill and Intangible Assets	63	
Note 4. Supplemental Balance Sheet Information	65	
Note 5. Supplemental Equity and Comprehensive Income Information	66	
Note 6. Supplemental Cash Flow Information	68	
Note 7. Income Taxes	69	
Note 8. Marketable Securities	72	
Note 9. Long-Term Debt and Short-Term Borrowings	74	
Note 10. Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans	77	
Note 11. Derivatives	90	
Note 12. Fair Value Measurements	98	
Note 13. Commitments and Contingencies	102	
Note 14. Stock-Based Compensation	111	
Note 15. Business Segments	115	
Note 16. Geographic Areas	117	
Note 17. Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	117	
 
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Management’s Responsibility for Financial Reporting 
 
Management is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the financial information included in this report. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Where necessary, the financial statements reflect estimates based on management’s judgment.
 
Management has established and maintains a system of internal control over financial reporting for the Company and its subsidiaries. This system and its established accounting procedures and related controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded, that the books and records properly reflect all transactions, that policies and procedures are implemented by qualified personnel, and that published financial statements are properly prepared and fairly presented. The Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting is supported by widely communicated written policies, including business conduct policies, which are designed to require all employees to maintain high ethical standards in the conduct of Company affairs. Internal auditors continually review the accounting and control system.
 
3M Company
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 
 
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting. Management conducted an assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) . Based on the assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.
 
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014.
 
3M Company
 
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
 
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of 3M Company
 
In our opinion the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of 3M Company and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP	 	
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP	 	
Minneapolis, Minnesota	 	
February 12, 2015	 	
 
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Consolidated Statement of Income 
3M Company and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31

(Millions, except per share amounts)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Net sales	 	$	31,821	 	$	30,871	 	$	29,904	 	
Operating expenses	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cost of sales	 	16,447	 	16,106	 	15,685	 	
Selling, general and administrative expenses	 	6,469	 	6,384	 	6,102	 	
Research, development and related expenses	 	1,770	 	1,715	 	1,634	 	
Total operating expenses	 	24,686	 	24,205	 	23,421	 	
Operating income	 	7,135	 	6,666	 	6,483	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Interest expense and income	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Interest expense	 	142	 	145	 	171	 	
Interest income	 	(33	)	(41	)	(39	)	
Total interest expense — net	 	109	 	104	 	132	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Income before income taxes	 	7,026	 	6,562	 	6,351	 	
Provision for income taxes	 	2,028	 	1,841	 	1,840	 	
Net income including noncontrolling interest	 	$	4,998	 	$	4,721	 	$	4,511	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	 	42	 	62	 	67	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net income attributable to 3M	 	$	4,956	 	$	4,659	 	$	4,444	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Weighted average 3M common shares outstanding — basic	 	649.2	 	681.9	 	693.9	 	
Earnings per share attributable to 3M common shareholders — basic	 	$	7.63	 	$	6.83	 	$	6.40	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Weighted average 3M common shares outstanding — diluted	 	662.0	 	693.6	 	703.3	 	
Earnings per share attributable to 3M common shareholders — diluted	 	$	7.49	 	$	6.72	 	$	6.32	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cash dividends paid per 3M common share	 	$	3.42	 	$	2.54	 	$	2.36	 	
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.
 
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Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 
3M Company and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31

(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Net income including noncontrolling interest	 	$	4,998	 	$	4,721	 	$	4,511	 	
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cumulative translation adjustment	 	(942	)	(505	)	71	 	
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans adjustment	 	(1,562	)	1,245	 	201	 	
Debt and equity securities, unrealized gain (loss)	 	2	 	—	 	4	 	
Cash flow hedging instruments, unrealized gain (loss)	 	107	 	15	 	(45	)	
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	 	(2,395	)	755	 	231	 	
Comprehensive income (loss) including noncontrolling interest	 	2,603	 	5,476	 	4,742	 	
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	 	(48	)	20	 	(23	)	
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to 3M	 	$	2,555	 	$	5,496	 	$	4,719	 	
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.
 
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Consolidated Balance Sheet 
3M Company and Subsidiaries
At December 31

(Dollars in millions, except per share amount)	 	2014	 	2013	 	
Assets	 	 	 	 	 	
Current assets	 	 	 	 	 	
Cash and cash equivalents	 	$	1,897	 	$	2,581	 	
Marketable securities — current	 	626	 	756	 	
Accounts receivable — net of allowances of $94 and $104	 	4,238	 	4,253	 	
Inventories	 	 	 	 	 	
Finished goods	 	1,723	 	1,790	 	
Work in process	 	1,081	 	1,139	 	
Raw materials and supplies	 	902	 	935	 	
Total inventories	 	3,706	 	3,864	 	
Other current assets	 	1,298	 	1,279	 	
Total current assets	 	11,765	 	12,733	 	
Marketable securities — non-current	 	828	 	1,453	 	
Investments	 	102	 	122	 	
Property, plant and equipment	 	22,841	 	23,068	 	
Less: Accumulated depreciation	 	(14,352	)	(14,416	)	
Property, plant and equipment — net	 	8,489	 	8,652	 	
Goodwill	 	7,050	 	7,345	 	
Intangible assets — net	 	1,435	 	1,688	 	
Prepaid pension benefits	 	46	 	577	 	
Other assets	 	1,554	 	980	 	
Total assets	 	$	31,269	 	$	33,550	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Liabilities	 	 	 	 	 	
Current liabilities	 	 	 	 	 	
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	 	$	106	 	$	1,683	 	
Accounts payable	 	1,807	 	1,799	 	
Accrued payroll	 	732	 	708	 	
Accrued income taxes	 	435	 	417	 	
Other current liabilities	 	2,918	 	2,891	 	
Total current liabilities	 	5,998	 	7,498	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Long-term debt	 	6,731	 	4,326	 	
Pension and postretirement benefits	 	3,843	 	1,794	 	
Other liabilities	 	1,555	 	1,984	 	
Total liabilities	 	$	18,127	 	$	15,602	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Equity	 	 	 	 	 	
3M Company shareholders’ equity:	 	 	 	 	 	
Common stock, par value $.01 per share Shares outstanding - 2014: 635,134,594 Shares outstanding - 2013: 663,296,239	 	$	9	 	$	9	 	
Additional paid-in capital	 	4,379	 	4,375	 	
Retained earnings	 	34,317	 	32,416	 	
Treasury stock	 	(19,307	)	(15,385	)	
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	 	(6,289	)	(3,913	)	
Total 3M Company shareholders’ equity	 	13,109	 	17,502	 	
Noncontrolling interest	 	33	 	446	 	
Total equity	 	$	13,142	 	$	17,948	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total liabilities and equity	 	$	31,269	 	$	33,550	 	
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.
 
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Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
3M Company and Subsidiaries
Years Ended December 31

 	 	 	 	3M Company Shareholders	 	 	 	
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)	 	Total	 	Common
Stock and
Additional
Paid-in
Capital	 	Retained
Earnings	 	Treasury
Stock	 	Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)	 	Non-
controlling
Interest	 	
Balance at December 31, 2011	 	$	15,862	 	$	3,776	 	$	28,348	 	$	(11,679	)	$	(5,025	)	$	442	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net income	 	4,511	 	 	 	4,444	 	 	 	 	 	67	 	
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cumulative translation adjustment	 	71	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	116	 	(45	)	
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans adjustment	 	201	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	200	 	1	 	
Debt and equity securities - unrealized gain (loss)	 	4	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	4	 	—	 	
Cash flow hedging instruments - unrealized gain (loss)	 	(45	)	 	 	 	 	 	 	(45	)	—	 	
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	 	231	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Dividends declared ($2.36 per share)	 	(1,635	)	 	 	(1,635	)	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Stock-based compensation, net of tax impacts	 	277	 	277	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Reacquired stock	 	(2,220	)	 	 	 	 	(2,220	)	 	 	 	 	
Issuances pursuant to stock option and benefit plans	 	1,014	 	 	 	(478	)	1,492	 	 	 	 	 	
Balance at December 31, 2012	 	$	18,040	 	$	4,053	 	$	30,679	 	$	(12,407	)	$	(4,750	)	$	465	 	
Net income	 	4,721	 	 	 	4,659	 	 	 	 	 	62	 	
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cumulative translation adjustment	 	(505	)	 	 	 	 	 	 	(418	)	(87	)	
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans adjustment	 	1,245	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1,240	 	5	 	
Debt and equity securities - unrealized gain (loss)	 	—	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	—	 	—	 	
Cash flow hedging instruments - unrealized gain (loss)	 	15	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	15	 	—	 	
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	 	755	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Dividends declared ($3.395 per share, Note 5)	 	(2,297	)	 	 	(2,297	)	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Sale of subsidiary shares	 	8	 	7	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	1	 	
Stock-based compensation, net of tax impacts	 	324	 	324	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Reacquired stock	 	(5,216	)	 	 	 	 	(5,216	)	 	 	 	 	
Issuances pursuant to stock option and benefit plans	 	1,613	 	 	 	(625	)	2,238	 	 	 	 	 	
Balance at December 31, 2013	 	$	17,948	 	$	4,384	 	$	32,416	 	$	(15,385	)	$	(3,913	)	$	446	 	
 
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Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (continued)

 	 	 	 	3M Company Shareholders	 	 	 	
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)	 	Total	 	Common
Stock and
Additional
Paid-in
Capital	 	Retained
Earnings	 	Treasury
Stock	 	Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)	 	Non-
controlling
Interest	 	
Balance at December 31, 2013	 	$	17,948	 	$	4,384	 	$	32,416	 	$	(15,385	)	$	(3,913	)	$	446	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net income	 	4,998	 	 	 	4,956	 	 	 	 	 	42	 	
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cumulative translation adjustment	 	(942	)	 	 	 	 	 	 	(948	)	6	 	
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans adjustment	 	(1,562	)	 	 	 	 	 	 	(1,562	)	—	 	
Debt and equity securities - unrealized gain (loss)	 	2	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	2	 	—	 	
Cash flow hedging instruments - unrealized gain/(loss)	 	107	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	107	 	—	 	
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	 	(2,395	)	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Dividends declared ($3.59 per share, Note 5)	 	(2,297	)	 	 	(2,297	)	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Purchase of subsidiary shares	 	(870	)	(434	)	 	 	 	 	25	 	(461	)	
Stock-based compensation, net of tax impacts	 	438	 	438	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Reacquired stock	 	(5,643	)	 	 	 	 	(5,643	)	 	 	 	 	
Issuances pursuant to stock option and benefit plans	 	963	 	 	 	(758	)	1,721	 	 	 	 	 	
Balance at December 31, 2014	 	$	13,142	 	$	4,388	 	$	34,317	 	$	(19,307	)	$	(6,289	)	$	33	 	

Supplemental share information	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Treasury stock	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Beginning balance	 	280,736,817	 	256,941,406	 	249,063,015	 	
Reacquired stock	 	40,664,061	 	45,445,610	 	25,054,207	 	
Issuances pursuant to stock options and benefit plans	 	(12,502,416	)	(21,650,199	)	(17,175,816	)	
Ending balance	 	308,898,462	 	280,736,817	 	256,941,406	 	
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.
 
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Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
3M Company and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31

(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Cash Flows from Operating Activities	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net income including noncontrolling interest	 	$	4,998	 	$	4,721	 	$	4,511	 	
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interest to net cash provided by operating activities	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Depreciation and amortization	 	1,408	 	1,371	 	1,288	 	
Company pension and postretirement contributions	 	(215	)	(482	)	(1,146	)	
Company pension and postretirement expense	 	391	 	553	 	650	 	
Stock-based compensation expense	 	280	 	240	 	223	 	
Deferred income taxes	 	(146	)	(167	)	33	 	
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	 	(167	)	(92	)	(62	)	
Changes in assets and liabilities	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Accounts receivable	 	(268	)	(337	)	(133	)	
Inventories	 	(113	)	(86	)	(251	)	
Accounts payable	 	75	 	16	 	72	 	
Accrued income taxes (current and long-term)	 	206	 	206	 	90	 	
Other — net	 	177	 	(126	)	25	 	
Net cash provided by operating activities	 	6,626	 	5,817	 	5,300	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cash Flows from Investing Activities	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (PP&E)	 	(1,493	)	(1,665	)	(1,484	)	
Proceeds from sale of PP&E and other assets	 	135	 	128	 	41	 	
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	 	(94	)	—	 	(1,046	)	
Purchases of marketable securities and investments	 	(1,280	)	(4,040	)	(5,492	)	
Proceeds from maturities and sale of marketable securities and investments	 	2,034	 	4,667	 	5,281	 	
Proceeds from sale of businesses	 	—	 	8	 	—	 	
Other investing	 	102	 	46	 	14	 	
Net cash used in investing activities	 	(596	)	(856	)	(2,686	)	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Change in short-term debt — net	 	27	 	(2	)	(36	)	
Repayment of debt (maturities greater than 90 days)	 	(1,625	)	(859	)	(612	)	
Proceeds from debt (maturities greater than 90 days)	 	2,608	 	824	 	1,370	 	
Purchases of treasury stock	 	(5,652	)	(5,212	)	(2,204	)	
Proceeds from issuance of treasury stock pursuant to stock option and benefit plans	 	968	 	1,609	 	1,012	 	
Dividends paid to shareholders	 	(2,216	)	(1,730	)	(1,635	)	
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	 	167	 	92	 	62	 	
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	 	(861	)	—	 	—	 	
Other — net	 	(19	)	32	 	(15	)	
Net cash used in financing activities	 	(6,603	)	(5,246	)	(2,058	)	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	 	(111	)	(17	)	108	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	 	(684	)	(302	)	664	 	
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	 	2,581	 	2,883	 	2,219	 	
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	 	$	1,897	 	$	2,581	 	$	2,883	 	
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
NOTE 1.  Significant Accounting Policies 
 
Consolidation: 3M is a diversified global manufacturer, technology innovator and marketer of a wide variety of products. All subsidiaries are consolidated. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated. As used herein, the term “3M” or “Company” refers to 3M Company and subsidiaries unless the context indicates otherwise.
 
Foreign currency translation: Local currencies generally are considered the functional currencies outside the United States. Assets and liabilities for operations in local-currency environments are translated at month-end exchange rates of the period reported. Income and expense items are translated at month-end exchange rates of each applicable month. Cumulative translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity.
 
Although local currencies are typically considered as the functional currencies outside the United States, under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 830, Foreign Currency Matters , the reporting currency of a foreign entity’s parent is assumed to be that entity’s functional currency when the economic environment of a foreign entity is highly inflationary—generally when its cumulative inflation is approximately 100 percent or more for the three years that precede the beginning of a reporting period. 3M has a subsidiary in Venezuela with operating income representing less than 1.0 percent of 3M’s consolidated operating income for 2014. 3M has determined that the cumulative inflation rate of Venezuela has exceeded, and continues to exceed, 100 percent since November 2009. Accordingly, since January 1, 2010, the financial statements of the Venezuelan subsidiary have been remeasured as if its functional currency were that of its parent.
 
The Venezuelan government sets official rates of exchange and conditions precedent to purchase foreign currency at these rates with local currency. Such rates and conditions are subject to change. For the periods presented through January 2013, this rate was set under the Transaction System for Foreign Currency Denominated Securities (SITME). In February 2013, the Venezuelan government announced a devaluation of its currency and the elimination of the SITME market. As a result, the official exchange rate controlled by the Commission for the Administration of Foreign Exchange (CADIVI) changed to a rate less favorable than the previous SITME rate.
 
In January 2014, the Venezuelan government announced that a new agency, the National Center for Foreign Commerce (CENCOEX), had assumed the previous role of CADIVI with respect to the continuation of the existing official exchange rate; significantly expanded the use of a second foreign exchange mechanism called the Complementary System for Foreign Currency Acquirement (or SICAD1); and issued exchange regulations indicating the SICAD1 rate of exchange would be used for payments related to international investments. The SICAD1 exchange mechanism, a complementary currency auction system, had previously been created for purchases of foreign currency by only certain eligible importers and tourists. The government had begun publishing the SICAD1 rate resulting from currency auctions in December 2013. In late March 2014, the Venezuelan government launched a third foreign exchange mechanism, SICAD2, which relies on U.S. dollar cash and U.S. dollar denominated bonds offered by the Venezuelan Central Bank, PDVSA (the Venezuelan national oil and gas company) and certain private companies. SICAD2 was announced as being available to all industry sectors and that its use would not be restricted as to purpose.
 
Since January 1, 2010, as discussed above, the financial statements of 3M’s Venezuelan subsidiary have been remeasured as if its functional currency were that of its parent. For the periods presented, this remeasurement utilized the SITME rate through January 2013, the official CADIVI/CENCOEX rate beginning in February 2013, the SICAD1 rate beginning in March 2014, and the SICAD2 rate beginning in June 2014. 3M’s use of SICAD1 and subsequently SICAD2 was based upon evaluation of a number of factors including, but not limited to, the exchange rate the Company’s Venezuelan subsidiary may legally use to convert currency, settle transactions or pay dividends; the probability of accessing and obtaining currency by use of a particular rate or mechanism; and the Company’s intent and ability to use a particular exchange mechanism. Other factors notwithstanding, the elimination of the SITME rate and use of the CADIVI/CENCOEX exchange rate beginning in February 2013, use of the SICAD1 rate beginning in March 2014, and use of the SICAD2 rate beginning in June 2014 did not have a material impact on 3M’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
 
The Company continues to monitor circumstances relative to its Venezuelan subsidiary. Changes in applicable exchange rates or exchange mechanisms may continue in the future. These changes could impact the rate of exchange applicable to remeasure the Company’s net monetary assets (liabilities) denominated in Venezuelan Bolivars (VEF). As of December 31, 2014, the Company had a balance of net monetary liabilities denominated in VEF of less than 150 million VEF and the
 
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SICAD1 and SICAD2 exchange rates were approximately 10 VEF and 50 VEF per U.S. dollar, respectively. Had 3M utilized the SICAD1 rate rather than the SICAD2 rate of exchange for remeasurement of such items as of December 31, 2014, the differential would not have had a material impact on 3M’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
 
A need to deconsolidate the Company’s Venezuelan subsidiary’s operations may result from a lack of exchangeability of VEF-denominated cash coupled with an acute degradation in the ability to make key operational decisions due to government regulations in Venezuela. 3M monitors factors such as its ability to access various exchange mechanisms; the impact of government regulations on the Company’s ability to manage its Venezuelan subsidiary’s capital structure, purchasing, product pricing, and labor relations; and the current political and economic situation within Venezuela. Based upon such factors as of December 31, 2014, the Company continues to consolidate its Venezuelan subsidiary. As of December 31, 2014, the balance of intercompany receivables due from this subsidiary is less than $20 million and its equity balance is not significant.
 
Reclassifications: Certain amounts in the prior years’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
 
Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and temporary investments with maturities of three months or less when acquired.
 
Marketable securities: The classification of marketable securities as current or non-current is dependent upon management’s intended holding period, the security’s maturity date and liquidity considerations based on market conditions. If management intends to hold the securities for longer than one year as of the balance sheet date, they are classified as non-current. 3M reviews impairments associated with its marketable securities in accordance with the measurement guidance provided by ASC 320 , Investments-Debt and Equity Securities , when determining the classification of the impairment as “temporary” or “other-than-temporary”. A temporary impairment charge results in an unrealized loss being recorded in the other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity. Such an unrealized loss does not reduce net income for the applicable accounting period because the loss is not viewed as other-than-temporary. The factors evaluated to differentiate between temporary and other-than-temporary include the projected future cash flows, credit ratings actions, and assessment of the credit quality of the underlying collateral, as well as other factors.
 
Investments: Investments primarily include equity method, cost method, and available-for-sale equity investments. Available-for-sale investments are recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses relating to investments classified as available-for-sale are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity.
 
Other assets: Other assets include deferred income taxes, product and other insurance receivables, the cash surrender value of life insurance policies, and other long-term assets. Investments in life insurance are reported at the amount that could be realized under contract at the balance sheet date, with any changes in cash surrender value or contract value during the period accounted for as an adjustment of premiums paid. Cash outflows and inflows associated with life insurance activity are included in “Purchases of marketable securities and investments” and “Proceeds from maturities and sale of marketable securities and investments,” respectively.
 
Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost generally determined on a first-in, first-out basis.
 
Property, plant and equipment: Property, plant and equipment, including capitalized interest and internal engineering costs, are recorded at cost. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment generally is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives of buildings and improvements primarily range from ten to forty years, with the majority in the range of twenty to forty years. The estimated useful lives of machinery and equipment primarily range from three to fifteen years, with the majority in the range of five to ten years. Fully depreciated assets are retained in property and accumulated depreciation accounts until disposal. Upon disposal, assets and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the net amount, less proceeds from disposal, is charged or credited to operations. Property, plant and equipment amounts are reviewed for impairment
 
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whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. The amount of the impairment loss recorded is calculated by the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value. Fair value is generally determined using a discounted cash flow analysis.
 
Conditional asset retirement obligations: A liability is initially recorded at fair value for an asset retirement obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. Conditional asset retirement obligations exist for certain long-term assets of the Company. The obligation is initially measured at fair value using expected present value techniques. Over time the liabilities are accreted for the change in their present value and the initial capitalized costs are depreciated over the remaining useful lives of the related assets. The asset retirement obligation liability was $96 million and $90 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
Goodwill: Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of each year, and is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Impairment testing for goodwill is done at a reporting unit level, with all goodwill assigned to a reporting unit. Reporting units are one level below the business segment level, but can be combined when reporting units within the same segment have similar economic characteristics. 3M did not combine any of its reporting units for impairment testing. An impairment loss generally would be recognized when the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s net assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The estimated fair value of a reporting unit is determined using earnings for the reporting unit multiplied by a price/earnings ratio for comparable industry groups, or by using a discounted cash flow analysis. Companies have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the fair value of a reporting unit is not “more likely than not” less than its carrying amount, which is commonly referred to as “Step 0”. 3M has chosen not to apply Step 0 for 2014 or prior.
 
Intangible assets: Intangible asset types include customer related, patents, other technology-based, tradenames and other intangible assets acquired from an independent party. Intangible assets with a definite life are amortized over a period ranging from one to twenty years on a systematic and rational basis (generally straight line) that is representative of the asset’s use. The estimated useful lives vary by category, with customer related largely between two to ten years, patents largely between five to ten years, other technology-based largely between five to twelve years, definite lived tradenames largely between two and twenty years, and other intangibles largely between two to ten years. Costs related to internally developed intangible assets, such as patents, are expensed as incurred, primarily in “Research, development and related expenses.”
 
Intangible assets with a definite life are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the estimated undiscounted cash flows used in determining the fair value of the asset. The amount of the impairment loss recorded is calculated by the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value. Fair value is generally determined using a discounted cash flow analysis.
 
Intangible assets with an indefinite life, namely certain tradenames, are not amortized. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually, and are tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. An impairment loss generally would be recognized when the fair value is less than the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset.
 
Restructuring actions: Restructuring actions generally include significant actions involving employee-related severance charges, contract termination costs, and impairment of assets associated with such actions. Employee-related severance charges are largely based upon distributed employment policies and substantive severance plans. These charges are reflected in the quarter when the actions are probable and the amounts are estimable, which typically is when management approves the associated actions. Severance amounts for which affected employees were required to render service in order to receive benefits at their termination dates were measured at the date such benefits were communicated to the applicable employees and recognized as expense over the employees’ remaining service periods. Contract termination and other charges primarily reflect costs to terminate a contract before the end of its term (measured at fair value at the time the Company provided notice to the counterparty) or costs that will continue to be incurred under the contract for its remaining term without economic benefit to the Company. Asset impairment charges related to intangible assets and property, plant and equipment reflect the excess of the assets’ carrying values over their fair values.
 
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Revenue (sales) recognition: The Company sells a wide range of products to a diversified base of customers around the world and has no material concentration of credit risk. Revenue is recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership have substantively transferred to customers. This condition normally is met when the product has been delivered or upon performance of services. The Company records estimated reductions to revenue or records expense for customer and distributor incentives, primarily comprised of rebates and free goods, at the time of the initial sale. These sales incentives are accounted for in accordance with ASC 605, Revenue Recognition . The estimated reductions of revenue for rebates are based on the sales terms, historical experience, trend analysis and projected market conditions in the various markets served. Since the Company serves numerous markets, the rebate programs offered vary across businesses, but the most common incentive relates to amounts paid or credited to customers for achieving defined volume levels or growth objectives. Free goods are accounted for as an expense and recorded in cost of sales. Sales, use, value-added and other excise taxes are not recognized in revenue.
 
The vast majority of 3M’s sales agreements are for standard products and services with customer acceptance occurring upon delivery of the product or performance of the service. However, to a limited extent 3M also enters into agreements that involve multiple elements (such as equipment, installation and service), software, or non-standard terms and conditions.
 
For non-software multiple-element arrangements, in connection with 3M’s adoption on a prospective basis of Accounting Standards Updated (ASU) No. 2009-13, Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements—a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force, to new or materially modified arrangements beginning in 2011, the Company recognizes revenue for delivered elements when they have stand-alone value to the customer, they have been accepted by the customer, and for which there are only customary refund or return rights. Arrangement consideration is allocated to the deliverables by use of the relative selling price method. The selling price used for each deliverable is based on vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) if available, third-party evidence (TPE) if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Estimated selling price is determined in a manner consistent with that used to establish the price to sell the deliverable on a standalone basis. For applicable pre-existing arrangements, 3M recognizes revenue for delivered elements when the fair values of the undelivered items are known and allocation of consideration to the delivered items is most often based on the residual method. In addition to the preceding conditions under ASU No. 2009-13 and for applicable pre-existing arrangements, equipment revenue is not recorded until the installation has been completed if equipment acceptance is dependent upon installation or if installation is essential to the functionality of the equipment. Installation revenues are not recorded until installation has been completed.
 
For arrangements (or portions of arrangements) falling within software revenue recognition standards and that do not involve significant production, modification, or customization, revenue for each software or software-related element is recognized when the Company has VSOE of the fair value of all of the undelivered elements and applicable criteria have been met for the delivered elements. When the arrangements involve significant production, modification or customization, long-term construction-type accounting involving proportional performance is generally employed.
 
For prepaid service contracts, sales revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract, unless historical evidence indicates the costs are incurred on other than a straight-line basis. License fee revenue is recognized as earned, and no revenue is recognized until the inception of the license term.
 
On occasion, agreements will contain milestones, or 3M will recognize revenue based on proportional performance. For these agreements, and depending on the specifics, 3M may recognize revenue upon completion of a substantive milestone, or in proportion to costs incurred to date compared with the estimate of total costs to be incurred.
 
Accounts receivable and allowances: Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The Company maintains allowances for bad debts, cash discounts, product returns and various other items. The allowance for doubtful accounts and product returns is based on the best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in existing accounts receivable and anticipated sales returns. The Company determines the allowances based on historical write-off experience by industry and regional economic data and historical sales returns. The Company reviews the allowance for doubtful accounts monthly. The Company does not have any significant off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
 
Advertising and merchandising: These costs are charged to operations in the period incurred, and totaled $407 million in 2014, $423 million in 2013 and $482 million in 2012.
 
Research, development and related expenses: These costs are charged to operations in the period incurred and are shown on a separate line of the Consolidated Statement of Income. Research, development and related expenses totaled $1.770 billion in 2014, $1.715 billion in 2013 and $1.634 billion in 2012. Research and development expenses, covering
 
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basic scientific research and the application of scientific advances in the development of new and improved products and their uses, totaled $1.193 billion in 2014, $1.150 billion in 2013 and $1.079 billion in 2012. Related expenses primarily include technical support provided by 3M to customers who are using existing 3M products; internally developed patent costs, which include costs and fees incurred to prepare, file, secure and maintain patents; amortization of externally acquired patents and externally acquired in-process research and development; and gains/losses associated with certain corporate approved investments in R&D-related ventures, such as equity method effects and impairments.
 
Internal-use software: The Company capitalizes direct costs of services used in the development of internal-use software. Amounts capitalized are amortized over a period of three to seven years, generally on a straight-line basis, unless another systematic and rational basis is more representative of the software’s use. Amounts are reported as a component of either machinery and equipment or capital leases within property, plant and equipment.
 
Environmental: Environmental expenditures relating to existing conditions caused by past operations that do not contribute to current or future revenues are expensed. Reserves for liabilities related to anticipated remediation costs are recorded on an undiscounted basis when they are probable and reasonably estimable, generally no later than the completion of feasibility studies, the Company’s commitment to a plan of action, or approval by regulatory agencies. Environmental expenditures for capital projects that contribute to current or future operations generally are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.
 
Income taxes: The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach. Under this approach, deferred income taxes represent the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets when uncertainty regarding their realizability exists. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had valuation allowances of $22 million and $23 million on its deferred tax assets, respectively. The Company recognizes and measures its uncertain tax positions based on the rules under ASC 740,  Income Taxes .
 
Earnings per share: The difference in the weighted average 3M shares outstanding for calculating basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to 3M common shareholders is the result of the dilution associated with the Company’s stock-based compensation plans. Certain options outstanding under these stock-based compensation plans during the years 2014, 2013 and 2012 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share attributable to 3M common shareholders because they would not have had a dilutive effect (1.4 million average options for 2014, 2.0 million average options for 2013, and 12.6 million average options for 2012). The computations for basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31 follow:
 
Earnings Per Share Computations

(Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Numerator:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net income attributable to 3M	 	$	4,956	 	$	4,659	 	$	4,444	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Denominator:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Denominator for weighted average 3M common shares outstanding — basic	 	649.2	 	681.9	 	693.9	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Dilution associated with the Company’s stock-based compensation plans	 	12.8	 	11.7	 	9.4	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Denominator for weighted average 3M common shares outstanding — diluted	 	662.0	 	693.6	 	703.3	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Earnings per share attributable to 3M common shareholders — basic	 	$	7.63	 	$	6.83	 	$	6.40	 	
Earnings per share attributable to 3M common shareholders — diluted	 	$	7.49	 	$	6.72	 	$	6.32	 	
 
Stock-based compensation: The Company recognizes compensation expense for its stock-based compensation programs, which include stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, and the General Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (GESPP). Under applicable accounting standards, the fair value of share-based compensation is determined at the grant date and the recognition of the related expense is recorded over the period in which the share-based compensation vests. Refer to Note 14 for additional information.
 
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Comprehensive income: Total comprehensive income and the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are presented in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is composed of foreign currency translation effects (including hedges of net investments in international companies), defined benefit pension and postretirement plan adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt and equity securities, and unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments.
 
Derivatives and hedging activities: All derivative instruments within the scope of ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging , are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. The Company uses interest rate swaps, currency and commodity price swaps, and foreign currency forward and option contracts to manage risks generally associated with foreign exchange rate, interest rate and commodity market volatility. All hedging instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are designated and effective as hedges, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. If the underlying hedged transaction ceases to exist, all changes in fair value of the related derivatives that have not been settled are recognized in current earnings. Instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are marked to market with changes recognized in current earnings. Cash flows from derivative instruments are classified in the statement of cash flows in the same category as the cash flows from the items subject to designated hedge or undesignated (economic) hedge relationships. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes and is not a party to leveraged derivatives.
 
Credit risk: The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties in interest rate swaps, currency swaps, commodity price swaps, and forward and option contracts. However, the Company’s risk is limited to the fair value of the instruments. The Company actively monitors its exposure to credit risk through the use of credit approvals and credit limits, and by selecting major international banks and financial institutions as counterparties. 3M enters into master netting arrangements with counterparties when possible to mitigate credit risk in derivative transactions. A master netting arrangement may allow each counterparty to net settle amounts owed between a 3M entity and the counterparty as a result of multiple, separate derivative transactions. The Company does not anticipate nonperformance by any of these counterparties. 3M has elected to present the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities within the Company’s consolidated balance sheet on a gross basis even when derivative transactions are subject to master netting arrangements and may otherwise qualify for net presentation.
 
Fair value measurements: 3M follows ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures , with respect to assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and nonrecurring basis. Under the standard, fair value is defined as the exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. The standard also establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability developed based upon the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs (other than quoted prices) that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
 
Acquisitions: The Company accounts for business acquisitions in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations . This standard requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all (and only) the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction and establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Certain provisions of this standard prescribe, among other things, the determination of acquisition-date fair value of consideration paid in a business combination (including contingent consideration) and the exclusion of transaction and acquisition-related restructuring costs from acquisition accounting.
 
New Accounting Pronouncements
 
In March 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-05, Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity . This standard provides additional guidance with respect to the reclassification into income of the cumulative translation adjustment (CTA) recorded in accumulated other
 
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comprehensive income associated with a foreign entity of a parent company. The ASU differentiates between transactions occurring within a foreign entity and transactions/events affecting an investment in a foreign entity. For transactions within a foreign entity, the full CTA associated with the foreign entity would be reclassified into income only when the sale of a subsidiary or group of net assets within the foreign entity represents the substantially complete liquidation of that foreign entity. For transactions/events affecting an investment in a foreign entity (for example, control or ownership of shares in a foreign entity), the full CTA associated with the foreign entity would be reclassified into income only if the parent no longer has a controlling interest in that foreign entity as a result of the transaction/event. In addition, acquisitions of a foreign entity completed in stages will trigger release of the CTA associated with an equity method investment in that entity at the point a controlling interest in the foreign entity is obtained. For 3M, this ASU was effective prospectively beginning January 1, 2014. This ASU had no immediate impact on 3M’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition as the Company had no event/transaction as described above.
 
In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity , which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. This standard will have the impact of reducing the frequency of disposals reported as discontinued operations, by requiring such a disposal to represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. However, existing provisions that prohibit an entity from reporting a discontinued operation if it has certain continuing cash flows or involvement with the component after disposal are eliminated by this standard. The ASU also expands the disclosures for discontinued operations and requires new disclosures related to individually significant disposals that do not qualify as discontinued operations. For 3M, this ASU is effective prospectively beginning January 1, 2015. Early adoption is, however, permitted. This ASU would impact 3M’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition only in the instance of a disposal as described above.
 
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which provides a single comprehensive model to be used in the accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The standard’s stated core principle is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve this core principle the ASU includes provisions within a five step model that includes identifying the contract with a customer, identifying the performance obligations in the contract, determining the transaction price, allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations, and recognizing revenue when (or as) an entity satisfies a performance obligation. The standard also specifies the accounting for some costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and requires expanded disclosures about revenue recognition. The standard provides for either full retrospective adoption or a modified retrospective adoption by which it is applied only to the most current period presented. For 3M, this ASU is effective January 1, 2017. The Company is currently assessing this ASU’s impact on 3M’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
 
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NOTE 2.  Acquisitions and Divestitures 
 
3M makes acquisitions of certain businesses from time to time that are aligned with its strategic intent with respect to, among other factors, growth markets and adjacent product lines or technologies.
 
3M completed one acquisition (Treo Solutions, LLC) during 2014, the impact of which on the consolidated balance sheet was not considered material. Separately, as discussed in Note 5, during 2014, 3M (via Sumitomo 3M Limited) purchased Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.’s 25 percent interest in 3M’s consolidated Sumitomo 3M Limited subsidiary for 90 billion Japanese Yen. Because 3M already had a controlling interest in this consolidated subsidiary, this transaction was separately recorded as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows.
 
There were no acquisitions that closed during 2013. Adjustments in 2013 to the preliminary purchase price allocations of other acquisitions within the allocation period were not material and primarily related to the 2012 acquisition of Ceradyne, Inc.
 
In January 2015, 3M (Electronics and Energy Business) completed the sale of its global Static Control business to Desco Industries Inc., based in Chino, California. 2014 sales of this business were $46 million. This transaction was not considered material.
 
The impact on the consolidated balance sheet of the purchase price allocations related to 2012 acquisitions, including adjustments relative to other acquisitions within the allocation period, follows. Adjustments in 2012 to the preliminary purchase price allocations of other acquisitions within the allocation period were not material and primarily related to the 2011 acquisitions of Winterthur Technologie AG and the business acquired from GPI Group.

 	 	2012 Acquisition Activity	 	
(Millions)	 	 	 	Other	 	 	 	
Asset (Liability)	 	Ceradyne, Inc.	 	Acquisitions	 	Total	 	
Accounts receivable	 	$	55	 	$	29	 	$	84	 	
Inventory	 	112	 	13	 	125	 	
Other current assets	 	36	 	1	 	37	 	
Marketable securities	 	250	 	—	 	250	 	
Property, plant, and equipment	 	238	 	3	 	241	 	
Purchased finite-lived intangible assets	 	127	 	86	 	213	 	
Purchased indefinite-lived intangible assets	 	—	 	2	 	2	 	
Purchased goodwill	 	198	 	141	 	339	 	
Accounts payable and other liabilities, net of other assets	 	(100	)	(27	)	(127	)	
Interest bearing debt	 	(93	)	(3	)	(96	)	
Deferred tax asset/(liability)	 	(25	)	3	 	(22	)	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net assets acquired	 	$	798	 	$	248	 	$	1,046	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Supplemental information:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cash paid	 	$	850	 	$	248	 	$	1,098	 	
Less: Cash acquired	 	52	 	—	 	52	 	
Cash paid, net of cash acquired	 	$	798	 	$	248	 	$	1,046	 	
 
Goodwill resulting from business combinations is largely attributable to the existing workforce of the acquired businesses and synergies expected to arise after 3M’s acquisition of these businesses. In-process research and development associated with CodeRyte, Inc. is reflected in the preceding 2012 table as purchased indefinite-lived intangible assets. Pro forma information related to acquisitions was not included because the impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations was not considered to be material.
 
In addition to business combinations, 3M periodically acquires certain tangible and/or intangible assets and purchases interests in certain enterprises that do not otherwise qualify for accounting as business combinations. These transactions are largely reflected as additional asset purchase and investment activity.
 
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2014 acquisitions:
 
During 2014, 3M completed one business combination. The purchase price paid for this business combination (net of cash acquired) and the impact of other matters (net) during 2014 aggregated to $94 million.
 
(1) In April 2014, 3M (Health Care Business) purchased all of the outstanding equity interests of Treo Solutions LLC, headquartered in Troy, New York. Treo Solutions LLC is a provider of data analytics and business intelligence to healthcare payers and providers.
 
Purchased identifiable finite-lived intangible assets related to acquisition activity in 2014 totaled $34 million. The associated finite-lived intangible assets acquired in 2014 will be amortized on a systematic and rational basis (generally straight line) over a weighted-average life of six years (lives ranging from three to 10 years). Acquired in-process research and development and identifiable intangible assets for which significant assumed renewals or extensions of underlying arrangements impacted the determination of their useful lives were not material.
 
2013 divestitures:
 
In June 2013, 3M (Consumer Business) completed the sale of its Scientific Anglers and Ross Reels businesses to The Orvis Company, Inc. based in Manchester, Vermont. This transaction was not considered material.
 
2012 acquisitions:
 
During 2012, 3M completed three business combinations. The purchase price paid for these business combinations (net of cash acquired) and the impact of other matters (net) during 2012 aggregated to $1.046 billion.
 
(1) In April 2012, 3M (Health Care Business) purchased all of the outstanding shares of CodeRyte, Inc., an industry leader in clinical natural processing technology and computer-assisted coding solutions for healthcare outpatient providers, which is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.
 
(2) In September 2012, 3M (Safety and Graphics Business) purchased the net assets of Federal Signal Technologies Group from Federal Signal Corp., for a total purchase price of approximately $104 million. This business focuses on electronic toll collection and parking management hardware and software services, with primary facilities spread throughout the United States and in the U.K.
 
(3) In November 2012, 3M (Industrial Business) purchased all of the outstanding shares of Ceradyne, Inc. (Ceradyne) for $798 million, net of cash acquired. The net assets acquired in this transaction included $250 million of marketable securities and $93 million of debt, as indicated in the preceding 2012 table. Ceradyne, headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, is involved in the development and production of advanced technical ceramics for demanding applications in the automotive, oil and gas, solar, industrial, electronics and defense industries.
 
Purchased identifiable finite-lived intangible assets related to acquisition activity in 2012 totaled $213 million. The associated finite-lived intangible assets acquired in 2012 will be amortized on a systematic and rational basis (generally straight line) over a weighted-average life of 12 years (lives ranging from two to 20 years). Acquired in-process research and development and identifiable intangible assets for which significant assumed renewals or extensions of underlying arrangements impacted the determination of their useful lives were not material.
 
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NOTE 3.  Goodwill and Intangible Assets 
 
Purchased goodwill from acquisitions totaled $65 million in 2014, none of which is deductible for tax purposes. There were no acquisitions that closed during 2013. The acquisition activity in the following table also includes the net impact of adjustments to the preliminary allocation of purchase price for prior year acquisitions, which increased goodwill by $10 million in 2013. The amounts in the “Translation and other” column in the following table primarily relate to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The goodwill balance by business segment follows:
 
Goodwill

 	 	Dec. 31,	 	2013	 	2013	 	Dec. 31,	 	2014	 	2014	 	Dec. 31,	 	
 	 	2012	 	acquisition	 	translation	 	2013	 	acquisition	 	translation	 	2014	 	
(Millions)	 	Balance	 	activity	 	and other	 	Balance	 	activity	 	and other	 	Balance	 	
Industrial	 	$	2,174	 	$	10	 	$	(18	)	$	2,166	 	$	—	 	$	(129	)	$	2,037	 	
Safety and Graphics	 	1,751	 	—	 	(11	)	1,740	 	—	 	(90	)	1,650	 	
Electronics and Energy	 	1,622	 	—	 	(10	)	1,612	 	—	 	(53	)	1,559	 	
Health Care	 	1,598	 	—	 	(2	)	1,596	 	65	 	(72	)	1,589	 	
Consumer	 	240	 	—	 	(9	)	231	 	—	 	(16	)	215	 	
Total Company	 	$	7,385	 	$	10	 	$	(50	)	$	7,345	 	$	65	 	$	(360	)	$	7,050	 	
 
As discussed in Note 15, effective in the first quarter of 2014, 3M transferred a product line between divisions within different business segments, and in the first, second and fourth quarters of 2014 made other changes within business segments. For any product moves that resulted in reporting unit changes, the Company applied the relative fair value method to determine the impact on goodwill of the associated reporting units. During the first, second and fourth quarters of 2014, the Company completed its assessment of any potential goodwill impairment for reporting units impacted by this new structure and determined that no impairment existed. The Company also completed its annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2014 for all reporting units and determined that no impairment existed. In addition, the Company had no impairments of goodwill in prior years.
 
Acquired Intangible Assets
 
For 2014, the gross carrying amount of intangible assets (excluding goodwill) decreased due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by business combinations, which increased the gross carrying amount by $34 million. The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of acquired intangible assets as of December 31, follow:

(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	
Customer related intangible assets	 	$	1,348	 	$	1,411	 	
Patents	 	581	 	602	 	
Other technology-based intangible assets	 	407	 	406	 	
Definite-lived tradenames	 	401	 	411	 	
Other amortizable intangible assets	 	221	 	217	 	
Total gross carrying amount	 	$	2,958	 	$	3,047	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Accumulated amortization — customer related	 	(597	)	(514	)	
Accumulated amortization — patents	 	(472	)	(458	)	
Accumulated amortization — other technology based	 	(215	)	(179	)	
Accumulated amortization — definite-lived tradenames	 	(195	)	(178	)	
Accumulated amortization — other	 	(167	)	(159	)	
Total accumulated amortization	 	$	(1,646	)	$	(1,488	)	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total finite-lived intangible assets — net	 	$	1,312	 	$	1,559	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Non-amortizable intangible assets (primarily tradenames)	 	123	 	129	 	
Total intangible assets — net	 	$	1,435	 	$	1,688	 	
 
3M has certain tradenames that are not amortized because of the long-time established name recognition in their respective industries.
 
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Amortization expense for the years ended December 31 follows:

(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Amortization expense	 	$	228	 	$	236	 	$	233	 	

Expected amortization expense for acquired amortizable intangible assets recorded as of December 31, 2014 follows:

 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	After	 	
(Millions)	 	2015	 	2016	 	2017	 	2018	 	2019	 	2019	 	
Amortization expense	 	$	204	 	$	176	 	$	154	 	$	139	 	$	128	 	$	511	 	

The preceding expected amortization expense is an estimate. Actual amounts of amortization expense may differ from estimated amounts due to additional intangible asset acquisitions, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, impairment of intangible assets, accelerated amortization of intangible assets and other events. 3M expenses the costs incurred to renew or extend the term of intangible assets.
 
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NOTE 4.  Supplemental Balance Sheet Information 
 
Accounts payable (included as a separate line item in the Consolidated Balance Sheet) includes drafts payable on demand of $1 million at December 31, 2014, and $24 million at December 31, 2013. Accumulated depreciation for capital leases totaled $87 million and $85 million as of December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Additional supplemental balance sheet information is provided in the table that follows.

(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	
Other current assets	 	 	 	 	 	
Prepaid expenses and other	 	$	595	 	$	602	 	
Deferred income taxes	 	444	 	502	 	
Derivative assets-current	 	182	 	76	 	
Insurance related receivables, prepaid expenses and other	 	77	 	99	 	
Total other current assets	 	$	1,298	 	$	1,279	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Investments	 	 	 	 	 	
Equity method	 	$	58	 	$	69	 	
Cost method	 	41	 	45	 	
Other investments	 	3	 	8	 	
Total investments	 	$	102	 	$	122	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Property, plant and equipment - at cost	 	 	 	 	 	
Land	 	$	368	 	$	411	 	
Buildings and leasehold improvements	 	6,943	 	7,062	 	
Machinery and equipment	 	14,684	 	14,665	 	
Construction in progress	 	679	 	772	 	
Capital leases	 	167	 	158	 	
Gross property, plant and equipment	 	22,841	 	23,068	 	
Accumulated depreciation	 	(14,352	)	(14,416	)	
Property, plant and equipment - net	 	$	8,489	 	$	8,652	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Other assets	 	 	 	 	 	
Deferred income taxes	 	$	889	 	$	360	 	
Insurance related receivables and other	 	89	 	96	 	
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	 	245	 	236	 	
Other	 	331	 	288	 	
Total other assets	 	$	1,554	 	$	980	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Other current liabilities	 	 	 	 	 	
Accrued trade payables	 	$	533	 	$	547	 	
Deferred income	 	541	 	521	 	
Derivative liabilities	 	39	 	103	 	
Dividends payable	 	648	 	567	 	
Employee benefits and withholdings	 	172	 	195	 	
Contingent liability claims and other	 	157	 	119	 	
Property and other taxes	 	90	 	88	 	
Pension and postretirement benefits	 	60	 	61	 	
Deferred income taxes	 	34	 	37	 	
Other	 	644	 	653	 	
Total other current liabilities	 	$	2,918	 	$	2,891	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Other liabilities	 	 	 	 	 	
Long term income taxes payable	 	$	519	 	$	472	 	
Employee benefits	 	262	 	315	 	
Contingent liability claims and other	 	300	 	314	 	
Capital lease obligations	 	59	 	58	 	
Deferred income	 	21	 	19	 	
Deferred income taxes	 	141	 	538	 	
Other	 	253	 	268	 	
Total other liabilities	 	$	1,555	 	$	1,984	 	
 
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NOTE 5.  Supplemental Equity and Comprehensive Income Information 
 
Common stock ($.01 par value per share) of 3.0 billion shares is authorized, with 944,033,056 shares issued. Treasury stock is reported at cost, with 308,898,462 shares at December 31, 2014, 280,736,817 shares at December 31, 2013, and 256,941,406 shares at December 31, 2012. Preferred stock, without par value, of 10 million shares is authorized but unissued.
 
In December 2014, 3M’s Board of Directors declared a first-quarter 2015 dividend of $1.025 per share (payable in March 2015), which when added to second, third and fourth quarter 2014 declared dividends of $0.855 per share, resulted in total year 2014 declared dividends of $3.59 per share. In December 2013, 3M’s Board of Directors declared a first-quarter 2014 dividend of $0.855 per share (paid in March 2014). This resulted in total year 2013 declared dividends of $3.395 per share, with $2.54 per share paid in 2013 and the additional $0.855 per share paid in March 2014.
 
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to 3M by Component

(Millions)	 	Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment	 	Defined Benefit
Pension and
Postretirement
Plans
Adjustment	 	Debt and
Equity
Securities,
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)	 	Cash Flow
Hedging
Instruments,
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)	 	Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)	 	
Balance at December 31, 2011, net of tax	 	$	114	 	$	(5,155	)	$	(6	)	$	22	 	$	(5,025	)	
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Amounts before reclassifications	 	133	 	(204	)	6	 	3	 	(62	)	
Amounts reclassified out	 	—	 	615	 	—	 	(72	)	543	 	
Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	 	133	 	411	 	6	 	(69	)	481	 	
Tax effect	 	(17	)	(211	)	(2	)	24	 	(206	)	
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	 	116	 	200	 	4	 	(45	)	275	 	
Balance at December 31, 2012, net of tax	 	$	230	 	$	(4,955	)	$	(2	)	$	(23	)	$	(4,750	)	
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Amounts before reclassifications	 	(462	)	1,361	 	—	 	(98	)	801	 	
Amounts reclassified out	 	—	 	569	 	—	 	122	 	691	 	
Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	 	(462	)	1,930	 	—	 	24	 	1,492	 	
Tax effect	 	44	 	(690	)	—	 	(9	)	(655	)	
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	 	(418	)	1,240	 	—	 	15	 	837	 	
Balance at December 31, 2013, net of tax	 	$	(188	)	$	(3,715	)	$	(2	)	$	(8	)	$	(3,913	)	
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Amounts before reclassifications	 	(856	)	(2,638	)	2	 	171	 	(3,321	)	
Amounts reclassified out	 	—	 	360	 	1	 	(4	)	357	 	
Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	 	(856	)	(2,278	)	3	 	167	 	(2,964	)	
Tax effect	 	(92	)	716	 	(1	)	(60	)	563	 	
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	 	(948	)	(1,562	)	2	 	107	 	(2,401	)	
Impact from purchase of subsidiary shares	 	41	 	(16	)	—	 	—	 	25	 	
Balance at December 31, 2014, net of tax	 	$	(1,095	)	$	(5,293	)	$	—	 	$	99	 	$	(6,289	)	
 
Income taxes are not provided for foreign translation relating to permanent investments in international subsidiaries, but tax effects within cumulative translation does include impacts from items such as net investment hedge transactions. Reclassification adjustments are made to avoid double counting in comprehensive income items that are also recorded as part of net income.
 
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Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to 3M

 	 	Amount Reclassified from	 	 	 	
(Millions)	 	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	 	 	 	
Details about Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income Components	 	Year ended
December 31,
2014	 	Year ended
December 31,
2013	 	Year ended
December 31,
2012	 	Location on Income
Statement	 	
Gains (losses) associated with, defined benefit pension and postretirement plans amortization	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Transition asset	 	$	1	 	$	1	 	$	1	 	See Note 10	 	
Prior service benefit	 	59	 	77	 	84	 	See Note 10	 	
Net actuarial loss	 	(420	)	(647	)	(700	)	See Note 10	 	
Total before tax	 	(360	)	(569	)	(615	)	 	 	
Tax effect	 	122	 	197	 	219	 	Provision for income taxes	 	
Net of tax	 	$	(238	)	$	(372	)	$	(396	)	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Debt and equity security gains (losses)	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Sales or impairments of securities	 	$	(1	)	$	—	 	$	—	 	Selling, general and administrative expenses	 	
Total before tax	 	(1	)	—	 	—	 	 	 	
Tax effect	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	Provision for income taxes	 	
Net of tax	 	$	(1	)	$	—	 	$	—	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cash flow hedging instruments gains (losses)	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Foreign currency forward/option contracts	 	$	3	 	$	(11	)	$	41	 	Cost of sales	 	
Foreign currency forward contracts	 	—	 	(108	)	42	 	Interest expense	 	
Commodity price swap contracts	 	2	 	(2	)	(10	)	Cost of sales	 	
Interest rate swap contracts	 	(1	)	(1	)	(1	)	Interest expense	 	
Total before tax	 	4	 	(122	)	72	 	 	 	
Tax effect	 	(1	)	45	 	(26	)	Provision for income taxes	 	
Net of tax	 	$	3	 	$	(77	)	$	46	 	 	 	
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	 	$	(236	)	$	(449	)	$	(350	)	 	 	
 
Purchase and Sale of Subsidiary Shares
 
On September 1, 2014, 3M (via Sumitomo 3M Limited) purchased Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.’s 25 percent interest in 3M’s consolidated Sumitomo 3M Limited subsidiary for 90 billion Japanese Yen. Upon completion of the transaction, 3M owned 100 percent of Sumitomo 3M Limited. This transaction was recorded as a financing activity (Purchase of noncontrolling interest) in the statement of cash flows.
 
In April 2014, 3M purchased the remaining noncontrolling interest in a consolidated 3M subsidiary for an immaterial amount, which was classified as a financing activity (Purchase of noncontrolling interest) in the consolidated statement of cash flows.
 
The following table summarizes the effects of these 2014 transactions on equity attributable to 3M Company shareholders.
 
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(Millions)	 	Year ended December
31, 2014	 	
Net income attributable to 3M	 	$	4,956	 	
Impact of purchase of subsidiary shares	 	(409	)	
Change in 3M Company shareholders’ equity from net income attributable to 3M and impact of purchase of subsidiary shares	 	$	4,547	 	
 
In March 2013, 3M sold shares in 3M India Limited, a subsidiary of the Company, in return for $8 million. The noncontrolling interest shares of this subsidiary trade on a public exchange in India. This sale of shares complied with an amendment to Indian securities regulations that required 3M India Limited, as a listed company, to achieve a minimum public shareholding of at least 25 percent. As a result of this transaction, 3M’s ownership in 3M India Limited was reduced from 76 percent to 75 percent. The $8 million received in the first quarter of 2013 was classified as other financing activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Because the Company retained its controlling interest, the sale resulted in an increase in 3M Company shareholder’s equity of $7 million and an increase in noncontrolling interest of $1 million.
 
NOTE 6.  Supplemental Cash Flow Information 

(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Cash income tax payments, net of refunds	 	$	1,968	 	$	1,803	 	$	1,717	 	
Cash interest payments	 	178	 	169	 	166	 	
Capitalized interest	 	15	 	21	 	23	 	

Cash interest payments include interest paid on debt and capital lease balances, including net interest payments/receipts related to accreted debt discounts/premiums, as well as net interest payments/receipts associated with interest rate swap contracts.
 
Individual amounts in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows exclude the impacts of acquisitions, divestitures and exchange rate impacts, which are presented separately.
 
Transactions related to investing and financing activities with significant non-cash components are as follows:
 
·                   During the fourth quarter of 2014, 3M sold and leased-back, under a capital lease, certain recently constructed machinery and equipment in return for a municipal bond with the City of Nevada, Missouri valued at approximately $15 million as of the transaction date.
 
·                   During the third quarter of 2013, 3M sold its equity interest in a non-strategic investment in exchange for a note receivable of approximately $24 million, which is considered non-cash investing activity. As a result of this transaction, in the third quarter of 2013, 3M recorded a pre-tax gain of $18 million in its Health Care business segment. In October 2013, cash was received for the note receivable and is reflected in other investing activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the total year 2013.
 
·                   During the second quarter of 2013, the Company’s Sumitomo 3M Limited subsidiary moved its administrative headquarters to a new leased location and sold the former site under an installment sale arrangement. As a result, at the time of the closing of the sale transaction, the Company received certain cash proceeds (included in proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment in the consolidated statement of cash flows) and recorded a note receivable (due in quarterly installments through the first quarter of 2016) of $78 million and deferred profit of $49 million (both based on the foreign currency exchange rate at the time of closing). Remaining quarterly installments are due through the first quarter of 2016 and will be included in other investing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Deferred profit is reduced and recognized into income in connection with such quarterly installments.
 
In addition, as discussed in Note 5, in the fourth quarter of 2014, 3M’s Board of Directors declared a first-quarter 2015 dividend of $1.025 per share (payable in March 2015), which reduced 3M’s stockholders equity and increased other current liabilities as of December 2014 by $648 million. In the fourth quarter of 2013, 3M’s Board of Directors declared a first-quarter 2014 dividend of $0.855 per share (paid in March 2014). This reduced 3M’s stockholders equity and increased other current liabilities as of December 31, 2013 by $567 million.
 
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NOTE 7.  Income Taxes 
 
Income Before Income Taxes

(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
United States	 	$	3,815	 	$	3,194	 	$	2,902	 	
International	 	3,211	 	3,368	 	3,449	 	
Total	 	$	7,026	 	$	6,562	 	$	6,351	 	
 
Provision for Income Taxes

(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Currently payable	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Federal	 	$	1,103	 	$	948	 	$	743	 	
State	 	108	 	91	 	75	 	
International	 	1,008	 	901	 	918	 	
Deferred	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Federal	 	(171	)	(123	)	(3	)	
State	 	(9	)	(2	)	10	 	
International	 	(11	)	26	 	97	 	
Total	 	$	2,028	 	$	1,841	 	$	1,840	 	
 
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	
Deferred tax assets:	 	 	 	 	 	
Accruals not currently deductible	 	 	 	 	 	
Employee benefit costs	 	$	148	 	$	140	 	
Product and other claims	 	152	 	155	 	
Miscellaneous accruals	 	137	 	130	 	
Pension costs	 	1,312	 	447	 	
Stock-based compensation	 	290	 	322	 	
Net operating/capital loss carryforwards	 	175	 	225	 	
Foreign tax credits	 	360	 	316	 	
Inventory	 	221	 	221	 	
Gross deferred tax assets	 	2,795	 	1,956	 	
Valuation allowance	 	(22	)	(23	)	
Total deferred tax assets	 	$	2,773	 	$	1,933	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Deferred tax liabilities:	 	 	 	 	 	
Product and other insurance receivables	 	$	(31	)	$	(46	)	
Accelerated depreciation	 	(804	)	(813	)	
Intangible amortization	 	(719	)	(780	)	
Other	 	(61	)	(7	)	
Total deferred tax liabilities	 	$	(1,615	)	$	(1,646	)	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net deferred tax assets	 	$	1,158	 	$	287	 	
 
The net deferred tax assets are included as components of Other Current Assets, Other Assets, Other Current Liabilities, and Other Liabilities within the Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 4 “Supplemental Balance Sheet Information” for further details.
 
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had tax effected operating loss, capital loss, and tax credit carryovers for federal (approximately $24 million), state (approximately $3 million), and international (approximately $148 million), with all amounts before valuation allowances. The federal tax attribute carryovers will expire after 15 to 16 years, the state after
 
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five to 10 years, and the majority of international after five years with the remaining international expiring in one year or with an indefinite carryover period. The tax attributes being carried over arise as certain jurisdictions may have tax losses or may have inabilities to utilize certain losses without the same type of taxable income. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has provided $22 million of valuation allowance against certain of these deferred tax assets based on management’s determination that it is more-likely-than-not that the tax benefits related to these assets will not be realized.
 
Reconciliation of Effective Income Tax Rate

 	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Statutory U.S. tax rate	 	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%	
State income taxes - net of federal benefit	 	0.9	 	0.9	 	0.9	 	
International income taxes - net	 	(5.8	)	(6.3	)	(4.2	)	
U.S. research and development credit	 	(0.4	)	(0.7	)	—	 	
Reserves for tax contingencies	 	0.6	 	1.2	 	(1.9	)	
Domestic Manufacturer’s deduction	 	(1.3	)	(1.6	)	(1.2	)	
All other - net	 	(0.1	)	(0.4	)	0.4	 	
Effective worldwide tax rate	 	28.9	%	28.1	%	29.0	%	
 
The effective tax rate for 2014 was 28.9 percent, compared to 28.1 percent in 2013, an increase of 0.8 percentage points, impacted by many factors. Factors which increased the Company’s effective tax rate included a one-time international tax impact related to the establishment of the supply chain center of expertise in Europe, decreased U.S. research and development credit in 2014 compared to 2013 due to two years inclusion as a result of the reinstatement in 2013, decreased domestic manufacturer’s deduction, and other items. Combined, these factors increased the Company’s effective tax rate by 1.6 percentage points. This increase was partially offset by a 0.8 percentage point decrease, which related to both lower 3M income tax reserves for 2014 when compared to 2013 and international taxes as a result of changes to the geographic mix of income before taxes.
 
T he effective tax rate for 2013 was 28.1 percent, compared to 29.0 percent in 2012, a decrease of 0.9 percentage points, impacted by many factors. Factors that decreased the Company’s effective tax rate included international taxes as a result of changes to the geographic mix of income before taxes, the reinstatement of the U.S. research and development credit in 2013, an increase in the domestic manufacturer’s deduction benefit, the restoration of tax basis on certain assets for which depreciation deductions were previously limited, and other items. Combined, these factors decreased the Company’s effective tax rate by 4.0 percentage points. This benefit was partially offset by factors that increased the effective tax rate by 3.1 percentage points, which largely related to increases in 3M’s income tax reserves for 2013 when compared to 2012.
 
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2005.
 
The IRS has completed its field examination of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for the years 2005 through 2012. The Company protested certain IRS positions within these tax years and entered into the administrative appeals process with the IRS. In December 2012, the Company received a statutory notice of deficiency for the 2006 year. The Company filed a petition in Tax Court in the first quarter of 2013 relating to the 2006 tax year.
 
Currently, the Company is under examination by the IRS for its U.S. federal income tax returns for the years 2013 and 2014. It is anticipated that the IRS will complete its examination of the Company for 2013 by the end of the first quarter of 2015 and for 2014 by the end of the first quarter of 2016. As of December 31, 2014, the IRS has not proposed any significant adjustments to the Company’s tax positions for which the Company is not adequately reserved.
 
Payments relating to other proposed assessments arising from the 2005 through 2014 examinations may not be made until a final agreement is reached between the Company and the IRS on such assessments or upon a final resolution resulting from the administrative appeals process or judicial action. In addition to the U.S. federal examination, there is also audit activity in several U.S. state and foreign jurisdictions.
 
3M anticipates changes to the Company’s uncertain tax positions due to the closing of various audit years mentioned above and closure of statutes. Currently, the Company is not estimating a significant increase or decrease in unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014, during the next 12 months.
 
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A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits (UTB) is as follows:
 
Federal, State and Foreign Tax

(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Gross UTB Balance at January 1	 	$	659	 	$	528	 	$	594	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	 	201	 	97	 	80	 	
Additions for tax positions of prior years	 	30	 	158	 	114	 	
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	 	(74	)	(29	)	(120	)	
Settlements	 	(154	)	(17	)	(50	)	
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations	 	(79	)	(78	)	(90	)	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Gross UTB Balance at December 31	 	$	583	 	$	659	 	$	528	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net UTB impacting the effective tax rate at December 31	 	$	265	 	$	262	 	$	185	 	
 
The total amount of UTB, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate by $265 million as of December 31, 2014, $262 million as of December 31, 2013, and $185 million as of December 31, 2012. The ending net UTB results from adjusting the gross balance for items such as Federal, State, and non-U.S. deferred items, interest and penalties, and deductible taxes. The net UTB is included as components of Other Current Assets, Other Assets, Accrued Income Taxes, and Other Liabilities within the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense. The Company recognized in the consolidated statement of income on a gross basis approximately $14 million of benefit, $22 million of expense, and $12 million of benefit in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The amount of interest and penalties recognized may be an expense or benefit due to new or remeasured unrecognized tax benefit accruals. At December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, accrued interest and penalties in the consolidated balance sheet on a gross basis were $44 million and $62 million, respectively. Included in these interest and penalty amounts are interest and penalties related to tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. Because of the impact of deferred tax accounting, other than interest and penalties, the disallowance of the shorter deductibility period would not affect the annual effective tax rate but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority to an earlier period.
 
As a result of certain employment commitments and capital investments made by 3M, income from certain manufacturing activities in the following countries is subject to reduced tax rates or, in some cases, is exempt from tax for years through the following: China (2016), Taiwan (2016), Korea (2018), Brazil (2023), Singapore (2023), Switzerland (2024), and Panama (indefinitely). The income tax benefits attributable to the tax status of these subsidiaries are estimated to be $111 million (17 cents per diluted share) in 2014, $87 million (13 cents per diluted share) in 2013, and $64 million (9 cents per diluted share) in 2012.
 
The Company has not provided deferred taxes on unremitted earnings attributable to international companies that have been considered to be reinvested indefinitely. These earnings relate to ongoing operations and were approximately $11.2 billion as of December 31, 2014. Because of the availability of U.S. foreign tax credits, the multiple avenues in which to repatriate the earnings to minimize tax cost, and because a large portion of these earnings are not liquid, it is not practical to determine the income tax liability that would be payable if such earnings were not reinvested indefinitely .
 
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NOTE 8.  Marketable Securities 
 
The Company invests in agency securities, corporate securities, asset-backed securities and other securities. The following is a summary of amounts recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for marketable securities (current and non-current).

 	 	December 31,	 	December 31,	 	
(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
U.S. government agency securities	 	$	67	 	$	103	 	
Foreign government agency securities	 	75	 	30	 	
Corporate debt securities	 	241	 	143	 	
Commercial paper	 	—	 	60	 	
Certificates of deposit/time deposits	 	41	 	20	 	
U.S. municipal securities	 	—	 	2	 	
Asset-backed securities:	 	 	 	 	 	
Automobile loan related	 	122	 	287	 	
Credit card related	 	59	 	52	 	
Equipment lease related	 	21	 	30	 	
Other	 	—	 	29	 	
Asset-backed securities total	 	202	 	398	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Current marketable securities	 	$	626	 	$	756	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
U.S. government agency securities	 	$	41	 	$	131	 	
Foreign government agency securities	 	20	 	95	 	
Corporate debt securities	 	378	 	638	 	
Certificates of deposit/time deposits	 	—	 	20	 	
U.S. treasury securities	 	38	 	49	 	
U.S. municipal securities	 	15	 	—	 	
Auction rate securities	 	—	 	11	 	
Asset-backed securities:	 	 	 	 	 	
Automobile loan related	 	160	 	298	 	
Credit card related	 	103	 	128	 	
Equipment lease related	 	27	 	37	 	
Other	 	46	 	46	 	
Asset-backed securities total	 	336	 	509	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Non-current marketable securities	 	$	828	 	$	1,453	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total marketable securities	 	$	1,454	 	$	2,209	 	
 
Classification of marketable securities as current or non-current is dependent upon management’s intended holding period, the security’s maturity date and liquidity considerations based on market conditions. If management intends to hold the securities for longer than one year as of the balance sheet date, they are classified as non-current. At December 31, 2014, gross unrealized losses totaled approximately $1 million (pre-tax), while gross unrealized gains totaled approximately $1 million (pre-tax). At December 31, 2013, gross unrealized losses totaled approximately $5 million (pre-tax), while gross unrealized gains totaled approximately $1 million (pre-tax). Refer to Note 5 for a table that provides the net realized gains (losses) related to sales or impairments of debt and equity securities, which includes marketable securities. The gross amounts of the realized gains or losses were not material. Cost of securities sold use the first in, first out (FIFO) method. Since these marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale securities, changes in fair value will flow through other comprehensive income, with amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive income into earnings upon sale or “other-than-temporary” impairment.
 
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3M reviews impairments associated with its marketable securities in accordance with the measurement guidance provided by ASC 320 , Investments-Debt and Equity Securities , when determining the classification of the impairment as “temporary” or “other-than-temporary”. A temporary impairment charge results in an unrealized loss being recorded in the other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity. Such an unrealized loss does not reduce net income attributable to 3M for the applicable accounting period because the loss is not viewed as other-than-temporary. The factors evaluated to differentiate between temporary and other-than-temporary include the projected future cash flows, credit ratings actions, and assessment of the credit quality of the underlying collateral, as well as other factors.
 
The balance at December 31, 2014, for marketable securities by contractual maturity are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties.

(Millions)	 	December 31, 2014	 	
 	 	 	 	
Due in one year or less	 	$	367	 	
Due after one year through five years	 	1,064	 	
Due after five years through ten years	 	8	 	
Due after ten years	 	15	 	
 	 	 	 	
Total marketable securities	 	$	1,454	 	
 
3M has a diversified marketable securities portfolio of $1.454 billion as of December 31, 2014. Within this portfolio, current and long-term asset-backed securities (estimated fair value of $538 million) primarily include interests in automobile loans, credit cards and equipment leases. 3M’s investment policy allows investments in asset-backed securities with minimum credit ratings of Aa2 by Moody’s Investors Service or AA by Standard & Poor’s or Fitch Ratings or DBRS. Asset-backed securities must be rated by at least two of the aforementioned rating agencies, one of which must be Moody’s Investors Service or Standard & Poor’s. At December 31, 2014, all asset-backed security investments were in compliance with this policy. Approximately 96.6 percent of all asset-backed security investments were rated AAA or A-1+ by Standard & Poor’s and/or Aaa or P-1 by Moody’s Investors Service and/or AAA or F1+ by Fitch Ratings. Interest rate risk and credit risk related to the underlying collateral may impact the value of investments in asset-backed securities, while factors such as general conditions in the overall credit market and the nature of the underlying collateral may affect the liquidity of investments in asset-backed securities. 3M does not currently expect risk related to its holding in asset-backed securities to materially impact its financial condition or liquidity.
 
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NOTE 9.  Long-Term Debt and Short-Term Borrowings 
 
The following debt tables reflects effective interest rates, which include the impact of interest rate swaps, as of December 31, 2014. The reference column in the table below indicates if debt was issued on a combined basis, with the combined debt separated to show the impact of fixed versus floating effective interest rates as of December 31, 2014. Combined debt is referenced as A1, A2; D1, D2; and G1, G2. The effective interest rate is subject to future changes based on underlying indices related to 3M’s floating rate debt and interest rate swaps. This reference column is also used to refer to later discussion concerning this debt. Carrying value includes the impact of derivative/hedging activity. Long-term debt and short-term borrowings as of December 31 consisted of the following:
 
Long-Term Debt

 	 	 	 	Currency/	 	Effective	 	Final	 	 	 	 	 	
(Millions)	 	 	 	Fixed vs.	 	Interest	 	Maturity	 	Carrying Value	 	
Description / 2014 Principal Amount	 	Reference	 	Floating	 	Rate	 	Date	 	2014	 	2013	 	
Eurobond (775 million Euros)	 	A1	 	Euro Fixed	 	—	%	—	 	$	—	 	$	1,075	 	
Eurobond (250 million Euros)	 	A2	 	Euro Floating	 	—	%	—	 	—	 	349	 	
Medium-term note ($1 billion)	 	B	 	USD Fixed	 	1.62	%	2016	 	997	 	995	 	
Medium-term note (750 million Euros)	 	C	 	Euro Fixed	 	1.71	%	2026	 	897	 	—	 	
Eurobond (300 million Euros)	 	D1	 	Euro Fixed	 	1.97	%	2021	 	363	 	411	 	
Eurobond (300 million Euros)	 	D2	 	Euro Floating	 	0.40	%	2021	 	390	 	404	 	
30-year bond ($750 million)	 	E	 	USD Fixed	 	5.73	%	2037	 	748	 	748	 	
Medium-term note ($650 million)	 	F	 	USD Fixed	 	1.10	%	2017	 	649	 	648	 	
Medium-term note ($600 million)	 	G1	 	USD Floating	 	0.28	%	2019	 	594	 	—	 	
Medium-term note ($25 million)	 	G2	 	USD Fixed	 	1.74	%	2019	 	25	 	—	 	
Medium-term note (500 million Euros)	 	H	 	Euro Floating	 	0.31	%	2018	 	608	 	—	 	
Medium-term note ($600 million)	 	I	 	USD Fixed	 	2.17	%	2022	 	593	 	592	 	
30-year debenture ($330 million)	 	J	 	USD Fixed	 	6.01	%	2028	 	344	 	346	 	
Medium-term note ($325 million)	 	K	 	USD Fixed	 	4.05	%	2044	 	315	 	—	 	
UK borrowing (66 million GBP)	 	L	 	GBP Floating	 	—	%	—	 	—	 	109	 	
Floating rate note ($96 million)	 	M	 	USD Floating	 	—	%	2041	 	96	 	97	 	
Floating rate note ($55 million)	 	N	 	USD Floating	 	—	%	2044	 	55	 	59	 	
Other borrowings	 	O	 	Various	 	4.17	%	2015-2040	 	112	 	79	 	
Total long-term debt	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	$	6,786	 	$	5,912	 	
Less: current portion of long-term debt	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	55	 	1,586	 	
Long-term debt (excluding current portion)	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	$	6,731	 	$	4,326	 	
 
Post-Swap Borrowing (Long-Term Debt, Including Current Portion)

 	 	2014	 	2013	 	
(Millions)	 	Carrying
Value	 	Effective
Interest Rate	 	Carrying
Value	 	Effective
Interest Rate	 	
Fixed-rate debt	 	$	4,933	 	2.74	%	$	4,821	 	3.19	%	
Floating-rate debt	 	1,853	 	0.53	%	1,091	 	0.48	%	
Total long-term debt, including current portion	 	$	6,786	 	 	 	$	5,912	 	 	 	
 
Short-Term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt

 	 	Effective	 	Carrying Value	 	
(Millions)	 	Interest Rate	 	2014	 	2013	 	
Current portion of long-term debt	 	—	%	$	55	 	$	1,586	 	
U.S. dollar commercial paper	 	—	%	—	 	—	 	
Other borrowings	 	2.46	%	51	 	97	 	
Total short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	 	 	 	$	106	 	$	1,683	 	
 
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Maturities of Long-term Debt
 
Maturities of long-term debt for the five years subsequent of December 31, 2014 are as follows (in millions):

 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	After	 	 	 	
2015	 	2016	 	2017	 	2018	 	2019	 	2019	 	Total	 	
$	 55 	 	$	1,109	 	$	745	 	$	608	 	$	622	 	$	3,647	 	$	6,786	 	

Long-term debt payments due in 2015, 2016 and 2017 include floating rate notes totaling $55 million (classified as current portion of long-term debt), $71 million (included in other borrowings in the long-term debt table) and $96 million (included as a separate floating rate note in the long-term debt table), respectively, as a result of put provisions associated with these debt instruments.
 
Credit Rating / Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility
 
As of February 2015, the Company has an AA- credit rating, with a stable outlook, from Standard & Poor’s and an Aa3 credit rating, with a negative outlook, from Moody’s Investors Service. In August 2014, 3M amended and extended the existing $1.5 billion five-year revolving credit facility expiring in September 2017 to a $2.25 billion five-year agreement expiring in August 2019. This credit agreement includes a provision under which 3M may request an increase of up to $2.25 billion, bringing the total facility up to $4.5 billion (at the lender’s discretion). This facility was undrawn at December 31, 2014. Under the $2.25 billion credit agreement, the Company is required to maintain its EBITDA to Interest Ratio as of the end of each fiscal quarter at not less than 3.0 to 1. This is calculated (as defined in the agreement) as the ratio of consolidated total EBITDA for the four consecutive quarters then ended to total interest expense on all funded debt for the same period. At December 31, 2014, this ratio was approximately 60 to 1. Debt covenants do not restrict the payment of dividends.
 
Other Credit Facilities
 
In December 2012, 3M entered into a three-year 66 million British Pound (approximately $106 million) committed credit facility agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, which was fully drawn as of December 31, 2012. 3M repaid 36 million British Pounds in the first quarter of 2014, with the remaining balance of 30 million British Pounds repaid in December 2014 (reference L in the preceding debt table). Apart from the committed facilities, an additional $219 million in stand-alone letters of credit and $18 million in bank guarantees were also issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014. These lines of credit are utilized in connection with normal business activities.
 
Long-Term Debt
 
The following provides additional discussion concerning 3M’s long-term debt, with a reference back to the preceding debt table.
 
2014 Long-Term Debt Issuances (Ref. C, G1, G2, H, K)
 
The Company has a “well-known seasoned issuer” shelf registration statement, effective May 16, 2014, which registers an indeterminate amount of debt or equity securities for future sales. This replaced 3M’s previous shelf registration dated August 5, 2011. In June 2014, in connection with the May 16, 2014, shelf registration, 3M re-commenced its medium-term notes program (Series F) under which 3M may issue, from time to time, up to $9 billion aggregate principal amount of notes. Included in this $9 billion are $2.25 billion of notes previously issued in 2011 and 2012 as part of Series F. In June 2014, 3M issued $625 million aggregate principal amount of five-year fixed rate medium-term notes due 2019 with a coupon rate of 1.625%. Upon debt issuance, the Company entered into an interest rate swap to convert $600 million of this amount to an interest rate based on a floating three-month LIBOR index. In addition, in June 2014, 3M issued $325 million aggregate principal amount of thirty-year fixed rate medium-term notes due 2044 with a coupon rate of 3.875%. In November 2014, the Company issued 500 million Euros aggregate principal amount of four-year floating rate medium-term notes due 2018 with an interest rate based on a floating three-month EURIBOR index, and also issued 750 million Euros aggregate principal amount of twelve-year fixed rate medium-term notes due 2026 with a coupon rate of 1.5%. Both June 2014 and November 2014 debt issuances were from the medium-term notes program (Series F).
 
2014 Eurobond Maturity (Ref. A1, A2)
 
In July 2007, 3M issued a seven-year 5.0% fixed rate Eurobond for an amount of 750 million Euros (carrying value of approximately $1.042 billion in U.S. Dollars at December 31, 2013). In addition, in December 2007, 3M reopened its existing seven year 5.0% fixed rate Eurobond for an additional amount of 275 million Euros (carrying value of approximately $382 million in U.S. Dollars at December 31, 2013). This security was issued at a premium and was subsequently consolidated with the original security in January 2008. Upon the initial debt issuance in July 2007, 3M completed a fixed-to-floating interest rate swap on a notional amount of 400 million Euros as a fair value hedge of a
 
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portion of the fixed interest rate Eurobond obligation. In August 2010, the Company terminated 150 million Euros of the notional amount of this swap. As a result, the notional amount remaining after the partial termination was 250 million Euros. The termination of a portion of this swap did not impact the terms of the remaining portion. After these swaps, the fixed rate portion of the Eurobond totaled 775 million Euros and the floating rate portion totaled 250 million Euros. These Eurobonds and their corresponding fixed-to-floating interest rate swap matured in July 2014.
 
2013 Long-term Debt Issuances (Ref. D1, D2)
 
In November 2013, 3M issued an eight-year 1.875% fixed rate Eurobond for an amount of 600 million Euros (carrying value of approximately $753 million in U.S. Dollars at December 31, 2014). Upon debt issuance, 3M completed a fixed-to-floating interest rate swap on a notional amount of 300 million Euros as a fair value hedge of a portion of the fixed interest rate Eurobond obligation. After this swap, the fixed rate portion of the Eurobond totaled 300 million Euros and the floating rate portion totaled 300 million Euros.
 
2011 / 2012 Long-Term Debt Issuances (Ref. B, F, I)
 
The Company, in connection with a prior “well-known seasoned issuer” shelf registration statement, effective August 5, 2011, registered an indeterminate amount of debt or equity securities for future sales. In September 2011, in connection with this August 5, 2011 shelf registration statement, 3M established a $3 billion medium-term notes program (Series F), from which 3M issued $1 billion aggregate principal amount of five-year fixed rate medium-term notes with a coupon rate of 1.375%. In June 2012, 3M issued $650 million aggregate principal amount of five-year fixed rate medium-notes due 2017 with a coupon rate of 1.000% and $600 million aggregate principal amount of ten-year fixed rate medium-term notes due 2022 with a coupon rate of 2.000%, which were both issued from this $3 billion medium-term notes program (Series F).
 
Other Long-Term Debt Issuances (Ref. E, J)
 
In March 2007, the Company issued a thirty-year, $750 million, fixed rate note with a coupon rate of 5.70%. In 1998, the Company issued a thirty-year $330 million debenture due 2028, with a coupon rate of 6.01%.
 
Floating Rate Notes / Other Borrowings (Ref. M, N, O)
 
At various times, 3M has issued floating rate notes containing put provisions. 3M would be required to repurchase these securities at various prices ranging from 99 percent to 100 percent of par value according to the reduction schedules for each security. In December 2004, 3M issued a forty-year $60 million floating rate note, with a rate based on a floating LIBOR index. Under the terms of this floating rate note due in 2044, holders have an annual put feature at 100 percent of par value from 2014 and every anniversary thereafter until final maturity. Under the terms of the floating rate notes due in 2027, 2040 and 2041, holders have put options that commence ten years from the date of issuance and each third anniversary thereafter until final maturity at prices ranging from 99 percent to 100 percent of par value. In 2008 through 2014, 3M was required to repurchase an immaterial amount of principal on the aforementioned floating rate notes.
 
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NOTE 10.  Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans 
 
3M has company-sponsored retirement plans covering substantially all U.S. employees and many employees outside the United States. In total, 3M has over 80 defined benefit plans in 28 countries. Pension benefits associated with these plans generally are based on each participant’s years of service, compensation, and age at retirement or termination. The primary U.S. defined-benefit pension plan was closed to new participants effective January 1, 2009. The Company also provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all of its U.S. employees who reach retirement age while employed by the Company. Most international employees and retirees are covered by government health care programs. The cost of company-provided postretirement health care plans for international employees is not material and is combined with U.S. amounts in the tables that follow.
 
The Company also sponsors employee savings plans under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. These plans are offered to substantially all regular U.S. employees. For eligible employees hired prior to January 1, 2009, employee 401(k) contributions of up to 6% of eligible compensation are matched in cash at rates of 60% or 75%, depending on the plan in which the employee participates. Employees hired on or after January 1, 2009, receive a cash match of 100% for employee 401(k) contributions of up to 6% of eligible compensation and also receive an employer retirement income account cash contribution of 3% of the participant’s total eligible compensation. All contributions are invested in a number of investment funds pursuant to the employees’ elections. Employer contributions to the U.S. defined contribution plans were $153 million, $136 million and $124 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. 3M subsidiaries in various international countries also participate in defined contribution plans. Employer contributions to the international defined contribution plans were $75 million, $71 million and $58 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
The Company has made deposits for its defined benefit plans with independent trustees. Trust funds and deposits with insurance companies are maintained to provide pension benefits to plan participants and their beneficiaries. There are no plan assets in the non-qualified plan due to its nature. For its U.S. postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans, the Company has set aside amounts at least equal to annual benefit payments with an independent trustee.
 
In August 2006, the Pension Protection Act (PPA) was signed into law in the U.S. The PPA transition rules increased the funding target for defined benefit pension plans to 100% of the target liability by 2011. 3M’s primary U.S. qualified defined benefit plan does not have a mandatory cash contribution because the Company has a significant credit balance from previous discretionary contributions that can be applied to any PPA funding requirements.
 
In the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company made further changes to its U.S. postretirement health care benefit plans. As a result of these changes, the Company will transition all current and future retirees to the savings account benefits-based plan announced in 2008. These changes became effective beginning January 1, 2013, for all Medicare eligible retirees and their Medicare eligible dependents and will become effective beginning January 1, 2016, for all non-Medicare eligible retirees and their eligible dependents.
 
In December 2011, the Company offered a voluntary early retirement incentive program to certain eligible participants of its U.S. pension plans who met age and years of pension service requirements. The eligible participants who accepted the offer and retired on February 1, 2012, received an enhanced pension benefit. Pension benefits were enhanced by adding one additional year of pension service and one additional year of age for certain benefit calculations. 616 participants accepted the offer and retired on February 1, 2012. As a result, the Company incurred a $26 million charge related to these special termination benefits in the first quarter of 2012.
 
Effective July 1, 2012, 3M Canada closed its pension plans for salaried employees to new participants. The change did not trigger a plan remeasurement and therefore there was no immediate impact to the liability and expense.
 
In the third quarter of 2014, former U.S. employees who have a pension benefit for which they have not begun receiving payment (term vested) were offered a lump sum payout of their pension benefit. As a result of this action, the projected benefit obligation (PBO) liability was reduced in the fourth quarter of 2014 by approximately $270 million, with the actual cash payout of approximately the same amount paid from the plan’s assets in the fourth quarter of 2014. The PBO liability reduction was 34% of the term vested eligible PBO and a 2% reduction in the overall U.S. pension PBO liability based on the December 31, 2013, valuation. There was no pension expense impact as a result of this action on 3M’s consolidated statement of income in 2014.
 
In the fourth quarter of 2014, 3M’s Board of Directors approved an amendment of the U.S. defined benefit pension plan to include a lump sum payment option for employees that have vested retirement benefits who commence their pension January 1, 2015, or later. This option is also available to vested employees who leave 3M before becoming eligible to retire at the time of termination. This change reduced 3M’s year-end 2014 PBO liability by approximately $266 million.
 
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As of December 31, 2014, the Company converted to the “RP 2014 Mortality Tables” and updated the mortality improvement scale it used for calculating the year-end 2014 U.S. defined benefit pension annuitant and postretirement obligations and 2015 expense. The impact of this change increased the year-end 2014 U.S. PBO for pension and the 2014 U.S. accumulated postretirement benefit obligation.
 
3M was informed during the first quarter of 2009, that the general partners of WG Trading Company, in which 3M’s benefit plans hold limited partnership interests, are the subject of a criminal investigation as well as civil proceedings by the SEC and CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission). In March 2011, over the objections of 3M and six other limited partners of WG Trading Company, the district court judge ruled in favor of the court appointed receiver’s proposed distribution plan (and in April 2013, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the district court’s ruling). The benefit plan trustee holdings of WG Trading Company interests were adjusted to reflect the decreased estimated fair market value, inclusive of estimated insurance proceeds, as of the annual measurement dates. The Company has insurance that it believes, based on what is currently known, will result in the probable recovery of a portion of the decrease in original asset value. As of the 2014 measurement date, these holdings represented less than one half of one percent of 3M’s fair value of total plan assets. 3M currently believes that the resolution of these events will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the Company.
 
The following tables include a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets as well as a summary of the related amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31 of the respective years. 3M also has certain non-qualified unfunded pension and postretirement benefit plans, inclusive of plans related to supplement/excess benefits for employees impacted by particular relocations and other matters, that individually and in the aggregate are not significant and which are not included in the tables that follow. The obligations for these plans are included within other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and aggregated less than $30 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

 	 	Qualified and Non-qualified	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	Pension Benefits	 	Postretirement	 	
 	 	United States	 	International	 	Benefits	 	
(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2014	 	2013	 	2014	 	2013	 	
Change in benefit obligation	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	 	$	13,967	 	$	14,830	 	$	6,346	 	$	6,414	 	$	2,017	 	$	2,205	 	
Acquisitions/Transfers in	 	—	 	15	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	
Service cost	 	241	 	258	 	141	 	147	 	65	 	80	 	
Interest cost	 	676	 	598	 	252	 	238	 	97	 	88	 	
Participant contributions	 	—	 	—	 	10	 	8	 	18	 	30	 	
Foreign exchange rate changes	 	—	 	—	 	(663	)	(79	)	(11	)	(13	)	
Plan amendments	 	(266	)	—	 	3	 	3	 	—	 	(20	)	
Actuarial (gain) loss	 	2,874	 	(986	)	1,128	 	(163	)	415	 	(225	)	
Medicare Part D Reimbursement	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	1	 	2	 	
Benefit payments	 	(1,039	)	(747	)	(235	)	(222	)	(140	)	(130	)	
Settlements, curtailments, special termination benefits and other	 	(1	)	(1	)	(3	)	—	 	—	 	—	 	
Benefit obligation at end of year	 	$	16,452	 	$	13,967	 	$	6,979	 	$	6,346	 	$	2,462	 	$	2,017	 	
Change in plan assets	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	 	$	13,889	 	$	13,781	 	$	5,758	 	$	5,222	 	$	1,405	 	$	1,321	 	
Actual return on plan assets	 	1,749	 	803	 	813	 	421	 	148	 	178	 	
Company contributions	 	45	 	53	 	165	 	423	 	5	 	6	 	
Participant contributions	 	—	 	—	 	10	 	8	 	18	 	30	 	
Foreign exchange rate changes	 	—	 	—	 	(554	)	(94	)	—	 	—	 	
Benefit payments	 	(1,039	)	(747	)	(235	)	(222	)	(140	)	(130	)	
Settlements, curtailments, special termination benefits and other	 	(1	)	(1	)	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	 	$	14,643	 	$	13,889	 	$	5,957	 	$	5,758	 	$	1,436	 	$	1,405	 	
Funded status at end of year	 	$	(1,809	)	$	(78	)	$	(1,022	)	$	(588	)	$	(1,026	)	$	(612	)	
 
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 	 	Qualified and Non-qualified	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	Pension Benefits	 	Postretirement	 	
 	 	United States	 	International	 	Benefits	 	
(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2014	 	2013	 	2014	 	2013	 	
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of Dec. 31,	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Non-current assets	 	$	3	 	$	399	 	$	43	 	$	178	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	
Accrued benefit cost	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Current liabilities	 	(46	)	(47	)	(10	)	(10	)	(4	)	(4	)	
Non-current liabilities	 	(1,766	)	(430	)	(1,055	)	(756	)	(1,022	)	(608	)	
Ending balance	 	$	(1,809	)	$	(78	)	$	(1,022	)	$	(588	)	$	(1,026	)	$	(612	)	
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income as of Dec. 31,	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net transition obligation (asset)	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	(3	)	$	(4	)	$	—	 	$	—	 	
Net actuarial loss (gain)	 	5,462	 	3,537	 	2,200	 	1,949	 	914	 	616	 	
Prior service cost (credit)	 	(251	)	20	 	(93	)	(117	)	(102	)	(151	)	
Ending balance	 	$	5,211	 	$	3,557	 	$	2,104	 	$	1,828	 	$	812	 	$	465	 	
 
The balance of amounts recognized for international plans in accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31 in the preceding table are presented based on the foreign currency exchange rate on that date.
 
The pension accumulated benefit obligation represents the actuarial present value of benefits based on employee service and compensation as of the measurement date and does not include an assumption about future compensation levels. The accumulated benefit obligation of the U.S. pension plans was $15.335 billion and $13.357 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation of the international pension plans was $6.401 billion and $5.825 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
The following amounts relate to pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets as of December 31:

 	 	Qualified and Non-qualified Pension Plans	 	
 	 	United States	 	International	 	
(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2014	 	2013	 	
Projected benefit obligation	 	$	16,435	 	$	486	 	$	2,588	 	$	2,198	 	
Accumulated benefit obligation	 	15,319	 	463	 	2,335	 	1,960	 	
Fair value of plan assets	 	14,623	 	9	 	1,636	 	1,547	 	

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Components of net periodic cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income
 
Net periodic benefit cost is recorded in cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses, and research, development and related expenses. Components of net periodic benefit cost and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31 follow:

 	 	Qualified and Non-qualified	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	Pension Benefits	 	Postretirement	 	
 	 	United States	 	International	 	Benefits	 	
(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Service cost	 	$	241	 	$	258	 	$	254	 	$	141	 	$	147	 	$	124	 	$	65	 	$	80	 	$	78	 	
Interest cost	 	676	 	598	 	587	 	252	 	238	 	247	 	97	 	88	 	86	 	
Expected return on plan assets	 	(1,043	)	(1,046	)	(992	)	(312	)	(291	)	(295	)	(90	)	(90	)	(84	)	
Amortization of transition (asset) obligation	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	(1	)	(1	)	(1	)	—	 	—	 	—	 	
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)	 	4	 	5	 	5	 	(16	)	(16	)	(17	)	(47	)	(66	)	(72	)	
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	 	243	 	399	 	470	 	121	 	153	 	122	 	56	 	95	 	108	 	
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	 	$	121	 	$	214	 	$	324	 	$	185	 	$	230	 	$	180	 	$	81	 	$	107	 	$	116	 	
Settlements, curtailments, special termination benefits and other	 	—	 	—	 	26	 	4	 	2	 	4	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) after settlements, curtailments, special termination benefits and other	 	$	121	 	$	214	 	$	350	 	$	189	 	$	232	 	$	184	 	$	81	 	$	107	 	$	116	 	
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Amortization of transition (asset) obligation	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	1	 	1	 	1	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	
Prior service cost (benefit)	 	(266	)	—	 	—	 	3	 	3	 	(7	)	—	 	(20	)	—	 	
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)	 	(4	)	(5	)	(5	)	16	 	16	 	17	 	47	 	66	 	72	 	
Net actuarial (gain) loss	 	2,167	 	(743	)	(470	)	592	 	(294	)	707	 	358	 	(313	)	(33	)	
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	 	(243	)	(399	)	(470	)	(121	)	(153	)	(122	)	(56	)	(95	)	(108	)	
Foreign currency	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	(215	)	(47	)	24	 	(1	)	(2	)	(1	)	
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss	 	$	1,654	 	$	(1,147	)	$	(945	)	$	276	 	$	(474	)	$	620	 	$	348	 	$	(364	)	$	(70	)	
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost (benefit) and other comprehensive (income) loss	 	$	1,775	 	$	(933	)	$	(595	)	$	465	 	$	(242	)	$	804	 	$	429	 	$	(257	)	$	46	 	
 
Amounts expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit costs over the next fiscal year

 	 	Qualified and Non-qualified	 	 	 	
 	 	Pension Benefits	 	Postretirement	 	
(Millions)	 	United States	 	International	 	Benefits	 	
Amortization of transition (asset) obligation	 	$	—	 	$	(1	)	$	—	 	
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)	 	(24	)	(15	)	(33	)	
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	 	408	 	154	 	77	 	
Total amortization expected over the next fiscal year	 	$	384	 	$	138	 	$	44	 	
 
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Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations

 	 	Qualified and Non-qualified Pension Benefits	 	Postretirement	 	
 	 	United States	 	International	 	Benefits	 	
 	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Discount rate	 	4.10	%	4.98	%	4.14	%	3.11	%	4.02	%	3.78	%	4.07	%	4.83	%	4.00	%	
Compensation rate increase	 	4.10	%	4.00	%	4.00	%	3.33	%	3.35	%	3.31	%	N/A	 	N/A	 	N/A	 	
 
The Company is in the process of transitioning all current and future retirees in the U.S. postretirement health care benefit plans to the savings account benefits-based plan announced in 2008. The contributions provided by the Company to the health savings accounts increase three percent per year. Therefore, the Company no longer has material exposure to health care cost inflation.
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net cost for years ended

 	 	Qualified and Non-qualified Pension Benefits	 	Postretirement	 	
 	 	United States	 	International	 	Benefits	 	
 	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Discount rate	 	4.98	%	4.14	%	4.15	%	4.02	%	3.78	%	4.58	%	4.83	%	4.00	%	4.04	%	
Expected return on assets	 	7.75	%	8.00	%	8.25	%	5.83	%	5.87	%	6.38	%	7.11	%	7.19	%	7.30	%	
Compensation rate increase	 	4.00	%	4.00	%	4.00	%	3.35	%	3.31	%	3.52	%	N/A	 	N/A	 	N/A	 	
 
The Company determines the discount rate used to measure plan liabilities as of the December 31 measurement date for the pension and postretirement benefit plans, which is also the date used for the related annual measurement assumptions. The discount rate reflects the current rate at which the associated liabilities could be effectively settled at the end of the year. The Company sets its rate to reflect the yield of a portfolio of high quality, fixed-income debt instruments that would produce cash flows sufficient in timing and amount to settle projected future benefits. Using this methodology, the Company determined a discount rate of 4.10% for pension and 4.07% for postretirement benefits to be appropriate for its U.S. plans as of December 31, 2014, which is a decrease of 0.88 percentage points and 0.76 percentage points, respectively, from the rates used as of December 31, 2013. For the international pension and postretirement plans the discount rates also reflect the current rate at which the associated liabilities could be effectively settled at the end of the year. If the country has a deep market in corporate bonds the Company matches the expected cash flows from the plan either to a portfolio of bonds that generate sufficient cash flow or a notional yield curve generated from available bond information. In countries that do not have a deep market in corporate bonds, government bonds are considered with a risk premium to approximate corporate bond yields.
 
For the primary U.S. qualified pension plan, the Company’s assumption for the expected return on plan assets was 7.75% in 2014. Projected returns are based primarily on broad, publicly traded equity and fixed-income indices and forward-looking estimates of active portfolio and investment management. As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s 2015 expected long-term rate of return on U.S. plan assets is 7.75%, unchanged from 2014. The expected return assumption is based on the strategic asset allocation of the plan, long term capital market return expectations and expected performance from active investment management. The 2014 expected long-term rate of return is based on an asset allocation assumption of 26% global equities, with an expected long-term rate of return of 7%; 17% private equities, with an expected long-term rate of return of 12%; 44% fixed-income securities, with an expected long-term rate of return of 4.5%; and 13% absolute return investments independent of traditional performance benchmarks, with an expected long term return of 6.75%. The Company expects additional positive return from active investment management. These assumptions result in a 7.75% expected rate of return on an annualized basis in 2015. The actual net rate of return on plan assets in 2014 was 13.0%. In 2013 the plan earned a rate of return of 6.0% and in 2012 earned a return of 13.6%. The average annual actual return on the plan assets over the past 10 and 25 years has been 8.7% and 10.0%, respectively. Return on assets assumptions for international pension and other post-retirement benefit plans are calculated on a plan-by-plan basis using plan asset allocations and expected long-term rate of return assumptions.
 
During 2014, the Company contributed $210 million to its U.S. and international pension plans and $5 million to its postretirement plans. During 2013, the Company contributed $476 million to its U.S. and international pension plans and $6 million to its postretirement plans. In 2015, the Company expects to contribute an amount in the range of $100 million
 
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to $200 million of cash to its U.S. and international retirement plans. The Company does not have a required minimum cash pension contribution obligation for its U.S. plans in 2015. Future contributions will depend on market conditions, interest rates and other factors.
 
Future Pension and Postretirement Benefit Payments
 
The following table provides the estimated pension and postretirement benefit payments that are payable from the plans to participants.

 	 	Qualified and Non-qualified	 	 	 	
 	 	Pension Benefits	 	Postretirement	 	
(Millions)	 	United States	 	International	 	Benefits	 	
2015 Benefit Payments	 	$	946	 	$	209	 	$	127	 	
2016 Benefit Payments	 	964	 	226	 	139	 	
2017 Benefit Payments	 	983	 	237	 	156	 	
2018 Benefit Payments	 	1,010	 	256	 	160	 	
2019 Benefit Payments	 	1,037	 	273	 	162	 	
Next five years	 	5,381	 	1,563	 	860	 	

Plan Asset Management
 
3M’s investment strategy for its pension and postretirement plans is to manage the funds on a going-concern basis. The primary goal of the trust funds is to meet the obligations as required. The secondary goal is to earn the highest rate of return possible, without jeopardizing its primary goal, and without subjecting the Company to an undue amount of contribution risk. Fund returns are used to help finance present and future obligations to the extent possible within actuarially determined funding limits and tax-determined asset limits, thus reducing the potential need for additional contributions from 3M. The investment strategy has used long duration cash bonds and derivative instruments to offset a significant portion of the interest rate sensitivity of U.S. pension liabilities.
 
Normally, 3M does not buy or sell any of its own securities as a direct investment for its pension and other postretirement benefit funds. However, due to external investment management of the funds, the plans may indirectly buy, sell or hold 3M securities. The aggregate amount of 3M securities are not considered to be material relative to the aggregate fund percentages.
 
The discussion that follows references the fair value measurements of certain assets in terms of levels 1, 2 and 3. See Note 12 for descriptions of these levels. While the company believes the valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.
 
U.S. Pension Plans Assets
 
In order to achieve the investment objectives in the U.S. pension plans, the investment policy includes a target strategic asset allocation. The investment policy allows some tolerance around the target in recognition that market fluctuations and illiquidity of some investments may cause the allocation to a specific asset class to vary from the target allocation, potentially for long periods of time. Acceptable ranges have been designed to allow for deviation from strategic targets and to allow for the opportunity for tactical over- and under-weights. The portfolio will normally be rebalanced when the quarter-end asset allocation deviates from acceptable ranges. The allocation is reviewed regularly by the named fiduciary of the plans.
 
The Company revised the classification of amounts previously presented in the table below for absolute return and long/short equity assets held by the U.S. pension plans as of December 31, 2013. These immaterial revisions reclassified $100 million and $67 million of previously presented absolute return and long/short equity amounts from level 3 to level 2, respectively. The revision to the classification of absolute return assets is also reflected within net transfers into/(out of) level 3 in the later table summarizing changes in the fair values of the U.S. pension plans’ level 3 assets for the year ended December 31, 2013. The revision to the classification of long/short equity assets is also reflected within the January 1, 2013 balance in the later table summarizing changes in the fair values of the U.S. pension plans’ level 3 assets.
 
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The fair values of the assets held by the U.S. pension plans by asset class are as follows:

 	 	Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as	 	Fair Value at	 	
(Millions)	 	Level 1	 	Level 2	 	Level 3	 	Dec. 31,	 	
Asset Class	 	2014	 	2013	 	2014	 	2013	 	2014	 	2013	 	2014	 	2013	 	
Equities	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
U.S. equities	 	$	1,766	 	$	1,595	 	$	3	 	$	3	 	$	—	 	$	3	 	$	1,769	 	$	1,601	 	
Non-U.S. equities	 	1,214	 	1,324	 	1	 	1	 	—	 	—	 	1,215	 	1,325	 	
Index funds	 	—	 	—	 	148	 	151	 	2	 	1	 	150	 	152	 	
Long/short equity	 	—	 	—	 	71	 	67	 	382	 	393	 	453	 	460	 	
Total Equities	 	$	2,980	 	$	2,919	 	$	223	 	$	222	 	$	384	 	$	397	 	$	3,587	 	$	3,538	 	
Fixed Income	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
U.S. government securities	 	$	1,032	 	$	908	 	$	590	 	$	601	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	1,622	 	$	1,509	 	
Non-U.S. government securities	 	7	 	20	 	381	 	316	 	—	 	—	 	388	 	336	 	
Preferred and convertible securities	 	3	 	—	 	—	 	4	 	—	 	—	 	3	 	4	 	
U.S. corporate bonds	 	8	 	14	 	2,550	 	2,046	 	—	 	—	 	2,558	 	2,060	 	
Non-U.S. corporate bonds	 	—	 	—	 	478	 	412	 	—	 	—	 	478	 	412	 	
Asset-backed securities	 	—	 	—	 	20	 	26	 	—	 	—	 	20	 	26	 	
Collateralized mortgage obligations	 	—	 	—	 	29	 	28	 	—	 	—	 	29	 	28	 	
Private placements	 	3	 	—	 	388	 	251	 	—	 	2	 	391	 	253	 	
Derivative instruments	 	6	 	(1	)	126	 	6	 	—	 	—	 	132	 	5	 	
Other	 	—	 	—	 	31	 	37	 	—	 	—	 	31	 	37	 	
Total Fixed Income	 	$	1,059	 	$	941	 	$	4,593	 	$	3,727	 	$	—	 	$	2	 	$	5,652	 	$	4,670	 	
Private Equity	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Buyouts	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	700	 	$	737	 	$	700	 	$	737	 	
Derivative instruments	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	(74	)	(97	)	(74	)	(97	)	
Direct investments	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	516	 	467	 	516	 	467	 	
Distressed debt	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	202	 	211	 	202	 	211	 	
Growth equity	 	15	 	21	 	—	 	—	 	183	 	170	 	198	 	191	 	
Mezzanine	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	116	 	83	 	116	 	83	 	
Real estate	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	147	 	156	 	147	 	156	 	
Secondary	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	145	 	152	 	145	 	152	 	
Venture capital	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	552	 	548	 	552	 	548	 	
Total Private Equity	 	$	15	 	$	21	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	2,487	 	$	2,427	 	$	2,502	 	$	2,448	 	
Total Absolute Return	 	$	26	 	$	—	 	$	1,141	 	$	1,175	 	$	1,006	 	$	658	 	$	2,173	 	$	1,833	 	
Commodities	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	88	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	88	 	
Cash and Cash Equivalents	 	$	287	 	$	301	 	$	617	 	$	1,017	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	904	 	$	1,318	 	
Total	 	$	4,367	 	$	4,182	 	$	6,574	 	$	6,229	 	$	3,877	 	$	3,484	 	$	14,818	 	$	13,895	 	
Other items to reconcile to fair value of plan assets	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	$	(175	)	$	(6	)	
Fair value of plan assets	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	$	14,643	 	$	13,889	 	
 
Publicly traded equities are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the individual securities are traded. Index funds are valued at the net asset value (NAV) as determined by the custodian of the fund. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus its liabilities then divided by the number of units outstanding. Long/short equity interests are valued using the NAV as determined by the administrator or custodian of the fund. Long/short equity interests, which have a redemption right in the near term and are past any lock-up redemption period, are classified as level 2.
 
Fixed income includes derivative instruments such as credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and futures contracts. U.S. government and government agency bonds and notes are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the individual security is traded. Corporate bonds and notes, asset backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are valued at either the yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings or valued under a discounted cash flows approach that maximizes observable inputs, such as current yields of similar instruments, but includes adjustments for certain risks that may not be observable such as credit and liquidity risks.
 
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Private placements are valued by the custodian using recognized pricing services and sources. Swaps and derivative instruments are valued by the custodian using closing market swap curves and market derived inputs.
 
The private equity portfolio is a diversified mix of direct investments, derivative instruments and partnership interests including buyouts, distressed debt, growth equity, mezzanine, real estate and venture capital investments. Partnership interests are valued using the most recent general partner statement of fair value, updated for any subsequent partnership interests’ cash flows or expected changes in fair value. Direct investments are equity co-investments in private companies and projects, the majority of which are power infrastructure investments, which are valued by an independent valuation agent.
 
Absolute return consists primarily of private partnership interests in hedge funds, hedge fund of funds and bank loan funds. Partnership interests are valued using the NAV as determined by the administrator or custodian of the fund. Generally, hedge fund partnership interests, which have a redemption right in the near term and are past any lock-up redemption period, are classified as level 2. A hedge fund investment was moved from level 3 to level 2 during 2013 because the lock-up redemption period had expired. A hedge fund investment was moved to level 3 during 2014 after the investment was transferred to a new share class with a longer lock-up period.
 
Commodities consist of commodity-linked notes and commodity-linked derivative contracts designed to deliver investment returns similar to the Goldman Sachs Commodities Index (GSCI) or Bloomberg Commodity index returns. Commodities are valued at closing prices determined by calculation agents for outstanding transactions.
 
Other items to reconcile to fair value of plan assets include the net of insurance receivables for WG Trading Company, interest receivables, amounts due for securities sold, amounts payable for securities purchased and interest payable.
 
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The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair values of the U.S. pension plans’ level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 	 	Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	 	
(Millions)	 	Equities	 	Fixed Income	 	Private
Equity	 	Absolute
Return	 	Commodities	 	Total	 	
Beginning balance at Jan. 1, 2013	 	$	421	 	$	2	 	$	2,136	 	$	865	 	$	107	 	$	3,531	 	
Net transfers into / (out of) level 3	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	(101	)	—	 	(101	)	
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net	 	(92	)	—	 	54	 	(104	)	(96	)	(238	)	
Realized gain / (loss)	 	10	 	—	 	126	 	46	 	(1	)	181	 	
Change in unrealized gains / (losses) relating to instruments sold during the period	 	(5	)	—	 	3	 	(30	)	(10	)	(42	)	
Change in unrealized gains / (losses) relating to instruments still held at the reporting date	 	63	 	—	 	108	 	(18	)	—	 	153	 	
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	 	397	 	2	 	2,427	 	658	 	—	 	3,484	 	
Net transfers into / (out of) level 3	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	100	 	—	 	100	 	
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net	 	(43	)	(1	)	(260	)	205	 	—	 	(99	)	
Realized gain / (loss)	 	2	 	—	 	185	 	—	 	—	 	187	 	
Change in unrealized gains / (losses) relating to instruments sold during the period	 	(12	)	—	 	64	 	2	 	—	 	54	 	
Change in unrealized gains / (losses) relating to instruments still held at the reporting date	 	40	 	(1	)	71	 	41	 	—	 	151	 	
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	 	$	384	 	$	—	 	$	2,487	 	$	1,006	 	$	—	 	$	3,877	 	
 
International Pension Plans Assets
 
Outside the U.S., pension plan assets are typically managed by decentralized fiduciary committees. The disclosure below of asset categories is presented in aggregate for over 70 defined benefit plans in 27 countries; however, there is significant variation in asset allocation policy from country to country. Local regulations, local funding rules, and local financial and tax considerations are part of the funding and investment allocation process in each country. The Company provides standard funding and investment guidance to all international plans with more focused guidance to the larger plans.
 
Each plan has its own strategic asset allocation. The asset allocations are reviewed periodically and rebalanced when necessary.
 
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The fair values of the assets held by the international pension plans by asset class are as follows:

 	 	Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as	 	Fair Value at	 	
(Millions)	 	Level 1	 	Level 2	 	Level 3	 	Dec. 31,	 	
Asset Class	 	2014	 	2013	 	2014	 	2013	 	2014	 	2013	 	2014	 	2013	 	
Equities	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Growth equities	 	$	672	 	$	733	 	$	176	 	$	190	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	848	 	$	923	 	
Value equities	 	595	 	653	 	23	 	14	 	—	 	—	 	618	 	667	 	
Core equities	 	19	 	19	 	642	 	668	 	4	 	5	 	665	 	692	 	
Total Equities	 	$	1,286	 	$	1,405	 	$	841	 	$	872	 	$	4	 	$	5	 	$	2,131	 	$	2,282	 	
Fixed Income	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Domestic government debt	 	$	87	 	$	199	 	$	542	 	$	539	 	$	3	 	$	3	 	$	632	 	$	741	 	
Foreign government debt	 	45	 	28	 	816	 	657	 	—	 	1	 	861	 	686	 	
Corporate debt securities	 	1	 	1	 	615	 	638	 	5	 	20	 	621	 	659	 	
Mortgage backed debt	 	—	 	—	 	82	 	75	 	—	 	—	 	82	 	75	 	
Other debt obligations	 	—	 	—	 	708	 	391	 	11	 	13	 	719	 	404	 	
Total Fixed Income	 	$	133	 	$	228	 	$	2,763	 	$	2,300	 	$	19	 	$	37	 	$	2,915	 	$	2,565	 	
Private Equity	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Private equity funds	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	23	 	$	22	 	$	23	 	$	22	 	
Real estate	 	3	 	3	 	73	 	87	 	55	 	53	 	131	 	143	 	
Total Private Equity	 	$	3	 	$	3	 	$	73	 	$	87	 	$	78	 	$	75	 	$	154	 	$	165	 	
Absolute Return	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Hedge funds	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	95	 	$	62	 	$	22	 	$	56	 	$	117	 	$	118	 	
Insurance	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	476	 	492	 	476	 	492	 	
Derivatives	 	—	 	2	 	(4	)	3	 	—	 	—	 	(4	)	5	 	
Other	 	—	 	—	 	13	 	2	 	3	 	2	 	16	 	4	 	
Total Absolute Return	 	$	—	 	$	2	 	$	104	 	$	67	 	$	501	 	$	550	 	$	605	 	$	619	 	
Cash and Cash Equivalents	 	$	161	 	$	112	 	$	32	 	$	14	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	193	 	$	126	 	
Total	 	$	1,583	 	$	1,750	 	$	3,813	 	$	3,340	 	$	602	 	$	667	 	$	5,998	 	$	5,757	 	
Other items to reconcile to fair value of plan assets	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	$	(41	)	$	1	 	
Fair value of plan assets	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	$	5,957	 	$	5,758	 	
 
Equities consist primarily of mandates in public equity securities managed to the Morgan Stanley Capital All Country World Index. Publicly traded equities are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the individual securities are traded.
 
Fixed Income investments include domestic and foreign government, corporate, mortgage backed and other debt. Governments, corporate bonds and notes and mortgage backed securities are valued at the closing price reported if traded on an active market or at yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings or valued under a discounted cash flow approach that maximizes observable inputs, such as current yields of similar instruments, but includes adjustments for certain risks that may not be observable such as credit and liquidity risks.
 
Private equity funds consist of both active and passive mandates. Partnership interests are valued using the most recent general partner statement of fair value, updated for any subsequent partnership interests’ cash flows or expected changes in fair value. Real estate consists of property funds and REITS (Real Estate Investment Trusts). Property funds are valued using the most recent partnership statement of fair value, updated for any subsequent partnership interests’ cash flows. REITS are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which it is traded.
 
Absolute return consists of private partnership interests in hedge funds, insurance contracts, derivative instruments, hedge fund of funds, and bank loan funds. Insurance consists of insurance contracts, which are valued using cash surrender values which is the amount the plan would receive if the contract was cashed out at year end. Derivative instruments consist of interest rate swaps that are used to help manage risks. Hedge funds are valued at the NAV as determined by the independent administrator or custodian of the fund. Generally, hedge fund partnership interests, which have a redemption right in the near term and are past any lock-up redemption period, are classified as level 2. In 2014, a hedge fund investment was moved to level 3 after the investment was transferred to a new share class with a longer lock-up period. Another hedge fund was moved from level 3 to level 2 during 2014 because the lock-up redemption period had expired.
 
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Other items to reconcile to fair value of plan assets include the net of interest receivables, amounts due for securities sold, amounts payable for securities purchased and interest payable.
 
The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair values of the international pension plans’ level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 	 	Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	 	
(Millions)	 	Equities	 	Fixed Income	 	Private
Equity	 	Absolute
Return	 	Total	 	
Beginning balance at Jan. 1, 2013	 	$	5	 	$	36	 	$	71	 	$	485	 	$	597	 	
Net transfers into / (out of) level 3	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	
Foreign currency exchange	 	—	 	(2	)	(1	)	9	 	6	 	
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net	 	—	 	(2	)	1	 	50	 	49	 	
Realized gain / (loss)	 	—	 	—	 	2	 	—	 	2	 	
Change in unrealized gains / (losses) relating to instruments sold during the period	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	1	 	1	 	
Change in unrealized gains / (losses) relating to instruments still held at the reporting date	 	—	 	5	 	2	 	5	 	12	 	
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	 	5	 	37	 	75	 	550	 	667	 	
Net transfers into / (out of) level 3	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	(32	)	(32	)	
Foreign currency exchange	 	(1	)	(4	)	(6	)	(64	)	(75	)	
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net	 	—	 	(14	)	(2	)	28	 	12	 	
Realized gain / (loss)	 	—	 	—	 	2	 	—	 	2	 	
Change in unrealized gains / (losses) relating to instruments sold during the period	 	—	 	(1	)	(1	)	—	 	(2	)	
Change in unrealized gains / (losses) relating to instruments still held at the reporting date	 	—	 	1	 	10	 	19	 	30	 	
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	 	$	4	 	$	19	 	$	78	 	$	501	 	$	602	 	
 
Postretirement Benefit Plans Assets
 
In order to achieve the investment objectives in the U.S. postretirement plan, the investment policy includes a target strategic asset allocation. The investment policy allows some tolerance around the target in recognition that market fluctuations and illiquidity of some investments may cause the allocation to a specific asset class to vary from the target allocation, potentially for long periods of time. Acceptable ranges have been designed to allow for deviation from strategic targets and to allow for the opportunity for tactical over- and under-weights. The portfolio will normally be rebalanced when the quarter-end asset allocation deviates from acceptable ranges. The allocation is reviewed regularly by the named fiduciary of the plan.
 
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The fair values of the assets held by the postretirement benefit plans by asset class are as follows:

 	 	Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered as	 	Fair Value at	 	
(Millions)	 	Level 1	 	Level 2	 	Level 3	 	Dec. 31,	 	
Asset Class	 	2014	 	2013	 	2014	 	2013	 	2014	 	2013	 	2014	 	2013	 	
Equities	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
U.S. equities	 	$	565	 	$	552	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	565	 	$	552	 	
Non-U.S. equities	 	56	 	58	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	56	 	58	 	
Index funds	 	—	 	—	 	38	 	44	 	—	 	—	 	38	 	44	 	
Long/short equity	 	—	 	—	 	3	 	—	 	14	 	16	 	17	 	16	 	
Total Equities	 	$	621	 	$	610	 	$	41	 	$	44	 	$	14	 	$	16	 	$	676	 	$	670	 	
Fixed Income	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
U.S. government securities	 	$	68	 	$	62	 	$	186	 	$	202	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	254	 	$	264	 	
Non-U.S. government securities	 	—	 	1	 	17	 	14	 	—	 	—	 	17	 	15	 	
Preferred and convertible	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
U.S. corporate bonds	 	—	 	—	 	119	 	96	 	—	 	—	 	119	 	96	 	
Non-U.S. corporate bonds	 	—	 	—	 	24	 	21	 	—	 	—	 	24	 	21	 	
Asset-backed securities	 	—	 	—	 	7	 	9	 	—	 	—	 	7	 	9	 	
Collateralized mortgage obligations	 	—	 	—	 	5	 	5	 	—	 	—	 	5	 	5	 	
Private placements	 	—	 	—	 	25	 	16	 	—	 	—	 	25	 	16	 	
Derivative instruments	 	—	 	—	 	5	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	5	 	—	 	
Other	 	—	 	—	 	1	 	1	 	—	 	—	 	1	 	1	 	
Total Fixed Income	 	$	68	 	$	63	 	$	389	 	$	364	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	457	 	$	427	 	
Private Equity	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Buyouts	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	56	 	$	58	 	$	56	 	$	58	 	
Derivative instruments	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	(3	)	(3	)	(3	)	(3	)	
Direct investments	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	19	 	16	 	19	 	16	 	
Distressed debt	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	8	 	7	 	8	 	7	 	
Growth equity	 	1	 	1	 	—	 	—	 	7	 	6	 	8	 	7	 	
Mezzanine	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	4	 	3	 	4	 	3	 	
Real estate	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	5	 	5	 	5	 	5	 	
Secondary	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	5	 	5	 	5	 	5	 	
Venture capital	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	58	 	64	 	58	 	64	 	
Total Private Equity	 	$	1	 	$	1	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	159	 	$	161	 	$	160	 	$	162	 	
Total Absolute Return	 	$	1	 	$	—	 	$	41	 	$	37	 	$	37	 	$	26	 	$	79	 	$	63	 	
Commodities	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	3	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	3	 	
Cash and Cash Equivalents	 	$	33	 	$	35	 	$	23	 	$	34	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	56	 	$	69	 	
Total	 	$	724	 	$	709	 	$	494	 	$	482	 	$	210	 	$	203	 	$	1,428	 	$	1,394	 	
Other items to reconcile to fair value of plan assets	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	$	8	 	$	11	 	
Fair value of plan assets	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	$	1,436	 	$	1,405	 	
 
Publicly traded equities are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the individual securities are traded. Index funds are valued at the NAV as determined by the custodian of the fund. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus its liabilities then divided by the number of units outstanding. Long/short equity interests are valued using the NAV as determined by the administrator or custodian of the fund. Long / short equity interests, which have a redemption right in the near term and are past any lock-up redemption period, are classified as level 2. A long / short equity interest was moved from level 3 to level 2 during 2014 because the lock-up redemption period had expired.
 
Fixed income includes derivative investments such as credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and futures contracts that are used to help manage risks. U.S. government and government agency bonds and notes are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the individual security is traded. Corporate bonds and notes, asset backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are valued at either the yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings or valued under a discounted cash flow approach that maximizes observable inputs, such as current yields of similar instruments, but includes adjustments for certain risks that may not be observable such as credit and liquidity risks. Private placements are valued by the custodian using recognized pricing services and sources. Swaps and derivative instruments are valued by the custodian using market swap curves and market derived inputs.
 
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The private equity portfolio is a diversified mix of direct investments, derivative instruments and partnership interests including buyouts, distressed debt, growth equity, mezzanine, real estate and venture capital investments. Partnership interests are valued using the most recent general partner statement of fair value, updated for any subsequent partnership interests’ cash flows or expected changes in fair value. Direct investments are equity co-investments in private companies and projects, the majority of which are power infrastructure investments, which are valued by an independent valuation agent.
 
Absolute return primarily consists of private partnership interests in hedge funds, hedge fund of funds and bank loan funds. Partnership interests are valued using the NAV as determined by the independent administrator or custodian of the fund. Generally, hedge fund partnership interests, which have a redemption right in the near term and are past any lock-up redemption period, are classified as level 2. In 2014 a hedge fund investment was moved to level 3 after the investment was transferred to a new share class with a longer lock-up period. Another hedge fund was moved from level 3 to level 2 during 2014 because the lock-up redemption period had expired. The hedge fund level changes net to zero in the table below.
 
Commodities consist of commodity-linked notes and commodity-linked derivative contracts designed to deliver investment returns similar to the GSCI or Bloomberg Commodity index returns. Commodities are valued at closing prices determined by calculation agents for outstanding transactions.
 
Other items to reconcile to fair value of plan assets include the net of interest receivables, amounts due for securities sold, foreign currency fluctuations, amounts payable for securities purchased and interest payable.
 
The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair values of the postretirement plans’ level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 	 	Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	 	
(Millions)	 	Equities	 	Fixed Income	 	Private
Equity	 	Absolute
Return	 	Commodities	 	Total	 	
Beginning balance at Jan. 1, 2013	 	$	16	 	$	—	 	$	170	 	$	28	 	$	4	 	$	218	 	
Net transfers into / (out of) level 3	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net	 	(3	)	—	 	(27	)	(4	)	(4	)	(38	)	
Realized gain / (loss)	 	—	 	—	 	10	 	2	 	—	 	12	 	
Change in unrealized gains / (losses) relating to instruments sold during the period	 	—	 	—	 	(3	)	(1	)	—	 	(4	)	
Change in unrealized gains / (losses) relating to instruments still held at the reporting date	 	3	 	—	 	11	 	1	 	—	 	15	 	
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	 	16	 	—	 	161	 	26	 	—	 	203	 	
Net transfers into / (out of) level 3	 	(2	)	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	(2	)	
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net	 	(2	)	—	 	(45	)	8	 	—	 	(39	)	
Realized gain / (loss)	 	—	 	—	 	29	 	—	 	—	 	29	 	
Change in unrealized gains / (losses) relating to instruments sold during the period	 	—	 	—	 	(5	)	—	 	—	 	(5	)	
Change in unrealized gains / (losses) relating to instruments still held at the reporting date	 	2	 	—	 	19	 	3	 	—	 	24	 	
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	 	$	14	 	$	—	 	$	159	 	$	37	 	$	—	 	$	210	 	
 
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NOTE 11.  Derivatives 
 
The Company uses interest rate swaps, currency swaps, commodity price swaps, and forward and option contracts to manage risks generally associated with foreign exchange rate, interest rate and commodity price fluctuations. The information that follows explains the various types of derivatives and financial instruments used by 3M, how and why 3M uses such instruments, how such instruments are accounted for, and how such instruments impact 3M’s financial position and performance.
 
Additional information with respect to the impacts on other comprehensive income of nonderivative hedging and derivative instruments is included in Note 5. Additional information with respect to the fair value of derivative instruments is included in Note 12. References to information regarding derivatives and/or hedging instruments associated with the Company’s long-term debt are also made in Note 9.
 
Types of Derivatives/Hedging Instruments and Inclusion in Income/Other Comprehensive Income
 
Cash Flow Hedges:
 
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.
 
Cash Flow Hedging - Foreign Currency Forward and Option Contracts: The Company enters into foreign exchange forward and option contracts to hedge against the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash flows denominated in foreign currencies. These transactions are designated as cash flow hedges. The settlement or extension of these derivatives will result in reclassifications (from accumulated other comprehensive income) to earnings in the period during which the hedged transactions affect earnings. 3M may dedesignate these cash flow hedge relationships in advance of the occurrence of the forecasted transaction. The portion of gains or losses on the derivative instrument previously accumulated in other comprehensive income for dedesignated hedges remains in accumulated other comprehensive income until the forecasted transaction occurs. Changes in the value of derivative instruments after dedesignation are recorded in earnings and are included in the Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments section below. Hedge ineffectiveness and the amount excluded from effectiveness testing recognized in income on cash flow hedges were not material for 2014, 2013 and 2012. Beginning in the second quarter of 2014 3M began extending the maximum length of time over which it hedges its exposure to the variability in future cash flows of the forecasted transactions from a previous term of 12 months to a longer term of 24 months. The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of the Company’s foreign exchange forward and option contracts designated as cash flow hedges at December 31, 2014, was approximately $2.2 billion.
 
Cash Flow Hedging - Commodity Price Management: The Company manages commodity price risks through negotiated supply contracts, price protection agreements and forward contracts. The Company uses commodity price swaps as cash flow hedges of forecasted commodity transactions to manage price volatility. The related mark-to-market gain or loss on qualifying hedges is included in other comprehensive income to the extent effective, and reclassified into cost of sales in the period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Generally, the length of time over which 3M hedges its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for its forecasted transactions is 12 months. No significant commodity cash flow hedges were discontinued and hedge ineffectiveness was not material for 2014, 2013 and 2012. The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of the Company’s commodity price swaps designated as cash flow hedges at December 31, 2014, was $20 million.
 
Cash Flow Hedging — Interest Rate Contracts: In August 2011, in anticipation of the September 2011 issuance of $1 billion in five-year fixed rate notes, 3M executed a pre-issuance cash flow hedge on a notional amount of $400 million by entering into a forward-starting five-year floating-to-fixed interest rate swap. Upon debt issuance in September 2011, 3M terminated the floating-to-fixed interest rate swap. The termination of the swap resulted in a $7 million pre-tax loss ($4 million after-tax) that will be amortized over the five-year life of the note.
 
In the third and fourth quarters of 2014, the Company entered into forward starting interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling 500 million Euros as a hedge against interest rate volatility associated with the forecasted issuance of fixed rate debt. Upon issuance in November 2014 of 750 million Euros aggregate principal amount of twelve-year fixed rate notes, 3M terminated these interest rate swaps. The termination resulted in a $8 million pre-tax ($5 million after-tax) loss within accumulated other comprehensive income that will be amortized over the twelve-year life of the notes.
 
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The amortization of losses referenced in the two preceding paragraphs is included in the tables below as part of the loss recognized in income on the effective portion of derivatives as a result of reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income.
 
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had a balance of $99 million associated with the after tax net unrealized gain associated with cash flow hedging instruments recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. This includes a remaining balance of $6 million (after tax loss) related to the forward starting interest rate swaps (discussed in the preceding paragraphs), which will be amortized over the respective lives of the notes. Based on exchange rates as of December 31, 2014, 3M expects to reclassify approximately $70 million (after tax) to earnings over the next 12 months (with the impact offset by cash flows from underlying hedged items).
 
The location in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and amounts of gains and losses related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are provided in the following table. Reclassifications of amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income into income include accumulated gains (losses) on dedesignated hedges at the time earnings are impacted by the forecasted transaction.
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014

(Millions)	 	Pretax Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Other
Comprehensive
Income on Effective
Portion of Derivative	 	Pretax Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Income on Effective Portion of
Derivative as a Result of
Reclassification from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income	 	Ineffective Portion of Gain
(Loss) on Derivative and
Amount Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing
Recognized in Income	 	
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	 	Amount	 	Location	 	Amount	 	Location	 	Amount	 	
Foreign currency forward/option contracts	 	$	183	 	Cost of sales	 	$	3	 	Cost of sales	 	$	—	 	
Commodity price swap contracts	 	(4	)	Cost of sales	 	2	 	Cost of sales	 	—	 	
Interest rate swap contracts	 	(8	)	Interest expense	 	(1	)	Interest expense	 	—	 	
Total	 	$	171	 	 	 	$	4	 	 	 	$	—	 	
 
Year Ended December 31, 2013

(Millions)	 	Pretax Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Other
Comprehensive
Income on Effective
Portion of Derivative	 	Pretax Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Income on Effective Portion of
Derivative as a Result of
Reclassification from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income	 	Ineffective Portion of Gain
(Loss) on Derivative and
Amount Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing
Recognized in Income	 	
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	 	Amount	 	Location	 	Amount	 	Location	 	Amount	 	
Foreign currency forward/option contracts	 	$	9	 	Cost of sales	 	$	(11	)	Cost of sales	 	$	—	 	
Foreign currency forward contracts	 	(108	)	Interest expense	 	(108	)	Interest expense	 	—	 	
Commodity price swap contracts	 	1	 	Cost of sales	 	(2	)	Cost of sales	 	—	 	
Interest rate swap contracts	 	—	 	Interest expense	 	(1	)	Interest expense	 	—	 	
Total	 	$	(98	)	 	 	$	(122	)	 	 	$	—	 	
 
Year Ended December 31, 2012

(Millions)	 	Pretax Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Other
Comprehensive
Income on Effective
Portion of Derivative	 	Pretax Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Income on Effective Portion of
Derivative as a Result of
Reclassification from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income	 	Ineffective Portion of Gain
(Loss) on Derivative and
Amount Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing
Recognized in Income	 	
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	 	Amount	 	Location	 	Amount	 	Location	 	Amount	 	
Foreign currency forward/option contracts	 	$	(35	)	Cost of sales	 	$	41	 	Cost of sales	 	$	—	 	
Foreign currency forward contracts	 	42	 	Interest expense	 	42	 	Interest expense	 	—	 	
Commodity price swap contracts	 	(4	)	Cost of sales	 	(10	)	Cost of sales	 	—	 	
Interest rate swap contracts	 	—	 	Interest expense	 	(1	)	Interest expense	 	—	 	
Total	 	$	3	 	 	 	$	72	 	 	 	$	—	 	
 
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Fair Value Hedges:
 
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivatives as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current earnings.
 
Fair Value Hedging - Interest Rate Swaps: The Company manages interest expense using a mix of fixed and floating rate debt. To help manage borrowing costs, the Company may enter into interest rate swaps. Under these arrangements, the Company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. The mark-to-market of these fair value hedges is recorded as gains or losses in interest expense and is offset by the gain or loss of the underlying debt instrument, which also is recorded in interest expense. These fair value hedges are highly effective and, thus, there is no impact on earnings due to hedge ineffectiveness. The dollar equivalent (based on inception date foreign currency exchange rates) gross notional amount of the Company’s interest rate swaps at December 31, 2014, was $1 billion.
 
At December 31, 2014, the Company had interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges of underlying fixed rate obligations. In July 2007, in connection with the issuance of a seven-year Eurobond for an amount of 750 million Euros, the Company completed a fixed-to-floating interest rate swap on a notional amount of 400 million Euros as a fair value hedge of a portion of the fixed interest rate Eurobond obligation. In August 2010, the Company terminated 150 million Euros of the notional amount of this swap. As a result, a gain of 18 million Euros, recorded as part of the balance of the underlying debt, was amortized as an offset to interest expense over this debt’s remaining life. Prior to termination of the applicable portion of the interest rate swap, the mark-to-market of the hedge instrument was recorded as gains or losses in interest expense and was offset by the gain or loss on carrying value of the underlying debt instrument. Consequently, the subsequent amortization of the 18 million Euros recorded as part of the underlying debt balance was not part of gains on hedged items recognized in income in the tables below. The remaining interest rate swap of 250 million Euros (notional amount) matured in July 2014.
 
In November 2013, 3M issued an eight-year 1.875% fixed rate Eurobond for a face amount of 600 million Euros. Upon debt issuance, 3M completed a fixed-to-floating interest rate swap on a notional amount of 300 million Euros as a fair value hedge of a portion of the fixed interest rate Eurobond obligation.
 
In June 2014, 3M issued a five-year 1.625% fixed rate medium-term note for a face amount of $625 million. Upon debt issuance, 3M completed a fixed-to-floating interest rate swap on a notional amount of $600 million as a fair value hedge of a portion of the fixed interest rate medium-term note obligation.
 
The location in the consolidated statements of income and amounts of gains and losses related to derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges and similar information relative to the hedged items are as follows:

Year ended December 31, 2014	 	Gain (Loss) on Derivative	 	Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item	 	
(Millions)	 	Recognized in Income	 	Recognized in Income	 	
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships	 	Location	 	Amount	 	Location	 	Amount	 	
Interest rate swap contracts	 	Interest expense	 	$	11	 	Interest expense	 	$	(11	)	
Total	 	 	 	$	11	 	 	 	$	(11	)	

Year ended December 31, 2013	 	Gain (Loss) on Derivative	 	Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item	 	
(Millions)	 	Recognized in Income	 	Recognized in Income	 	
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships	 	Location	 	Amount	 	Location	 	Amount	 	
Interest rate swap contracts	 	Interest expense	 	$	(21	)	Interest expense	 	$	21	 	
Total	 	 	 	$	(21	)	 	 	$	21	 	

Year ended December 31, 2012	 	Gain (Loss) on Derivative	 	Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item	 	
(Millions)	 	Recognized in Income	 	Recognized in Income	 	
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships	 	Location	 	Amount	 	Location	 	Amount	 	
Interest rate swap contracts	 	Interest expense	 	$	(5	)	Interest expense	 	$	5	 	
Total	 	 	 	$	(5	)	 	 	$	5	 	
 
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Net Investment Hedges:
 
The Company may use non-derivative (foreign currency denominated debt) and derivative (foreign exchange forward contracts) instruments to hedge portions of the Company’s investment in foreign subsidiaries and manage foreign exchange risk. The extent of 3M’s use of forward contracts may depend on the volume of foreign currency denominated debt already designated in net investment hedges. For instruments that are designated and qualify as hedges of net investments in foreign operations and that meet the effectiveness requirements, the net gains or losses attributable to changes in spot exchange rates are recorded in cumulative translation within other comprehensive income. The remainder of the change in value of such instruments is recorded in earnings. Recognition in earnings of amounts previously recorded in cumulative translation is limited to circumstances such as complete or substantially complete liquidation of the net investment in the hedged foreign operation. To the extent foreign currency denominated debt is not designated in or is dedesignated from a net investment hedge relationship, changes in value of that portion of foreign currency denominated debt due to exchange rate changes are recorded in earnings through their maturity date.
 
3M’s use of foreign exchange forward contracts designated in hedges of the Company’s net investment in European subsidiaries during 2013 and 2014 varied as foreign currency denominated debt balances designated in such relationships were dedesignated, matured or were newly issued and designated. Forward contracts in hedge relationships with notional amounts totaling 594 million Euros matured in November 2013. Similar contracts reached approximately 1.3 billion Euros in notional amounts outstanding in November 2014.
 
At December 31, 2014, the total notional amount of foreign exchange forward contracts designated in net investment hedges was 200 million Euros and the principal amount of long-term debt instruments designated in net investment hedges totaled 1.85 billion Euros (as discussed in Note 9, specifically items C, D1, D2, and H). The maturity dates of these derivative and nonderivative instruments designated in net investment hedges range from 2015 to 2026.
 
The location in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and amounts of gains and losses related to derivative and nonderivative instruments designated as net investment hedges are as follows. There were no reclassifications of the effective portion of net investment hedges out of accumulated other comprehensive income into income for the periods presented in the table below.
 
Year ended December 31, 2014

Derivative and Nonderivative Instruments in Net Investment Hedging
Relationships	 	Pretax Gain (Loss)
Recognized as
Cumulative Translation
within Other
Comprehensive Income
on Effective Portion of
Instrument	 	Ineffective Portion of Gain (Loss) on
Instrument and Amount Excluded
from Effectiveness Testing
Recognized in Income	 	
(Millions)	 	Amount	 	Location	 	Amount	 	
Foreign currency denominated debt	 	$	152	 	N/A	 	$	—	 	
Foreign currency forward contracts	 	94	 	Cost of sales	 	1	 	
Total	 	$	246	 	 	 	$	1	 	
 
Year ended December 31, 2013

Derivative and Nonderivative Instruments in Net Investment Hedging
Relationships	 	Pretax Gain (Loss)
Recognized as
Cumulative Translation
within Other
Comprehensive Income
on Effective Portion of
Instrument	 	Ineffective Portion of Gain (Loss) on
Instrument and Amount Excluded
from Effectiveness Testing
Recognized in Income	 	
(Millions)	 	Amount	 	Location	 	Amount	 	
Foreign currency denominated debt	 	$	(82	)	N/A	 	$	—	 	
Foreign currency forward contracts	 	12	 	Cost of sales	 	—	 	
Total	 	$	(70	)	 	 	$	—	 	
 
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Year ended December 31, 2012

Derivative and Nonderivative Instruments in Net Investment Hedging
Relationships	 	Pretax Gain (Loss)
Recognized as
Cumulative Translation
within Other
Comprehensive Income
on Effective Portion of
Instrument	 	Ineffective Portion of Gain (Loss) on
Instrument and Amount Excluded
from Effectiveness Testing
Recognized in Income	 	
(Millions)	 	Amount	 	Location	 	Amount	 	
Foreign currency denominated debt	 	$	(29	)	N/A	 	$	—	 	
Total	 	$	(29	)	 	 	$	—	 	
 
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments include dedesignated foreign currency forward and option contracts that formerly were designated in cash flow hedging relationships (as referenced in the Cash Flow Hedges section above). In addition, 3M enters into foreign currency forward contracts to offset, in part, the impacts of certain intercompany activities (primarily associated with intercompany licensing arrangements) and enters into commodity price swaps to offset, in part, fluctuations in costs associated with the use of certain commodities and precious metals. These derivative instruments are not designated in hedging relationships; therefore, fair value gains and losses on these contracts are recorded in earnings. The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of these forward, option and swap contracts not designated as hedging instruments totaled $6.6 billion as of December 31, 2014. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
 
The location in the consolidated statements of income and amounts of gains and losses related to derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments are as follows:

 	 	Year ended December 31, 2014	 	Year ended December 31, 2013	 	
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	 	Gain (Loss) on Derivative Recognized in
Income	 	Gain (Loss) on Derivative Recognized in
Income	 	
(Millions)	 	Location	 	Amount	 	Location	 	Amount	 	
Foreign currency forward/option contracts	 	Cost of sales	 	$	10	 	Cost of sales	 	$	20	 	
Foreign currency forward contracts	 	Interest expense	 	(40	)	Interest expense	 	(43	)	
Commodity price swap contracts	 	Cost of sales	 	—	 	Cost of sales	 	(1	)	
Total	 	 	 	$	(30	)	 	 	$	(24	)	

 	 	Year ended December 31, 2012	 	 	 	 	 	
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	 	Gain (Loss) on Derivative Recognized in
Income	 	 	 	 	 	
(Millions)	 	Location	 	Amount	 	 	 	 	 	
Foreign currency forward/option contracts	 	Cost of sales	 	$	(24	)	 	 	 	 	
Foreign currency forward contracts	 	Interest expense	 	22	 	 	 	 	 	
Total	 	 	 	$	(2	)	 	 	 	 	
 
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Location and Fair Value Amount of Derivative Instruments
 
The following tables summarize the fair value of 3M’s derivative instruments, excluding nonderivative instruments used as hedging instruments, and their location in the consolidated balance sheet. Additional information with respect to the fair value of derivative instruments is included in Note 12.

December 31, 2014	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
(Millions)	 	Assets	 	Liabilities	 	
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	 	Location	 	Amount	 	Location	 	Amount	 	
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Foreign currency forward/option contracts	 	Other current assets	 	$	116	 	Other current liabilities	 	$	2	 	
Foreign currency forward/option contracts	 	Other assets	 	47	 	Other liabilities	 	1	 	
Commodity price swap contracts	 	Other current assets	 	—	 	Other current liabilities	 	4	 	
Interest rate swap contracts	 	Other assets	 	27	 	Other liabilities	 	3	 	
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	 	 	 	$	190	 	 	 	$	10	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Foreign currency forward/option contracts	 	Other current assets	 	$	66	 	Other current liabilities	 	$	33	 	
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	 	 	 	$	66	 	 	 	$	33	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total derivative instruments	 	 	 	$	256	 	 	 	$	43	 	

December 31, 2013	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
(Millions)	 	Assets	 	Liabilities	 	
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	 	Location	 	Amount	 	Location	 	Amount	 	
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Foreign currency forward/option contracts	 	Other current assets	 	$	24	 	Other current liabilities	 	$	35	 	
Commodity price swap contracts	 	Other current assets	 	1	 	Other current liabilities	 	—	 	
Interest rate swap contracts	 	Other assets	 	8	 	Other liabilities	 	7	 	
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	 	 	 	$	33	 	 	 	$	42	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Foreign currency forward/option contracts	 	Other current assets	 	$	51	 	Other current liabilities	 	$	68	 	
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	 	 	 	$	51	 	 	 	$	68	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total derivative instruments	 	 	 	$	84	 	 	 	$	110	 	
 
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Credit Risk and Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities of Derivative Instruments
 
The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties in interest rate swaps, currency swaps, commodity price swaps, and forward and option contracts. However, the Company’s risk is limited to the fair value of the instruments. The Company actively monitors its exposure to credit risk through the use of credit approvals and credit limits, and by selecting major international banks and financial institutions as counterparties. 3M enters into master netting arrangements with counterparties when possible to mitigate credit risk in derivative transactions. A master netting arrangement may allow each counterparty to net settle amounts owed between a 3M entity and the counterparty as a result of multiple, separate derivative transactions. As of December 31, 2014, 3M has International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) agreements with 15 applicable banks and financial institutions which contain netting provisions. In addition to a master agreement with 3M supported by a primary counterparty’s parent guarantee, 3M also has associated credit support agreements in place with 14 of its primary derivative counterparties which, among other things, provide the circumstances under which either party is required to post eligible collateral (when the market value of transactions covered by these agreements exceeds specified thresholds or if a counterparty’s credit rating has been downgraded to a predetermined rating). The Company does not anticipate nonperformance by any of these counterparties.
 
3M has elected to present the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities within the Company’s consolidated balance sheet on a gross basis even when derivative transactions are subject to master netting arrangements and may otherwise qualify for net presentation. However, the following tables provide information as if the Company had elected to offset the asset and liability balances of derivative instruments, netted in accordance with various criteria in the event of default or termination as stipulated by the terms of netting arrangements with each of the counterparties. For each counterparty, if netted, the Company would offset the asset and liability balances of all derivatives at the end of the reporting period based on the 3M entity that is a party to the transactions. Derivatives not subject to master netting agreements are not eligible for net presentation. As of the applicable dates presented below, no cash collateral had been received or pledged related to these derivative instruments.
 
Offsetting of Financial Assets/Liabilities under Master Netting Agreements with Derivative Counterparties
 
December 31, 2014

 	 	Gross Amount of	 	Gross Amounts not Offset in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet that are Subject
to Master Netting Agreements	 	 	 	
(Millions)	 	Derivative Assets
Presented in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet	 	Gross Amount of
Eligible Offsetting
Recognized
Derivative Liabilities	 	Cash Collateral
Received	 	Net Amount of
Derivative Assets	 	
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements	 	$	256	 	$	20	 	$	—	 	$	236	 	
Derivatives not subject to master netting agreements	 	—	 	 	 	 	 	—	 	
Total	 	$	256	 	 	 	 	 	$	236	 	

December 31, 2014

 	 	Gross Amount of	 	Gross Amounts not Offset in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet that are Subject
to Master Netting Agreements	 	 	 	
(Millions)	 	Derivative Liabilities
Presented in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet	 	Gross Amount of
Eligible Offsetting
Recognized
Derivative Assets	 	Cash Collateral
Pledged	 	Net Amount of
Derivative Liabilities	 	
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements	 	$	36	 	$	20	 	$	—	 	$	16	 	
Derivatives not subject to master netting agreements	 	7	 	 	 	 	 	7	 	
Total	 	$	43	 	 	 	 	 	$	23	 	

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December 31, 2013

 	 	Gross Amount of	 	Gross Amounts not Offset in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet that are Subject
to Master Netting Agreements	 	 	 	
(Millions)	 	Derivative Assets
Presented in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet	 	Gross Amount of
Eligible Offsetting
Recognized
Derivative Liabilities	 	Cash Collateral
Received	 	Net Amount of
Derivative Assets	 	
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements	 	$	83	 	$	51	 	$	—	 	$	32	 	
Derivatives not subject to master netting agreements	 	1	 	 	 	 	 	1	 	
Total	 	$	84	 	 	 	 	 	$	33	 	

December 31, 2013

 	 	Gross Amount of	 	Gross Amounts not Offset in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet that are Subject
to Master Netting Agreements	 	 	 	
(Millions)	 	Derivative Liabilities
Presented in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet	 	Gross Amount of
Eligible Offsetting
Recognized
Derivative Assets	 	Cash Collateral
Pledged	 	Net Amount of
Derivative Liabilities	 	
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements	 	$	110	 	$	51	 	$	—	 	$	59	 	
Derivatives not subject to master netting agreements	 	—	 	 	 	 	 	—	 	
Total	 	$	110	 	 	 	 	 	$	59	 	

Currency Effects
 
3M estimates that year-on-year currency effects, including hedging impacts, decreased net income attributable to 3M by approximately $97 million and $74 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively. These estimates include the effect of translating profits from local currencies into U.S. dollars; the impact of currency fluctuations on the transfer of goods between 3M operations in the United States and abroad; and transaction gains and losses, including derivative instruments designed to reduce foreign currency exchange rate risks and the negative impact of swapping Venezuelan bolivars into U.S. dollars. 3M estimates that year-on-year derivative and other transaction gains and losses increased net income attributable to 3M by approximately $8 million in 2014 and decreased net income attributable to 3M by $12 million in 2013.
 
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NOTE 12.  Fair Value Measurements 
 
3M follows ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures , with respect to assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and nonrecurring basis. Under the standard, fair value is defined as the exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. The standard also establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability developed based upon the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs (other than quoted prices) that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
 
Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:
 
For 3M, assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis primarily relate to available-for-sale marketable securities, available-for-sale investments (included as part of investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheet) and certain derivative instruments. Derivatives include cash flow hedges, interest rate swaps and most net investment hedges. The information in the following paragraphs and tables primarily addresses matters relative to these financial assets and liabilities. Separately, there were no material fair value measurements with respect to nonfinancial assets or liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the Company’s financial statements on a recurring basis for 2014 and 2013.
 
3M uses various valuation techniques, which are primarily based upon the market and income approaches, with respect to financial assets and liabilities. Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for the respective financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value.
 
Available-for-sale marketable securities — except auction rate securities and certain U.S. municipal securities:
 
Marketable securities, except auction rate securities and certain U.S. municipal securities, are valued utilizing multiple sources. A weighted average price is used for these securities. Market prices are obtained for these securities from a variety of industry standard data providers, security master files from large financial institutions, and other third-party sources. These multiple prices are used as inputs into a distribution-curve-based algorithm to determine the daily fair value to be used. 3M classifies U.S. treasury securities as level 1, while all other marketable securities (excluding auction rate securities and certain U.S. municipal securities) are classified as level 2. Marketable securities are discussed further in Note 8.
 
Available-for-sale marketable securities — auction rate securities and certain U.S. municipal securities only:
 
Auction rate securities held by 3M failed to auction since the second half of 2007. As a result, investments in auction rate securities are valued utilizing third-party indicative bid levels in markets that are not active and broker-dealer valuation models that utilize inputs such as current/forward interest rates, current market conditions and credit default swap spreads. 3M classifies these securities as level 3. In the fourth quarter 2014, 3M sold all remaining auction rate securities out of their portfolio and no longer has a balance at December 31, 2014.
 
In the fourth quarter 2014, 3M obtained a municipal bond with the City of Nevada, Missouri, which represent 3M’s only U.S. municipal securities holding as of December 31, 2014. Due to the nature of this security, the valuation method utilized will include the financial health of the City of Nevada, any recent municipal bond issuances by Nevada, and macroeconomic considerations related to the direction of interest rates and the health of the overall municipal bond market, and as such will be classified as a level 3 security. 3M’s other U.S. municipal securities holdings at December 31, 2013 were classified as level 2.
 
Available-for-sale investments:
 
Investments include equity securities that are traded in an active market. Closing stock prices are readily available from active markets and are used as being representative of fair value. 3M classifies these securities as level 1.
 
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Derivative instruments:
 
The Company’s derivative assets and liabilities within the scope of ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging , are required to be recorded at fair value. The Company’s derivatives that are recorded at fair value include foreign currency forward and option contracts, commodity price swaps, interest rate swaps, and net investment hedges where the hedging instrument is recorded at fair value. Net investment hedges that use foreign currency denominated debt to hedge 3M’s net investment are not impacted by the fair value measurement standard under ASC 820, as the debt used as the hedging instrument is marked to a value with respect to changes in spot foreign currency exchange rates and not with respect to other factors that may impact fair value.
 
3M has determined that foreign currency forwards, commodity price swaps, currency swaps, foreign currency options, interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps will be considered level 2 measurements. 3M uses inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset. These inputs include foreign currency exchange rates, volatilities, and interest rates. Derivative positions are primarily valued using standard calculations/models that use as their basis readily observable market parameters. Industry standard data providers are 3M’s primary source for forward and spot rate information for both interest rates and currency rates, with resulting valuations periodically validated through third-party or counterparty quotes and a net present value stream of cash flows model. The Company revised classification of amounts previously presented in the table below for foreign currency forward/option contracts for the year ended December 31, 2013. These immaterial corrections reclassified previously presented amounts from level 1 to level 2.
 
The following tables provide information by level for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 	 	 	 	Fair Value Measurements	 	
(Millions)	 	Fair Value at	 	Using Inputs Considered as	 	
Description	 	Dec. 31, 2014	 	Level 1	 	Level 2	 	Level 3	 	
Assets:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Available-for-sale:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Marketable securities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
U.S. government agency securities	 	$	108	 	$	—	 	$	108	 	$	—	 	
Foreign government agency securities	 	95	 	—	 	95	 	—	 	
Corporate debt securities	 	619	 	—	 	619	 	—	 	
Certificates of deposit/time deposits	 	41	 	—	 	41	 	—	 	
Asset-backed securities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Automobile loan related	 	282	 	—	 	282	 	—	 	
Credit card related	 	162	 	—	 	162	 	—	 	
Equipment lease related	 	48	 	—	 	48	 	—	 	
Other	 	46	 	—	 	46	 	—	 	
U.S. treasury securities	 	38	 	38	 	—	 	—	 	
U.S. municipal securities	 	15	 	—	 	—	 	15	 	
Investments	 	1	 	1	 	—	 	—	 	
Derivative instruments — assets:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Foreign currency forward/option contracts	 	229	 	—	 	229	 	—	 	
Interest rate swap contracts	 	27	 	—	 	27	 	—	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Liabilities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Derivative instruments — liabilities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Foreign currency forward/option contracts	 	36	 	—	 	36	 	—	 	
Commodity price swap contracts	 	4	 	—	 	4	 	—	 	
Interest rate swap contracts	 	3	 	—	 	3	 	—	 	

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 	 	 	 	Fair Value Measurements	 	
(Millions)	 	Fair Value at	 	Using Inputs Considered as	 	
Description	 	Dec. 31, 2013	 	Level 1	 	Level 2	 	Level 3	 	
Assets:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Available-for-sale:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Marketable securities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
U.S. government agency securities	 	$	234	 	$	—	 	$	234	 	$	—	 	
Foreign government agency securities	 	125	 	—	 	125	 	—	 	
Corporate debt securities	 	781	 	—	 	781	 	—	 	
Certificates of deposit/time deposits	 	40	 	—	 	40	 	—	 	
Commercial paper	 	60	 	—	 	60	 	—	 	
Asset-backed securities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Automobile loan related	 	585	 	—	 	585	 	—	 	
Credit card related	 	180	 	—	 	180	 	—	 	
Equipment lease related	 	67	 	—	 	67	 	—	 	
Other	 	75	 	—	 	75	 	—	 	
U.S. treasury securities	 	49	 	49	 	—	 	—	 	
U.S. municipal securities	 	2	 	—	 	2	 	—	 	
Auction rate securities	 	11	 	—	 	—	 	11	 	
Investments	 	2	 	2	 	—	 	—	 	
Derivative instruments — assets:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Foreign currency forward/option contracts	 	75	 	—	 	75	 	—	 	
Commodity price swap contracts	 	1	 	—	 	1	 	—	 	
Interest rate swap contracts	 	8	 	—	 	8	 	—	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Liabilities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Derivative instruments — liabilities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Foreign currency forward/option contracts	 	103	 	—	 	103	 	—	 	
Interest rate swap contracts	 	7	 	—	 	7	 	—	 	

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of items measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the table above that used significant unobservable inputs (level 3).

(Millions)	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Marketable securities — auction rate securities and certain U.S. municipal
securities only	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Beginning balance	 	$	11	 	$	7	 	$	4	 	
Total gains or losses:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Included in earnings	 	(1	)	—	 	—	 	
Included in other comprehensive income	 	2	 	4	 	3	 	
Purchases and issuances	 	15	 	—	 	—	 	
Sales and settlements	 	(12	)	—	 	—	 	
Transfers in and/or out of level 3	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	
Ending balance (December 31)	 	15	 	11	 	7	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings for securities held at the end of the reporting period	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	

In addition, the plan assets of 3M’s pension and postretirement benefit plans are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually). Refer to Note 10.
 
Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis:
 
Disclosures are required for certain assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value, but are recognized and disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition. For 3M, such measurements of fair value relate primarily to long-lived asset impairments. There were no material long-lived asset impairments for 2014, 2013 and 2012.
 
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Fair Value of Financial Instruments:
 
The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, certain investments, accounts payable, borrowings, and derivative contracts. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt (except the Eurobond securities totaling 1.025 billion Euros, which were repaid in July 2014 and are shown separately in the table below) approximated carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Available-for-sale marketable securities and investments, in addition to certain derivative instruments, are recorded at fair values as indicated in the preceding disclosures. For its long-term debt, the Company utilized third-party quotes to estimate fair values (classified as level 2). Information with respect to the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of these financial instruments follow:

 	 	December 31, 2014	 	December 31, 2013	 	
 	 	Carrying	 	Fair	 	Carrying	 	Fair	 	
(Millions)	 	Value	 	Value	 	Value	 	Value	 	
Eurobond securities (repaid July 2014)	 	$	—	 	$	—	 	$	1,424	 	$	1,447	 	
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	 	6,731	 	7,203	 	4,326	 	4,463	 	

The fair values reflected above consider the terms of the related debt absent the impacts of derivative/hedging activity. The carrying amount of long-term debt referenced above is impacted by certain fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps that are designated as fair value hedges and by the designation of fixed rate Eurobond securities issued by the Company as hedging instruments of the Company’s net investment in its European subsidiaries. Many of 3M’s fixed-rate bonds were trading at a premium at December 31, 2014 and 2013 due to the low interest rates and tightening of 3M’s credit spreads.
 
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NOTE 13.  Commitments and Contingencies 
 
Capital and Operating Leases:
 
Rental expense under operating leases was $332 million in 2014, $330 million in 2013 and $300 million in 2012. It is 3M’s practice to secure renewal rights for leases, thereby giving 3M the right, but not the obligation, to maintain a presence in a leased facility. 3M has three primary capital leases. First, 3M has a capital lease, which became effective in April 2003, that involves a building in the United Kingdom (with a lease term of 22 years). During the second quarter of 2003, 3M recorded a capital lease asset and obligation of approximately 33.5 million British Pound (GBP), or approximately $52 million at December 31, 2014, exchange rates. Second, during the fourth quarter of 2009, 3M recorded a capital lease asset and obligation of approximately $50 million related to an IT investment with an amortization period of seven years. Third, in the fourth quarter of 2014, 3M recorded a capital lease asset and obligation of approximately $15 million, which is discussed in more detail in Note 6.
 
Minimum lease payments under capital and operating leases with non-cancelable terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2014, were as follows:

 	 	 	 	Operating	 	
(Millions)	 	Capital Leases	 	Leases	 	
2015	 	$	11	 	$	225	 	
2016	 	11	 	164	 	
2017	 	7	 	126	 	
2018	 	4	 	75	 	
2019	 	3	 	54	 	
After 2019	 	37	 	187	 	
Total	 	$	73	 	$	831	 	
Less: Amounts representing interest	 	6	 	 	 	
Present value of future minimum lease payments	 	67	 	 	 	
Less: Current obligations under capital leases	 	8	 	 	 	
Long-term obligations under capital leases	 	$	59	 	 	 	
 
Unconditional Purchase Obligations:
 
Unconditional purchase obligations are defined as an agreement to purchase goods or services that is enforceable and legally binding (non-cancelable, or cancelable only in certain circumstances). The Company estimates its total unconditional purchase obligation commitment (for those contracts with terms in excess of one year) as of December 31, 2014, at $489 million. Payments by year are estimated as follows: 2015 ($131 million), 2016 ($139 million), 2017 ($92 million), 2018 ($55 million), 2019 ($34 million) and after 2019 ($38 million). Many of these commitments relate to take or pay contracts, in which 3M guarantees payment to ensure availability of products or services that are sold to customers. The Company expects to receive consideration (products or services) for these unconditional purchase obligations. The purchase obligation amounts do not represent the entire anticipated purchases in the future, but represent only those items for which the Company is contractually obligated. The majority of 3M’s products and services are purchased as needed, with no unconditional commitment. For this reason, these amounts will not provide an indication of the Company’s expected future cash outflows related to purchase obligations.
 
Warranties/Guarantees:
 
3M’s accrued product warranty liabilities, recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as part of current and long-term liabilities, are estimated at approximately $30 million at December 31, 2014, and $31 million at December 31, 2013. 3M does not consider this amount to be material. The fair value of 3M guarantees of loans with third parties and other guarantee arrangements are not material.
 
Related Party Activity:
 
3M does not have any material related party activity that is not in the ordinary course of business.
 
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Legal Proceedings:
 
The Company and some of its subsidiaries are involved in numerous claims and lawsuits, principally in the United States, and regulatory proceedings worldwide. These include various products liability (involving products that the Company now or formerly manufactured and sold), intellectual property, and commercial claims and lawsuits, including those brought under the antitrust laws, and environmental proceedings. Unless otherwise stated, the Company is vigorously defending all such litigation.
 
Process for Disclosure and Recording of Liabilities and Insurance Receivables Related to Legal Proceedings
 
Many lawsuits and claims involve highly complex issues relating to causation, scientific evidence, and whether there are actual damages and are otherwise subject to substantial uncertainties. Assessments of lawsuits and claims can involve a series of complex judgments about future events and can rely heavily on estimates and assumptions. The Company complies with the requirements of ASC Topic 450, Contingencies , and related guidance, and records liabilities for legal proceedings in those instances where it can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss and where liability is probable. Where the reasonable estimate of the probable loss is a range, the Company records the most likely estimate of the loss, or the low end of the range if there is no one best estimate. The Company either discloses the amount of a possible loss or range of loss in excess of established accruals if estimable, or states that such an estimate cannot be made. The Company discloses significant legal proceedings even where liability is not probable or the amount of the liability is not estimable, or both, if the Company believes there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred.
 
The Company estimates insurance receivables based on an analysis of its numerous policies, including their exclusions, pertinent case law interpreting comparable policies, its experience with similar claims, and assessment of the nature of the claim and remaining coverage, and records an amount it has concluded is likely to be recovered. For those insured matters where the Company has taken an accrual, the Company also records receivables for the amount of insurance that it expects to recover under the Company’s insurance program. For those insured matters where the Company has not taken an accrual because the liability is not probable or the amount of the liability is not estimable, or both, but where the Company has incurred an expense in defending itself, the Company records receivables for the amount of insurance that it expects to recover for the expense incurred.
 
Because litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings or developments could occur, there can be no certainty that the Company may not ultimately incur charges in excess of presently recorded liabilities. A future adverse ruling, settlement, or unfavorable development could result in future charges that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or cash flows in the period in which they are recorded. Although the Company cannot estimate its exposure to all legal proceedings, it currently believes that such future charges, if any, would not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the Company. Based on experience and developments, the Company reexamines its estimates of probable liabilities and associated expenses and receivables each period, and whether it is able to estimate a liability previously determined to be not estimable and/or not probable. Where appropriate, the Company makes additions to or adjustments of its estimated liabilities. As a result, the current estimates of the potential impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the legal proceedings and claims pending against the Company could change in the future.
 
The following sections first describe the significant legal proceedings in which the Company is involved, and then describe the liabilities and associated insurance receivables the Company has accrued relating to its significant legal proceedings.
 
Respirator Mask/Asbestos Litigation
 
As of December 31, 2014, the Company is a named defendant, with multiple co-defendants, in numerous lawsuits in various courts that purport to represent approximately 2,220 individual claimants, compared to approximately 2,200 individual claimants with actions pending at December 31, 2013.
 
The vast majority of the lawsuits and claims resolved by and currently pending against the Company allege use of some of the Company’s mask and respirator products and seek damages from the Company and other defendants for alleged personal injury from workplace exposures to asbestos, silica, coal mine dust or other occupational dusts found in products manufactured by other defendants or generally in the workplace. A minority of the lawsuits and claims resolved by and currently pending against the Company generally allege personal injury from occupational exposure to asbestos from products previously manufactured by the Company, which are often unspecified, as well as products manufactured by other defendants, or occasionally at Company premises.
 
The Company’s current volume of new and pending matters is substantially lower than it experienced at the peak of filings in 2003. The Company expects that filing of claims by unimpaired claimants in the future will continue to be at much lower levels than in the past. Accordingly, the number of claims alleging more serious injuries, including mesothelioma and other
 
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malignancies, will represent a greater percentage of total claims than in the past. The Company has prevailed in all nine cases taken to trial, including seven of the eight cases tried to verdict (such trials occurred in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, and 2007), and an appellate reversal in 2005 of the 2001 jury verdict adverse to the Company. The ninth case, tried in 2009, was dismissed by the court at the close of plaintiff’s evidence, based on the court’s legal finding that the plaintiff had not presented sufficient evidence to support a jury verdict.
 
The Company has demonstrated in these past trial proceedings that its respiratory protection products are effective as claimed when used in the intended manner and in the intended circumstances. Consequently the Company believes that claimants are unable to establish that their medical conditions, even if significant, are attributable to the Company’s respiratory protection products. Nonetheless the Company’s litigation experience indicates that claims of persons with malignant conditions are costlier to resolve than the claims of unimpaired persons, and it therefore believes the average cost of resolving pending and future claims on a per-claim basis will continue to be higher than it experienced in prior periods when the vast majority of claims were asserted by the unimpaired.
 
As previously reported, the State of West Virginia, through its Attorney General, filed a complaint in 2003 against the Company and two other manufacturers of respiratory protection products in the Circuit Court of Lincoln County, West Virginia and amended its complaint in 2005. The amended complaint seeks substantial, but unspecified, compensatory damages primarily for reimbursement of the costs allegedly incurred by the State for worker’s compensation and healthcare benefits provided to all workers with occupational pneumoconiosis and unspecified punitive damages. The case has been inactive since the fourth quarter of 2007, other than a case management conference in March 2011. In November 2013, the State filed a motion to bifurcate the lawsuit into separate liability and damages proceedings. A hearing on that motion may occur in the first quarter of 2015. No liability has been recorded for this matter because the Company believes that liability is not probable and estimable at this time. In addition, the Company is not able to estimate a possible loss or range of loss given the lack of any meaningful discovery responses by the State of West Virginia, the otherwise minimal activity in this case and the fact that the complaint asserts claims against two other manufacturers where a defendant’s share of liability may turn on the law of joint and several liability and by the amount of fault, if any, a jury might allocate to each defendant if the case is ultimately tried.
 
Respirator Mask/Asbestos Liabilities and Insurance Receivables: The Company estimates its respirator mask/asbestos liabilities, including the cost to resolve the claims and defense costs, by examining: (i) the Company’s experience in resolving claims, (ii) apparent trends, (iii) the apparent quality of claims (e.g., whether the claim has been asserted on behalf of asymptomatic claimants), (iv) changes in the nature and mix of claims (e.g., the proportion of claims asserting usage of the Company’s mask or respirator products and alleging exposure to each of asbestos, silica, coal or other occupational dusts, and claims pleading use of asbestos-containing products allegedly manufactured by the Company), (v) the number of current claims and a projection of the number of future asbestos and other claims that may be filed against the Company, (vi) the cost to resolve recently settled claims, and (vii) an estimate of the cost to resolve and defend against current and future claims.
 
Developments may occur that could affect the Company’s estimate of its liabilities. These developments include, but are not limited to, significant changes in (i) the number of future claims, (ii) the average cost of resolving claims, (iii) the legal costs of defending these claims and in maintaining trial readiness, (iv) changes in the mix and nature of claims received, (v) trial and appellate outcomes, (vi) changes in the law and procedure applicable to these claims, and (vii) the financial viability of other co-defendants and insurers.
 
As a result of the Company’s greater cost of resolving claims of persons who claim more serious injuries, including mesothelioma and other malignancies, the Company increased its accruals in 2014 for respirator mask/asbestos liabilities by $62 million. In 2014, the Company made payments for fees and settlements of $49 million related to the respirator mask/asbestos litigation. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had accruals for respirator mask/asbestos liabilities of $140 million (excluding Aearo accruals). This accrual represents the low end in a range of loss. The Company cannot estimate the amount or upper end of the range of amounts by which the liability may exceed the accrual the Company has established because of the (i) inherent difficulty in projecting the number of claims that have not yet been asserted or the time period in which future claims may be asserted, (ii) the complaints nearly always assert claims against multiple defendants where the damages alleged are typically not attributed to individual defendants so that a defendant’s share of liability may turn on the law of joint and several liability, which can vary by state, (iii) the multiple factors described above that the Company considers in estimating its liabilities, and (iv) the several possible developments described above that may occur that could affect the Company’s estimate of liabilities.
 
As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s receivable for insurance recoveries related to the respirator mask/asbestos litigation was $41 million. The Company estimates insurance receivables based on an analysis of its policies, including their exclusions, pertinent case law interpreting comparable policies, its experience with similar claims, and assessment of the nature of each claim and remaining coverage, and then records an amount it has concluded is likely to be recovered. Various factors could affect the timing and amount of recovery of this receivable, including (i) delays in or avoidance of
 
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payment by insurers; (ii) the extent to which insurers may become insolvent in the future, and (iii) the outcome of negotiations with insurers and legal proceedings with respect to respirator mask/asbestos liability insurance coverage.
 
As previously reported, in 2007 the Company was served with a declaratory judgment action filed in the District Court in Ramsey County, Minnesota on behalf of two of its insurers (Continental Casualty and Continental Insurance Co. — both part of the Continental Casualty Group) in connection with insurance coverage for respirator mask/asbestos claims. Over the next several years, 3M settled with the plaintiffs, Continental Casualty and Continental Insurance Co., as well as a significant number of the insurer defendants. In 2013, the Company reached settlements with the remaining insurers in the lawsuit. In June 2014, the court issued an order dismissing the case, and in the third quarter of 2014, a final payment was received as a result of those settlements. During 2014, the Company received payments of $17 million from settlements with insurers.
 
The Company has unresolved coverage with claims-made carriers for respirator mask claims. The Company is also seeking coverage under the policies of certain insolvent insurers. Once those claims for coverage are resolved, the Company will have collected substantially all of its remaining insurance coverage for respirator mask/asbestos claims.
 
Respirator Mask/Asbestos Litigation — Aearo Technologies
 
On April 1, 2008, a subsidiary of the Company purchased the stock of Aearo Holding Corp., the parent of Aearo Technologies (“Aearo”). Aearo manufactured and sold various products, including personal protection equipment, such as eye, ear, head, face, fall and certain respiratory protection products.
 
As of December 31, 2014, Aearo and/or other companies that previously owned and operated Aearo’s respirator business (American Optical Corporation, Warner-Lambert LLC, AO Corp. and Cabot Corporation (“Cabot”)) are named defendants, with multiple co-defendants, including the Company, in numerous lawsuits in various courts in which plaintiffs allege use of mask and respirator products and seek damages from Aearo and other defendants for alleged personal injury from workplace exposures to asbestos, silica-related, or other occupational dusts found in products manufactured by other defendants or generally in the workplace.
 
As of December 31, 2014, the Company, through its Aearo subsidiary, had accruals of $24 million for product liabilities and defense costs related to current and future Aearo-related asbestos and silica-related claims. Responsibility for legal costs, as well as for settlements and judgments, is currently shared in an informal arrangement among Aearo, Cabot, American Optical Corporation and a subsidiary of Warner Lambert and their insurers (the “Payor Group”). Liability is allocated among the parties based on the number of years each company sold respiratory products under the “AO Safety” brand and/or owned the AO Safety Division of American Optical Corporation and the alleged years of exposure of the individual plaintiff. Aearo’s share of the contingent liability is further limited by an agreement entered into between Aearo and Cabot on July 11, 1995. This agreement provides that, so long as Aearo pays to Cabot a quarterly fee of $100,000, Cabot will retain responsibility and liability for, and indemnify Aearo against, any product liability claims involving exposure to asbestos, silica, or  silica products for respirators sold prior to July 11, 1995. Because of the difficulty in determining how long a particular respirator remains in the stream of commerce after being sold, Aearo and Cabot have applied the agreement to claims arising out of the alleged use of respirators involving exposure to asbestos, silica or silica products prior to January 1, 1997. With these arrangements in place, Aearo’s potential liability is limited to exposures alleged to have arisen from the use of respirators involving exposure to asbestos, silica, or silica products on or after January 1, 1997. To date, Aearo has elected to pay the quarterly fee. Aearo could potentially be exposed to additional claims for some part of the pre-July 11, 1995 period covered by its agreement with Cabot if Aearo elects to discontinue its participation in this arrangement, or if Cabot is no longer able to meet its obligations in these matters.
 
In March 2012, Cabot CSC Corporation and Cabot Corporation filed a lawsuit against Aearo in the Superior Court of Suffolk County, Massachusetts seeking declaratory relief as to the scope of Cabot’s indemnity obligations under the July 11, 1995 agreement, including whether Cabot has retained liability for coal workers’ pneumoconiosis claims, and seeking damages for breach of contract. In June 2014, the court granted Aearo’s motion for summary judgment on all claims. Cabot has filed a motion for reconsideration, and Aearo has filed a motion for clarification of the court’s order granting Aearo summary judgment. In October 2014, the court denied Aearo’s motion for clarification. The court also denied, in part, Cabot’s motion for reconsideration and reaffirmed its ruling that Cabot retained liability for claims involving exposure to silica in coal mine dust. The court granted Cabot’s motion, in part, ruling that Aearo was not entitled to summary judgment on Cabot’s claim for equitable allocation, and on whether the 258 underlying claims were Cabot’s responsibility. These two issues remain in the case for further proceedings.
 
Developments may occur that could affect the estimate of Aearo’s liabilities. These developments include, but are not limited to: (i) significant changes in the number of future claims, (ii) significant changes in the average cost of resolving claims, (iii) significant changes in the legal costs of defending these claims, (iv) significant changes in the mix and nature of claims received, (v) trial and appellate outcomes, (vi) significant changes in the law and procedure applicable to these claims, (vii) significant changes in the liability allocation among the co-defendants, (viii) the financial viability of members of the Payor Group including exhaustion of available coverage limits, and/or (ix) a determination that the interpretation of the contractual obligations on which Aearo has estimated its share of liability is inaccurate. The Company cannot determine the impact of
 
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these potential developments on its current estimate of Aearo’s share of liability for these existing and future claims. If any of the developments described above were to occur, the actual amount of these liabilities for existing and future claims could be significantly larger than the amount accrued.
 
Because of the inherent difficulty in projecting the number of claims that have not yet been asserted, the complexity of allocating responsibility for future claims among the Payor Group, and the several possible developments that may occur that could affect the estimate of Aearo’s liabilities, the Company cannot estimate the amount or range of amounts by which Aearo’s liability may exceed the accrual the Company has established.
 
Environmental Matters and Litigation
 
The Company’s operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations including those pertaining to air emissions, wastewater discharges, toxic substances, and the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes enforceable by national, state, and local authorities around the world, and private parties in the United States and abroad. These laws and regulations provide, under certain circumstances, a basis for the remediation of contamination, for restoration of or compensation for damages to natural resources, and for personal injury and property damage claims. The Company has incurred, and will continue to incur, costs and capital expenditures in complying with these laws and regulations, defending personal injury and property damage claims, and modifying its business operations in light of its environmental responsibilities. In its effort to satisfy its environmental responsibilities and comply with environmental laws and regulations, the Company has established, and periodically updates, policies relating to environmental standards of performance for its operations worldwide.
 
Under certain environmental laws, including the United States Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 and similar state laws, the Company may be jointly and severally liable, typically with other companies, for the costs of remediation of environmental contamination at current or former facilities and at off-site locations. The Company has identified numerous locations, most of which are in the United States, at which it may have some liability. Please refer to the section entitled “ Environmental Liabilities and Insurance Receivables” that follows for information on the amount of the accrual.
 
Environmental Matters
 
As previously reported, the Company has been voluntarily cooperating with ongoing reviews by local, state, federal (primarily the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)), and international agencies of possible environmental and health effects of various perfluorinated compounds (“PFCs”), including perfluorooctanyl compounds such as perfluorooctanoate (“PFOA”) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (“PFOS”). As a result of its phase-out decision in May 2000, the Company no longer manufactures perfluorooctanyl compounds. The company ceased manufacturing and using the vast majority of these compounds within approximately two years of the phase-out announcement, and ceased all manufacturing and the last significant use of this chemistry by the end of 2008. Through its ongoing life cycle management and its raw material composition identification processes associated with the Company’s policies covering the use of all persistent and bio-accumulative materials, the Company has on occasion identified the presence of precursor chemicals in materials received from suppliers that may ultimately degrade to PFOA, PFOS, or similar compounds. Upon such identification, the Company works to find alternatives for such materials.
 
Regulatory activities concerning PFOA and/or PFOS continue in the United States, Europe and elsewhere, and before certain international bodies. These activities include gathering of exposure and use information, risk assessment, and consideration of regulatory approaches. As the database of studies of both chemicals has expanded, the EPA has developed draft human health effects documents summarizing the available data from these studies. In February 2014, the EPA initiated external peer review of its draft human health effects documents for PFOA and PFOS. The peer review panel met in August 2014. The EPA has stated that following the peer review process it will revise its health effects documents and use them to establish lifetime health advisories for PFOS and PFOA in drinking water. Lifetime health advisories, while not enforceable, serve as guidance and are benchmarks for determining if concentrations of chemicals in tap water from public utilities are safe for public consumption. Once finalized, the EPA stated that the lifetime health advisories are expected to supersede the provisional health advisories for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water issued by the EPA in 2009 — currently at 0.4 micrograms per liter for PFOA and 0.2 micrograms per liter for PFOS. In an effort to collect exposure information under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the EPA published on May 2, 2012 a list of unregulated substances, including six PFCs, required to be monitored during the period 2013-2015 by public water system suppliers to determine the extent of their occurrence.
 
The Company is continuing to make progress in its work, under the supervision of state regulators, to address its historic disposal of PFC-containing waste associated with manufacturing operations at the Decatur, Alabama, Cottage Grove, Minnesota, and Cordova, Illinois plants.
 
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As previously reported, the Company entered into a voluntary remedial action agreement with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) to address the presence of PFCs in the soil at the Company’s manufacturing facility in Decatur, Alabama. Pursuant to a permit issued by ADEM, for approximately twenty years, the Company incorporated its wastewater treatment plant sludge containing PFCs in fields at its Decatur facility. After a review of the available options to address the presence of PFCs in the soil, ADEM agreed that the preferred remediation option is to use a multilayer cap over the former sludge incorporation areas on the manufacturing site with subsequent groundwater migration controls and treatment. Implementation of that option will continue and is expected to be completed in 2018.
 
The Company continues to work with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) pursuant to the terms of the previously disclosed May 2007 Settlement Agreement and Consent Order to address the presence of certain PFCs in the soil and groundwater at former disposal sites in Washington County, Minnesota (Oakdale and Woodbury) and at the Company’s manufacturing facility at Cottage Grove, Minnesota. Under this agreement, the Company’s principal obligations include (i) evaluating releases of certain PFCs from these sites and proposing response actions; (ii) providing treatment or alternative drinking water upon identifying any level exceeding a Health Based Value (“HBV”) or Health Risk Limit (“HRL”) (i.e., the amount of a chemical in drinking water determined by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to be safe for human consumption over a lifetime) for certain PFCs  for which a HBV and/or HRL exists as a result of contamination from these sites; (iii) remediating identified sources of other PFCs at these sites that are not controlled by actions to remediate PFOA and PFOS; and (iv) sharing information with the MPCA about certain perfluorinated compounds. During 2008, the MPCA issued formal decisions adopting remedial options for the former disposal sites in Washington County, Minnesota (Oakdale and Woodbury). In August 2009, the MPCA issued a formal decision adopting remedial options for the Company’s Cottage Grove manufacturing facility. During the spring and summer of 2010, 3M began implementing the agreed upon remedial options at the Cottage Grove and Woodbury sites. 3M commenced the remedial option at the Oakdale site in late 2010. At each location the remedial options were recommended by the Company and approved by the MPCA. Remediation work has been completed at the Oakdale and Woodbury sites, and they are in an operational maintenance mode. Remediation will continue at the Cottage Grove site during 2015.
 
In February 2014, the Company submitted its most recent environmental assessment report to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency summarizing the levels of PFCs in the soil, groundwater and surface water at or near its manufacturing facility in Cordova, Illinois. The Company will continue to monitor PFCs at the site and is engaged in discussions with the Illinois EPA concerning next steps for the site. In August 2014, the Illinois EPA approved a request by the Company to establish a groundwater management zone at the site, which includes ongoing pumping of impacted site groundwater, groundwater monitoring and routine reporting of results.
 
The Company cannot predict what additional regulatory actions arising from the foregoing proceedings and activities, if any, may be taken regarding such compounds or the consequences of any such actions.
 
Environmental Litigation
 
As previously reported, a former employee filed a purported class action lawsuit in 2002 in the Circuit Court of Morgan County, Alabama, seeking unstated damages and alleging that the plaintiffs suffered fear, increased risk, subclinical injuries, and property damage from exposure to certain perfluorochemicals at or near the Company’s Decatur, Alabama, manufacturing facility. The court in 2005 granted the Company’s motion to dismiss the named plaintiff’s personal injury-related claims on the basis that such claims are barred by the exclusivity provisions of the state’s Workers Compensation Act. The plaintiffs’ counsel filed an amended complaint in November 2006, limiting the case to property damage claims on behalf of a purported class of residents and property owners in the vicinity of the Decatur plant.
 
Also, in 2005, the judge in a second purported class action lawsuit (filed by three residents of Morgan County, Alabama, seeking unstated compensatory and punitive damages involving alleged damage to their property from emissions of certain perfluorochemical compounds from the Company’s Decatur, Alabama, manufacturing facility that formerly manufactured those compounds) granted the Company’s motion to abate the case, effectively putting the case on hold pending the resolution of class certification issues in the first action described above, filed in the same court in 2002. Despite the stay, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint seeking damages for alleged personal injuries and property damage on behalf of the named plaintiffs and the members of a purported class. No further action in the case is expected unless and until the stay is lifted.
 
In February 2009, a resident of Franklin County, Alabama, filed a purported class action lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Franklin County seeking compensatory damages and injunctive relief based on the application by the Decatur utility’s wastewater treatment plant of wastewater treatment sludge to farmland and grasslands in the state that allegedly contain PFOA, PFOS and other perfluorochemicals. The named defendants in the case include 3M, Daikin America, Inc., Synagro-WWT, Inc., Synagro South, LLC, and Biological Processors of America. The named plaintiff seeks to represent a class of all persons within the State of Alabama who have had PFOA, PFOS, and other perfluorochemicals released or deposited on their property. In March 2010, the Alabama Supreme Court ordered the case transferred from Franklin County to Morgan County. In May 2010, consistent with its handling of the other matters, the Morgan County Circuit Court
 
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abated this case, putting it on hold pending the resolution of the class certification issues in the first case filed there. In May 2013, the court stayed the case due to co-defendant Synagro’s bankruptcy filing. Pursuant to directions from the Morgan County court, on December 31, 2014, the parties reported that the Synagro Chapter 11 bankruptcy case was concluded and closed in September 2014. The parties will request a status conference with the Morgan County court in the first half of 2015.
 
In December 2010, the State of Minnesota, by its Attorney General Lori Swanson, acting in its capacity as trustee of the natural resources of the State of Minnesota, filed a lawsuit in Hennepin County District Court against 3M to recover damages (including unspecified assessment costs and reasonable attorney’s fees) for alleged injury to, destruction of, and loss of use of certain of the State’s natural resources under the Minnesota Environmental Response and Liability Act (MERLA) and the Minnesota Water Pollution Control Act (MWPCA), as well as statutory nuisance and common law claims of trespass, nuisance, and negligence with respect to the presence of PFCs in the groundwater, surface water, fish or other aquatic life, and sediments (the “NRD Lawsuit”). The State also seeks declarations under MERLA that 3M is responsible for all damages the State may suffer in the future for injuries to natural resources from releases of PFCs into the environment, and under MWPCA that 3M is responsible for compensation for future loss or destruction of fish, aquatic life, and other damages.
 
In November 2011, the Metropolitan Council filed a motion to intervene and a complaint in the NRD Lawsuit seeking compensatory damages and other legal, declaratory and equitable relief, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, for costs and fees that the Metropolitan Council alleges it will be required to assess at some time in the future if the MPCA imposes restrictions on Metropolitan Council’s PFOS discharges to the Mississippi River, including the installation and maintenance of a water treatment system. The Metropolitan Council’s intervention motion was based on several theories, including common law negligence, and statutory claims under MERLA for response costs, and under the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act (MERA) for declaratory and equitable relief against 3M for PFOS and other PFC pollution of the waters and sediments of the Mississippi River. 3M did not object to the motion to intervene. In January 2012, 3M answered the Metropolitan Council’s complaint and filed a counterclaim alleging that the Metropolitan Council discharges PFCs to the Mississippi River and discharges PFC-containing sludge and bio solids from one or more of its wastewater treatment plants onto agricultural lands and local area landfills. Accordingly, 3M requested that if the court finds that the State is entitled to any of the damages the State seeks, 3M seeks contribution and apportionment from the Metropolitan Council, including attorneys’ fees, under MERLA, and contribution from and liability for the Metropolitan Council’s proportional share of damages awarded to the State under the MWPCA, as well as under statutory nuisance and common law theories of trespass, nuisance, and negligence. 3M also seeks declaratory relief under MERA.
 
In April 2012, 3M filed a motion to disqualify the State of Minnesota’s counsel, Covington & Burling, LLP (Covington). In October 2012, the court granted 3M’s motion to disqualify Covington as counsel to the State and the State and Covington appealed the court’s disqualification to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. In July 2013, the Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed the district court’s disqualification order. In October 2013, the Minnesota Supreme Court granted both the State’s and Covington’s petition for review of the decision of the Minnesota Court of Appeals. In April 2014, the Minnesota Supreme Court affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded the case to the district court for further proceedings. In a separate but related action, the Company filed suit against Covington for breach of its fiduciary duties to the Company and for breach of contract arising out of Covington’s representation of the State of Minnesota in the NRD Lawsuit.
 
The State of New Jersey filed suit in 2005 against Occidental Chemical Corporation, Tierra Solutions Inc., Maxus Energy Corporation and five other companies seeking cleanup and removal costs and other damages associated with the presence of dioxin and other hazardous substances in the sediment of a 17-mile stretch of the Passaic River in New Jersey. In June 2009, the Company, along with more than 250 other companies, was served with a third-party complaint by Tierra Solutions Inc. and Maxus Energy Corporation seeking contribution towards the cost and damages asserted or incurred for investigation and remediation of discharges to the Passaic River. The third-party complaint seeks to spread those costs among the third-party defendants, including 3M. Allegations asserted against 3M relate to its use of two commercial drum conditioning facilities in New Jersey. In March 2013, 3M and other third party defendants entered into a settlement agreement with the state of New Jersey for an amount that is not material to 3M. In December 2013, the court approved the settlement and entered the Consent Judgment. The settlement resolves claims or potential claims by the State of New Jersey regarding discharges or alleged discharges into the Passaic River by the settling parties, and precludes certain cost recovery actions by the third-party plaintiffs. The settlement with the State of New Jersey does not include release from potential federal claims yet to be asserted. Total costs for the remedy currently proposed by EPA could easily exceed $1 billion. While the Company does not yet have a basis for estimating its potential exposure in the yet to be asserted EPA claim, the Company currently believes its allocable share of the possible loss, if any, is likely to be a fraction of one percent of the total costs because of the Company’s limited potential involvement at this site.
 
For environmental litigation matters described in this section for which a liability, if any, has been recorded, the Company believes the amount recorded, as well as the possible loss or range of loss in excess of the established accrual is not material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition. For those matters for which a liability
 
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has not been recorded, the Company believes such liability is not probable and estimable and the Company is not able to estimate a possible loss or range of loss at this time, with the exception of the Passaic River litigation, where the Company’s potential exposure, if any, is likely to be a fraction of one percent of the total costs.
 
Environmental Liabilities and Insurance Receivables
 
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had recorded liabilities of $28 million for estimated “environmental remediation” costs based upon an evaluation of currently available facts with respect to each individual site and also recorded related insurance receivables of $11 million. The Company records liabilities for remediation costs on an undiscounted basis when they are probable and reasonably estimable, generally no later than the completion of feasibility studies or the Company’s commitment to a plan of action. Liabilities for estimated costs of environmental remediation, depending on the site, are based primarily upon internal or third-party environmental studies, and estimates as to the number, participation level and financial viability of any other potentially responsible parties, the extent of the contamination and the nature of required remedial actions. The Company adjusts recorded liabilities as further information develops or circumstances change. The Company expects that it will pay the amounts recorded over the periods of remediation for the applicable sites, currently ranging up to 20 years.
 
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had recorded liabilities of $43 million for “other environmental liabilities” based upon an evaluation of currently available facts to implement the Settlement Agreement and Consent Order with the MPCA, the remedial action agreement with ADEM, and to address trace amounts of perfluorinated compounds in drinking water sources in the City of Oakdale, Minnesota, as well as presence in the soil and groundwater at the Company’s manufacturing facilities in Decatur, Alabama, and Cottage Grove, Minnesota, and at two former disposal sites in Washington County, Minnesota (Oakdale and Woodbury). The Company expects that most of the spending will occur over the next four years. As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s receivable for insurance recoveries related to “other environmental liabilities” was $15 million.
 
It is difficult to estimate the cost of environmental compliance and remediation given the uncertainties regarding the interpretation and enforcement of applicable environmental laws and regulations, the extent of environmental contamination and the existence of alternative cleanup methods. Developments may occur that could affect the Company’s current assessment, including, but not limited to: (i) changes in the information available regarding the environmental impact of the Company’s operations and products; (ii) changes in environmental regulations, changes in permissible levels of specific compounds in drinking water sources, or changes in enforcement theories and policies, including efforts to recover natural resource damages; (iii) new and evolving analytical and remediation techniques; (iv) success in allocating liability to other potentially responsible parties; and (v) the financial viability of other potentially responsible parties and third-party indemnitors. For sites included in both “environmental remediation liabilities” and “other environmental liabilities,” at which remediation activity is largely complete and remaining activity relates primarily to operation and maintenance of the remedy, including required post-remediation monitoring, the Company believes the exposure to loss in excess of the amount accrued would not be material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition. However, for locations at which remediation activity is largely ongoing, the Company cannot estimate a possible loss or range of loss in excess of the associated established accruals for the reasons described above.
 
Other Matters
 
Commercial Litigation
 
In October 2012, four plaintiffs filed purported class actions against Ceradyne, Inc., its directors, 3M, and Cyborg Acquisition Corporation (a direct wholly owned subsidiary of 3M) in connection with 3M’s proposed acquisition of Ceradyne. Two suits were filed in California Superior Court for Orange County, and two were filed in the Delaware Chancery Court. The suits alleged that the defendants breached and/or aided and abetted the breach of their fiduciary duties to Ceradyne by seeking to sell Ceradyne through an allegedly unfair process and for an unfair price and on unfair terms, and/or by allegedly failing to make adequate disclosures to Ceradyne stockholders regarding the acquisition of Ceradyne. 3M completed its acquisition of Ceradyne in November 2012. In November 2012, the parties reached a settlement with the California plaintiffs for an amount that is not material to the Company, while the Delaware plaintiffs dismissed their complaints without prejudice. The settlement will bind all former Ceradyne shareholders and has received preliminary approval from the California court. A final approval hearing was held in July 2013, and the California court denied approval of the settlement. The plaintiffs filed a motion for reconsideration of the denial of approval of the settlement, which motion was denied by the California court. The plaintiffs then filed a motion for leave to amend their complaint, which motion was denied without prejudice in January 2014. By stipulation in February 2014, plaintiffs agreed to voluntarily dismiss claims against 3M and Cyborg Acquisition Corporation without prejudice. In March 2014, the court entered its Order dismissing 3M and Cyborg Acquisition Corporation from the action without prejudice. The lawsuit against Ceradyne, Inc., and its directors is proceeding. These defendants moved to dismiss plaintiffs’ amended complaint, which motion was denied in January 2015.
 
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3M sued TransWeb Corporation in Minnesota in 2010 for infringement of several 3M patents covering fluorination and hydrocharging of filter media used in 3M’s respirators and furnace filters. TransWeb does not make finished goods, but sells filter media to competitors of 3M’s respirator and furnace filter businesses. TransWeb filed a declaratory judgment action in and successfully moved the litigation to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, seeking a declaration of invalidity and non-infringement of 3M’s patents, and further alleging that 3M waited too long to enforce its rights. TransWeb also alleged 3M obtained the patents through inequitable conduct and that 3M’s attempt to enforce the patents constituted a violation of the antitrust laws. In November 2012, a jury returned a verdict in favor of TransWeb on all but one count, including findings that 3M’s patents were invalid and not infringed, and that 3M had committed an antitrust violation by seeking to enforce a patent it had obtained fraudulently. The jury also recommended that the court find 3M had committed inequitable conduct in obtaining the patents, and that the patents were therefore unenforceable. Since the vast majority of TransWeb’s claim for treble antitrust damages was in the form of its attorneys’ fees and expenses in connection with the defense of the patent case, the parties agreed that the measure of damages would not go to the jury, but rather would be submitted to a special master after the trial. The special master’s recommendations were forwarded to the court in September 2013. On April 21, 2014, the court issued an order denying 3M’s motions to set aside the jury’s verdict. In addition, the court found two 3M patents unenforceable due to inequitable conduct. The court accepted the Special Master’s recommendation as to the amount of attorneys’ fees to be awarded as damages, and entered judgment against 3M in the amount of approximately $26 million. In July 2014, 3M filed a notice of appeal of the judgment to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The parties’ briefing is underway. Oral argument is expected in May or June 2015, with a decision to follow thereafter.
 
For commercial litigation matters described in this section, no liability has been recorded since the Company believes that such liability is not probable and estimable and the Company is not able to estimate a possible loss or range of loss at this time, with the exception of the TransWeb matter, where the Company’s range of potential exposure, if any, could be approximately $26 million.
 
Product Liability Litigation
 
Électricité de France (EDF) filed a lawsuit against 3M France in the French courts in 2006 claiming commercial loss and property damage after experiencing electrical network failures which EDF claims were caused by allegedly defective 3M transition splices. The French Court of Appeals at Versailles affirmed the commercial trial court’s decision that the transition splices conformed to contract specifications and that EDF thoroughly analyzed and tested the splices before purchase and installation. The Court of Appeals, however, ordered a court-appointed expert to study the problem and issue a technical opinion on the cause of the network failures. The court-appointed expert submitted his report to the commercial court in May 2014. The expert found potential defects in 3M’s product and found that EDF incurred damages in excess of 100 million Euros. The expert’s opinion is not dispositive of liability or damages and is subject to numerous factual and legal challenges that will be raised with the court. The commercial court may take from six months to one year to render its decision.
 
One customer obtained an order in the French courts against 3M Purification SAS (a French subsidiary) in October 2011 appointing an expert to determine the amount of commercial loss and property damage allegedly caused by allegedly defective 3M filters used in the customer’s manufacturing process. An Austrian subsidiary of this same customer also filed a claim against 3M Austria GmbH (an Austrian subsidiary) and 3M Purification SAS in the Austrian courts in September 2012 seeking damages for the same issue. Another customer filed a lawsuit against 3M Deutschland GmbH (a German subsidiary) in the German courts in March 2012 seeking commercial loss and property damage allegedly caused by the same 3M filters used in that customer’s manufacturing process. The Company has resolved on an amicable basis claims of two other customers arising out of the same issue for an amount that is not material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
 
For product liability litigation matters described in this section for which a liability has been recorded, the Company believes the amount recorded is not material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition. In addition, the Company is not able to estimate a possible loss or range of loss in excess of the established accruals at this time .
 
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NOTE 14. Stock-Based Compensation 
 
The 3M 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan provides for the issuance or delivery of up to 100 million shares of 3M common stock (including additional shareholder approvals subsequent to 2008) pursuant to awards granted under the plan. Awards under this plan may be issued in the form of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, progressive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, other stock awards, and performance units and performance shares. Awards denominated in shares of common stock other than options and stock appreciation rights, per the 2008 Plan, count against the 100 million share limit as 3.38 shares for every one share covered by such award (for full value awards with grant dates prior to May 11, 2010), as 2.87 shares for every one share covered by such award (for full value awards with grant dates on or after May 11, 2010, and prior to May 8, 2012), or as 3.50 shares for every one share covered by such award (for full value awards with grant dates of May 8, 2012 or later). The remaining total shares available for grant under the 2008 Long Term Incentive Plan Program are 28,293,674 as of December 31, 2014. There were approximately 9,525 participants with outstanding options, restricted stock, or restricted stock units at December 31, 2014.
 
The Company’s annual stock option and restricted stock unit grant is made in February to provide a strong and immediate link between the performance of individuals during the preceding year and the size of their annual stock compensation grants. The grant to eligible employees uses the closing stock price on the grant date. Accounting rules require recognition of expense under a non-substantive vesting period approach, requiring compensation expense recognition when an employee is eligible to retire. Employees are considered eligible to retire at age 55 and after having completed five years of service. This retiree-eligible population represents 33 percent of the 2014 annual stock-based compensation award expense dollars; therefore, higher stock-based compensation expense is recognized in the first quarter. 3M also has granted progressive (reload) options. These options are nonqualified stock options that were granted to certain participants under the 1997 or 2002 Management Stock Ownership Program, but for which the reload feature was eliminated in 2005 (on a prospective basis only).
 
In addition to the annual grants, the Company makes other minor grants of stock options, restricted stock units and other stock-based grants. The Company issues cash settled restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights in certain countries. These grants do not result in the issuance of common stock and are considered immaterial by the Company.
 
Amounts recognized in the financial statements with respect to stock-based compensation programs, which include stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, and the General Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (GESPP), are provided in the following table. Capitalized stock-based compensation amounts were not material for the years ended 2014, 2013 and 2012.
 
Stock-Based Compensation Expense

 	 	Years ended December 31	 	
(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Cost of sales	 	$	47	 	$	27	 	$	27	 	
Selling, general and administrative expenses	 	192	 	183	 	167	 	
Research, development and related expenses	 	41	 	30	 	29	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Stock-based compensation expenses	 	$	280	 	$	240	 	$	223	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Income tax benefits	 	$	(79	)	$	(71	)	$	(67	)	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Stock-based compensation expenses, net of tax	 	$	201	 	$	169	 	$	156	 	
 
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Stock Option Program
 
The following table summarizes stock option activity for the years ended December 31:

 	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
 	 	Number of
Options	 	Weighted
Average
Exercise Price	 	Number of
Options	 	Weighted
Average
Exercise Price	 	Number of
Options	 	Weighted
Average
Exercise Price	 	
Under option —	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
January 1	 	43,938,778	 	$	83.84	 	56,565,030	 	$	80.33	 	64,148,415	 	$	77.28	 	
Granted:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Annual	 	5,736,183	 	126.77	 	6,220,810	 	101.55	 	5,770,190	 	87.91	 	
Progressive (Reload)	 	—	 	—	 	140,447	 	109.83	 	110,065	 	89.65	 	
Other	 	—	 	—	 	191	 	119.62	 	51,661	 	89.25	 	
Exercised	 	(10,219,261	)	82.37	 	(18,825,218	)	79.25	 	(13,123,617	)	68.78	 	
Canceled	 	(220,143	)	105.11	 	(162,482	)	89.92	 	(391,684	)	83.65	 	
December 31	 	39,235,557	 	$	90.38	 	43,938,778	 	$	83.84	 	56,565,030	 	$	80.33	 	
Options exercisable	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
December 31	 	27,502,208	 	$	81.42	 	32,038,228	 	$	79.58	 	45,207,143	 	$	78.78	 	
 
Stock options vest over a period from one to three years with the expiration date at 10 years from date of grant. Outstanding options under grant include grants from previous plans. As of December 31, 2014, there was $59 million of compensation expense that has yet to be recognized related to non-vested stock option based awards. This expense is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of 21 months. For options outstanding at December 31, 2014, the weighted-average remaining contractual life was 65 months and the aggregate intrinsic value was $2.901 billion. For options exercisable at December 31, 2014, the weighted-average remaining contractual life was 50 months and the aggregate intrinsic value was $2.280 billion.
 
The total intrinsic values of stock options exercised during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $615 million, $562 million and $282 million, respectively. Cash received from options exercised during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $842 million, $1.492 billion and $903 million, respectively. The Company’s actual tax benefits realized for the tax deductions related to the exercise of employee stock options for 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $226 million, $208 million and $98 million, respectively.
 
The Company does not have a specific policy to repurchase common shares to mitigate the dilutive impact of options; however, the Company has historically made adequate discretionary purchases, based on cash availability, market trends, and other factors, to satisfy stock option exercise activity.
 
For annual and progressive (reload) options, the weighted average fair value at the date of grant was calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the assumptions that follow. As discussed earlier, the progressive (reload) feature was eliminated in 2005, resulting in no activity in the below table for 2014 and thereafter.
 
Stock Option Assumptions

 	 	Annual	 	Progressive (Reload)	 	
 	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Exercise price	 	$	126.72	 	$	101.49	 	$	87.89	 	$	—	 	$	109.84	 	$	87.89	 	
Risk-free interest rate	 	1.9	%	1.2	%	1.1	%	—	%	0.2	%	0.2	%	
Dividend yield	 	2.6	%	2.7	%	2.6	%	—	%	2.7	%	2.6	%	
Volatility	 	20.8	%	20.0	%	24.5	%	—	%	16.3	%	23.4	%	
Expected life (months)	 	75	 	75	 	74	 	—	 	12	 	19	 	
Black-Scholes fair value	 	$	19.63	 	$	13.46	 	$	14.94	 	$	—	 	$	6.42	 	$	8.50	 	
 
Expected volatility is a statistical measure of the amount by which a stock price is expected to fluctuate during a period. For the 2014 annual grant date, the Company estimated the expected volatility based upon the average of the most recent one year volatility, the median of the term of
 
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the expected life rolling volatility, the median of the most recent term of the expected life volatility of 3M stock, and the implied volatility on the grant date. The expected term assumption is based on the weighted average of historical grants.
 
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
 
The following table summarizes restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity for the years ended December 31:

 	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
 	 	 	 	Weighted
Average	 	 	 	Weighted
Average	 	 	 	Weighted
Average	 	
 	 	Number of	 	Grant Date	 	Number of	 	Grant Date	 	Number of	 	Grant Date	 	
 	 	Awards	 	Fair Value	 	Awards	 	Fair Value	 	Awards	 	Fair Value	 	
Nonvested balance —	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
As of January 1	 	3,105,361	 	$	92.31	 	3,261,562	 	$	85.17	 	4,858,972	 	$	73.02	 	
Granted	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Annual	 	798,615	 	126.79	 	946,774	 	101.57	 	968,522	 	87.92	 	
Other	 	78,252	 	152.74	 	44,401	 	111.19	 	99,337	 	85.07	 	
Vested	 	(1,100,675	)	90.37	 	(1,100,095	)	79.93	 	(2,594,468	)	63.51	 	
Forfeited	 	(63,767	)	97.23	 	(47,281	)	90.82	 	(70,801	)	82.65	 	
As of December 31	 	2,817,786	 	$	104.41	 	3,105,361	 	$	92.31	 	3,261,562	 	$	85.17	 	
 
As of December 31, 2014, there was $84 million of compensation expense that has yet to be recognized related to non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units. This expense is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of 26 months. The total fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units that vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $145 million, $114 million and $228 million, respectively. The Company’s actual tax benefits realized for the tax deductions related to the vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $54 million, $43 million and $86 million, respectively.
 
Restricted stock units granted under the 3M 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan generally vest three years following the grant date assuming continued employment. Dividend equivalents equal to the dividends payable on the same number of shares of 3M common stock accrue on these restricted stock units during the vesting period, although no dividend equivalents are paid on any of these restricted stock units that are forfeited prior to the vesting date. Dividends are paid out in cash at the vest date on restricted stock units, except for performance shares which do not earn dividends. Since the rights to dividends are forfeitable, there is no impact on basic earnings per share calculations. Weighted average restricted stock unit shares outstanding are included in the computation of diluted earnings per share.
 
Performance Shares
 
Instead of restricted stock units, the Company makes annual grants of performance shares to members of its executive management. The performance criteria for these performance shares (organic sales volume growth, return on invested capital and sales from new products) were selected because the Company believes that they are important drivers of long-term stockholder value. The number of shares of 3M common stock that could actually be delivered at the end of the three-year performance period may be anywhere from 0% to 200% of each performance share granted, depending on the performance of the Company during such performance period. Non-substantive vesting requires that expense for the performance shares be recognized over one or three years depending on when each individual became a 3M executive. The first performance shares, which were granted in 2008, were distributed in 2011. Performance shares do not accrue dividends during the performance period. Therefore, the grant date fair value is determined by reducing the closing stock price on the date of grant by the net present value of dividends during the performance period. As a result of the significant uncertainty due to the economic crisis of 2008-2009, the Company granted restricted stock units instead of performance shares in 2009. Therefore, since there were no performance shares in 2009, there were also no related distributions in 2012. Performance share grants resumed in 2010 and continued thereafter.
 
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The following table summarizes performance share activity for the years ended December 31:

 	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
 	 	 	 	Weighted
Average	 	 	 	Weighted
Average	 	 	 	Weighted
Average	 	
 	 	Number of	 	Grant Date	 	Number of	 	Grant Date	 	Number of	 	Grant Date	 	
 	 	Awards	 	Fair Value	 	Awards	 	Fair Value	 	Awards	 	Fair Value	 	
Undistributed balance —	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
As of January 1	 	895,635	 	$	88.12	 	1,089,084	 	$	79.27	 	878,872	 	$	78.55	 	
Granted	 	305,225	 	124.89	 	353,734	 	96.87	 	467,531	 	81.55	 	
Distributed	 	(277,358	)	84.74	 	(507,083	)	75.16	 	—	 	—	 	
Performance change	 	212,461	 	109.74	 	(6,949	)	77.01	 	(178,838	)	81.27	 	
Forfeited	 	(36,212	)	109.44	 	(33,151	)	91.34	 	(78,481	)	80.21	 	
As of December 31	 	1,099,752	 	$	102.65	 	895,635	 	$	88.12	 	1,089,084	 	$	79.27	 	
 
As of December 31, 2014, there was $22 million of compensation expense that has yet to be recognized related to performance shares. This expense is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average earnings period of 11 months. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the total fair value of performance shares that were distributed were $35 million and $52 million, respectively. The Company’s actual tax benefits realized for the tax deductions related to the distribution of performance shares for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $11 million and $16 million, respectively. There were no performance shares distributed or related tax benefits realized during the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
General Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (GESPP):
 
As of December 31, 2014, shareholders have approved 60 million shares for issuance under the Company’s GESPP. Substantially all employees are eligible to participate in the plan. Participants are granted options at 85% of market value at the date of grant. There are no GESPP shares under option at the beginning or end of each year because options are granted on the first business day and exercised on the last business day of the same month.
 
General Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan

 	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
 	 	 	 	Weighted	 	 	 	Weighted	 	 	 	Weighted	 	
 	 	 	 	Average	 	 	 	Average	 	 	 	Average	 	
 	 	Shares	 	Exercise Price	 	Shares	 	Exercise Price	 	Shares	 	Exercise Price	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Options granted	 	1,073,956	 	$	118.73	 	1,259,247	 	$	93.46	 	1,455,545	 	$	75.32	 	
Options exercised	 	(1,073,956	)	118.73	 	(1,259,247	)	93.46	 	(1,455,545	)	75.32	 	
Shares available for grant - December 31	 	29,112,004	 	 	 	30,185,960	 	 	 	31,445,207	 	 	 	

The weighted-average fair value per option granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $20.95, $16.49 and $13.29, respectively. The fair value of GESPP options was based on the 15% purchase price discount. The Company recognized compensation expense for GESSP options of $22 million in 2014, $21 million in 2013 and $19 million in 2012.
 
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NOTE 15. Business Segments 
 
3M’s businesses are organized, managed and internally grouped into segments based on differences in markets, products, technologies and services. 3M manages its operations in five operating business segments: Industrial; Safety and Graphics; Electronics and Energy; Health Care; and Consumer. 3M’s five business segments bring together common or related 3M technologies, enhancing the development of innovative products and services and providing for efficient sharing of business resources. These segments have worldwide responsibility for virtually all 3M product lines. 3M is not dependent on any single product/service or market. Transactions among reportable segments are recorded at cost. 3M is an integrated enterprise characterized by substantial intersegment cooperation, cost allocations and inventory transfers. Therefore, management does not represent that these segments, if operated independently, would report the operating income information shown. The difference between operating income and pre-tax income relates to interest income and interest expense, which are not allocated to business segments.
 
Effective in the first quarter of 2014, 3M transferred a product line between divisions within different business segments and made other changes within business segments in its continuing effort to improve the alignment of its businesses around markets and customers.
 
The product move between business segments was as follows:
 
·                   The movement of the Fire Protection product line from the Building and Commercial Services Division (Safety and Graphics business segment) to the Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division (Industrial business segment). This product move resulted in an increase in net sales for total year 2013 of $73 million in the Industrial business segment offset by a corresponding decrease in the Safety and Graphics business segment.
 
In addition, other changes within business segments were as follows:
 
·                   The combination of certain existing divisions/departments into new divisions. Within the Electronics and Energy business segment, the new divisions include the Electrical Markets Division (which includes the former Infrastructure Protection Division), and the Electronic Solutions Division (which includes the former 3M Touch Systems, Inc.). Within the Safety and Graphics business segment, the new Commercial Solutions Division was created from the combination of the former Architectural Markets Department, the former Building and Commercial Services Division and the former Commercial Graphics Division. None of these combinations crossed business segments.
·                   The renaming of the former Aerospace and Aircraft Maintenance Division within the Industrial business segment to the Aerospace and Commercial Transportation Division.
·                   The movement of certain product lines between various divisions within the same business segment.
 
Effective in the second quarter of 2014, within the Electronics and Energy business segment, 3M combined three existing divisions into two new divisions. A large portion of both the Electronics Markets Materials Division and the Electronic Solutions Division were combined to form the Electronics Materials Solutions Division, which focuses on semiconductor and electronics materials and assembly solutions. The Optical Systems Division, the remaining portion of the Electronic Solutions Division and a portion of the Electronics Markets Materials Division were combined to form the Display Materials and Systems Division, which focuses on delivering light, color and user interface solutions.
 
Effective in the fourth quarter of 2014, within the Industrial business segment, the Personal Care Division, which focuses on tapes and attachment systems for infant and adult hygiene, was combined with the Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division.
 
The financial information presented herein reflects the impact of the preceding product move between business segments for all periods presented.
 
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Business Segment Products

Business Segment	 	Major Products	
Industrial	 	Tapes, coated, nonwoven and bonded abrasives, adhesives, advanced ceramics, sealants, specialty materials, filtration products, closure systems for personal hygiene products, acoustic systems products, automotive components, abrasion-resistant films, structural adhesives and paint finishing and detailing products	
 	 	 	
Safety and Graphics	 	Personal protection products, traffic safety and security products, commercial graphics systems, commercial cleaning and protection products, floor matting, and roofing granules for asphalt shingles	
 	 	 	
Electronics and Energy	 	Optical films solutions for electronic displays, packaging and interconnection devices, insulating and splicing solutions for the electronics, telecommunications and electrical industries, touch screens and touch monitors, renewable energy component solutions, and infrastructure protection products	
 	 	 	
Health Care	 	Medical and surgical supplies, skin health and infection prevention products, drug delivery systems, dental and orthodontic products, health information systems and food safety products	
 	 	 	
Consumer	 	Sponges, scouring pads, high-performance cloths, consumer and office tapes, repositionable notes, indexing systems, construction and home improvement products, home care products, protective material products, and consumer and office tapes and adhesives	
 
Business Segment Information

 	 	Net Sales	 	Operating Income	 	
(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Industrial	 	$	10,990	 	$	10,657	 	$	10,008	 	$	2,389	 	$	2,307	 	$	2,244	 	
Safety and Graphics	 	5,732	 	5,584	 	5,406	 	1,296	 	1,227	 	1,210	 	
Electronics and Energy	 	5,604	 	5,393	 	5,458	 	1,115	 	954	 	1,026	 	
Health Care	 	5,572	 	5,334	 	5,138	 	1,724	 	1,672	 	1,641	 	
Consumer	 	4,523	 	4,435	 	4,386	 	995	 	945	 	943	 	
Corporate and Unallocated	 	4	 	8	 	4	 	(251	)	(321	)	(472	)	
Elimination of Dual Credit	 	(604	)	(540	)	(496	)	(133	)	(118	)	(109	)	
Total Company	 	$	31,821	 	$	30,871	 	$	29,904	 	$	7,135	 	$	6,666	 	$	6,483	 	

 	 	Assets	 	Depreciation & Amortization	 	Capital Expenditures	 	
(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	
Industrial	 	$	8,508	 	$	8,833	 	$	8,614	 	$	383	 	$	373	 	$	324	 	$	395	 	$	511	 	$	416	 	
Safety and Graphics	 	4,939	 	5,122	 	5,085	 	234	 	255	 	237	 	221	 	207	 	189	 	
Electronics and Energy	 	5,116	 	5,336	 	5,512	 	271	 	260	 	266	 	232	 	261	 	350	 	
Health Care	 	4,344	 	4,329	 	4,296	 	181	 	171	 	169	 	169	 	120	 	113	 	
Consumer	 	2,434	 	2,516	 	2,445	 	108	 	106	 	110	 	111	 	128	 	105	 	
Corporate and Unallocated	 	5,928	 	7,414	 	7,924	 	231	 	206	 	182	 	365	 	438	 	311	 	
Total Company	 	$	31,269	 	$	33,550	 	$	33,876	 	$	1,408	 	$	1,371	 	$	1,288	 	$	1,493	 	$	1,665	 	$	1,484	 	
 
Corporate and unallocated operating income includes a variety of miscellaneous items, such as corporate investment gains and losses, certain derivative gains and losses, certain insurance-related gains and losses, certain litigation and environmental expenses, corporate restructuring charges and certain under- or over-absorbed costs (e.g. pension, stock-based compensation) that the Company may choose not to allocate directly to its business segments. Because this category includes a variety of miscellaneous items, it is subject to fluctuation on a quarterly and annual basis.
 
3M business segment reporting measures include dual credit to business segments for certain U.S. sales and related operating income. Management evaluates each of its five operating business segments based on net sales and operating income performance, including dual credit U.S. reporting to further incentivize U.S. sales growth. As a result, 3M provides additional (“dual”) credit to those business segments selling products in the U.S. to an external customer when that segment is not the primary seller of the product. For example, certain respirators are primarily sold by the Personal Safety Division within the Safety and Graphics business segment; however, the Industrial business segment also sells this product to certain customers in its U.S. markets. In this example, the non-primary selling segment (Industrial) would also
 
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receive credit for the associated net sales it initiated and the related approximate operating income. The assigned operating income related to dual credit activity may differ from operating income that would result from actual costs associated with such sales. The offset to the dual credit business segment reporting is reflected as a reconciling item entitled “Elimination of Dual Credit,” such that sales and operating income for the U.S. in total are unchanged.
 
NOTE 16.   Geographic Areas 
 
Geographic area information is used by the Company as a secondary performance measure to manage its businesses. Export sales and certain income and expense items are generally reported within the geographic area where the final sales to 3M customers are made.

 	 	Net Sales	 	Operating Income	 	Property, Plant and
Equipment - net	 	
(Millions)	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	2014	 	2013	 	
United States	 	$	11,714	 	$	11,151	 	$	10,571	 	$	2,540	 	$	2,210	 	$	1,938	 	$	4,619	 	$	4,478	 	
Asia Pacific	 	9,418	 	9,047	 	9,092	 	2,487	 	2,386	 	2,450	 	1,798	 	1,943	 	
Europe, Middle East and Africa	 	7,198	 	7,085	 	6,730	 	1,234	 	1,168	 	1,163	 	1,502	 	1,636	 	
Latin America and Canada	 	3,504	 	3,611	 	3,529	 	867	 	908	 	936	 	570	 	595	 	
Other Unallocated	 	(13	)	(23	)	(18	)	7	 	(6	)	(4	)	—	 	—	 	
Total Company	 	$	31,821	 	$	30,871	 	$	29,904	 	$	7,135	 	$	6,666	 	$	6,483	 	$	8,489	 	$	8,652	 	
 
NOTE 17.   Quarterly Data (Unaudited) 

(Millions, except per-share amounts)	 	First	 	Second	 	Third	 	Fourth	 	Year	 	
2014	 	Quarter	 	Quarter	 	Quarter	 	Quarter	 	2014	 	
Net sales	 	$	7,831	 	$	8,134	 	$	8,137	 	$	7,719	 	$	31,821	 	
Cost of sales	 	4,031	 	4,184	 	4,205	 	4,027	 	16,447	 	
Net income including noncontrolling interest	 	1,225	 	1,283	 	1,311	 	1,179	 	4,998	 	
Net income attributable to 3M	 	1,207	 	1,267	 	1,303	 	1,179	 	4,956	 	
Earnings per share attributable to 3M common shareholders - basic	 	1.83	 	1.94	 	2.02	 	1.85	 	7.63	 	
Earnings per share attributable to 3M common shareholders - diluted	 	1.79	 	1.91	 	1.98	 	1.81	 	7.49	 	

(Millions, except per-share amounts)	 	First	 	Second	 	Third	 	Fourth	 	Year	 	
2013	 	Quarter	 	Quarter	 	Quarter	 	Quarter	 	2013	 	
Net sales	 	$	7,634	 	$	7,752	 	$	7,916	 	$	7,569	 	$	30,871	 	
Cost of sales	 	3,969	 	4,013	 	4,148	 	3,976	 	16,106	 	
Net income including noncontrolling interest	 	1,147	 	1,213	 	1,245	 	1,116	 	4,721	 	
Net income attributable to 3M	 	1,129	 	1,197	 	1,230	 	1,103	 	4,659	 	
Earnings per share attributable to 3M common shareholders - basic	 	1.63	 	1.74	 	1.81	 	1.65	 	6.83	 	
Earnings per share attributable to 3M common shareholders - diluted	 	1.61	 	1.71	 	1.78	 	1.62	 	6.72	 	

Gross profit is calculated as net sales minus cost of sales.
 
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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. 
 
None.
 
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. 
 
a. The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in the Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
 
b. The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting, as defined in the Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Management conducted an assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013). Based on the assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014.
 
c. There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
The Company is implementing an enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system on a worldwide basis, which is expected to improve the efficiency of certain financial and related transaction processes. The gradual implementation is expected to occur in phases over the next several years. The implementation of a worldwide ERP system will likely affect the processes that constitute our internal control over financial reporting and will require testing for effectiveness.
 
The Company completed implementation with respect to elements of certain processes/sub-processes in limited subsidiaries/locations and will continue to roll-out the ERP system over the next several years. As with any new information technology application we implement, this application, along with the internal controls over financial reporting included in this process, was appropriately considered within the testing for effectiveness with respect to the implementation in these instances. We concluded, as part of our evaluation described in the above paragraphs, that the implementation of ERP in these circumstances has not materially affected our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Item 9B. Other Information. 
 
None.
 
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PART III 
 
Documents Incorporated by Reference
 
In response to Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, parts of the Company’s definitive proxy statement (to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after Registrant’s fiscal year-end of December 31, 2014) for its annual meeting to be held on May 12, 2015, are incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K.
 
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. 
 
The information relating to directors and nominees of 3M is set forth under the caption “Proposal No. 1” in 3M’s proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 12, 2015 (“3M Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated by reference herein. Information about executive officers is included in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The information required by Items 405, 407(c)(3), (d)(4) and (d)(5) of Regulation S-K is contained under the captions “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Governance of the Company — Director Nomination Process,” “Board and Committee Information — Audit Committee” of the 3M Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated by reference herein.
 
Code of Ethics. All of our employees, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer and Controller, are required to abide by 3M’s long-standing business conduct policies to ensure that our business is conducted in a consistently legal and ethical manner. 3M has posted the text of such code of ethics on its website (http://www.3M.com/businessconduct). At the same website, any future amendments to the code of ethics will also be posted. Any person may request a copy of the code of ethics, at no cost, by writing to us at the following address:
 
3M Company
3M Center, Building 220-11W-09
St. Paul, MN  55144-1000
Attention: Vice President, Compliance and Business Conduct
 
Item 11. Executive Compensation. 
 
The information required by Item 402 of Regulation S-K is contained under the captions “Executive Compensation” (excluding the information under the caption “— Compensation Committee Report”) and “Director Compensation and Stock Ownership Guidelines” of the 3M Proxy Statement. Such information is incorporated by reference.
 
The information required by Items 407(e)(4) and (e)(5) of Regulation S-K is contained under the captions “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Executive Compensation — Compensation Committee Report” of the 3M Proxy Statement. Such information (other than the Compensation Committee Report, which shall not be deemed to be “filed”) is incorporated by reference.
 
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Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. 
 
The information relating to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is set forth under the designation “Security Ownership of Management” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” in the 3M Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated by reference herein.
 
Equity compensation plans information as of December 31, 2014 follows:
 
Equity Compensation Plans Information (1)

 	 	A	 	B	 	C	 	
Plan Category	 	Number of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights	 	Weighted-
average exercise
price of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights	 	Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (A))	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Stock options	 	39,235,557	 	$	90.36	 	—	 	
Restricted stock units	 	2,817,786	 	 	 	—	 	
Performance shares	 	1,099,752	 	 	 	—	 	
Non-employee director deferred stock units	 	247,919	 	 	 	—	 	
Total	 	43,401,014	 	 	 	28,293,674	 	
Employee stock purchase plan	 	—	 	 	 	29,112,004	 	
Subtotal	 	43,401,014	 	 	 	57,405,678	 	
Total	 	43,401,014	 	 	 	57,405,678	 	

(1) In column B, the weighted-average exercise price is only applicable to stock options. In column C, the number of securities remaining available for future issuance for stock options, restricted stock units, and stock awards for non-employee directors is approved in total and not individually with respect to these items.
 
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. 
 
With respect to certain relationships and related transactions as set forth in Item 404 of Regulation S-K, no matters require disclosure with respect to transactions with related persons. The information required by Item 404(b) and Item 407(a) of Regulation S-K is contained under the captions “Governance of the Company — Related Person Transaction Policy and Procedures” and “Governance of the Company — Director Independence” of the 3M Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated by reference herein.
 
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services. 
 
The information relating to principal accounting fees and services is set forth under the designation “Fees of the Independent Accounting Firm” and “Audit Committee Policy on Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of the Independent Accounting Firm” in the 3M Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated by reference herein.
 
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PART IV 
 
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. 
 
(a) (1) Financial Statements. The consolidated financial statements filed as part of this report are listed in the index to financial statements on page 45 as follows:

 	Page Number	
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	47	
 	 	
Consolidated Statement of Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012	48	
 	 	
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012	49	
 	 	
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014 and 2013	50	
 	 	
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012	51-52	
 	 	
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012	53	
 	 	
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	54-117	
 
(a) (2) Financial Statement Schedules. Financial statement schedules are omitted because of the absence of the conditions under which they are required or because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the notes thereto. The financial statements of unconsolidated subsidiaries are omitted because, considered in the aggregate, they would not constitute a significant subsidiary.
 
(a) (3) Exhibits. The exhibits are either filed with this report or incorporated by reference into this report. Exhibit numbers 10.1 through 10.39 are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements. See (b) Exhibits, which follow.
 
(b) Exhibits.
 
(3)   Articles of Incorporation and bylaws

(3.1)	Certificate of incorporation, as amended as of May 11, 2007, is incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated May 14, 2007.	
(3.2)	Bylaws, as amended as of February 10, 2009, are incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated February 12, 2009.	
 
(4)   Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures:

(4.1)	Indenture, dated as of November 17, 2000, between 3M and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee, with respect to 3M’s senior debt securities, is incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated December 7, 2000.	
(4.2)	First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 29, 2011, to Indenture dated as of November 17, 2000, between 3M and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee, with respect to 3M’s senior debt securities, is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011.	
 
(10)         Material contracts and management compensation plans and arrangements:

(10.1)	3M 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan (including amendments through February 2012) is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.	
(10.2)	Amendment of the 3M 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.	
(10.3)	Form of Agreement for Stock Option Grants to Executive Officers under 3M 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated May 13, 2008.	
(10.4)	Form of Stock Option Agreement for options granted to Executive Officers under the 3M 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan, commencing February 9, 2010, is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.	
 
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(10.5)	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for restricted stock units granted to Executive Officers under the 3M Long-Term Incentive Plan, effective February 9, 2010, is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.	
(10.6)	Form of 3M 2010 Performance Share Award under the 3M 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated March 4, 2010.	
(10.7)	Form of Stock Option Agreement for U.S. Employees under 3M 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.	
(10.8)	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for U.S. Employees under 3M 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.	
(10.9)	Amendment of the 3M 2005 Management Stock Ownership Program and the 3M 2008 Long-term Incentive Plan — transfer of stock options to former spouses, is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.	
(10.10)	3M 2005 Management Stock Ownership Program is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.	
(10.11)	3M 2002 Management Stock Ownership Program is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement for the 2002 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.	
(10.12)	Amendments of 3M 2002 and 2005 Management Stock Ownership Programs are incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated November 14, 2008.	
(10.13)	Form of award agreement for non-qualified stock options granted under the 2005 Management Stock Ownership Program, is incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated May 16, 2005.	
(10.14)	Form of award agreement for non-qualified stock options granted under the 2002 Management Stock Ownership Program, is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.	
(10.15)	3M 1997 General Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan, as amended through November 8, 2004, is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.	
(10.16)	3M Board resolution dated May 12, 2009, regarding three-year extension of 3M 1997 General Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009.	
(10.17)	Amendment of the 3M 1997 General Employees Stock Purchase Plan approved on February 9, 2010, is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.	
(10.18)	3M Board resolution dated February 7, 2012, extending for three additional one-year periods the General Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan, is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.	
(10.19)	3M 2012 Amended and Restated General Employees Stock Purchase Plan is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.	
(10.20)	3M VIP Excess Plan is incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated November 14, 2008.	
(10.21)	Amendment of 3M VIP Excess Plan is incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated November 24, 2009.	
(10.22)	3M VIP (Voluntary Investment Plan) Plus is incorporated by reference from Registration Statement No. 333-73192 on Form S-8, filed on November 13, 2001.	
(10.23)	Amendment of 3M VIP Plus is incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated November 14, 2008.	
(10.24)	3M Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended through February 2008, is incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated February 14, 2008.	
(10.25)	Amendment of 3M Deferred Compensation Plan is incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated November 14, 2008.	
(10.26)	3M Deferred Compensation Excess Plan is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.	
(10.27)	3M Performance Awards Deferred Compensation Plan is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.	
(10.28)	3M Executive Annual Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated May 14, 2007.	
(10.29)	Description of changes to 3M Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors is incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated August 8, 2005.	
(10.30)	3M Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended, through November 8, 2004, is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.	
(10.31)	Amendment of 3M Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors is incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated November 14, 2008.	
(10.32)	Amendment of 3M Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors as of August 12, 2013, is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013.	
(10.33)	3M Executive Life Insurance Plan, as amended, is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.	
 
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(10.34)	Summary of Personal Financial Planning Services for 3M Executives is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.	
(10.35)	3M policy on reimbursement of incentive payments is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.	
(10.36)	Amended and Restated 3M Nonqualified Pension Plan I is incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated December 23, 2008.	
(10.37)	Amended and Restated 3M Nonqualified Pension Plan II is incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated December 23, 2008.	
(10.38)	3M Nonqualified Pension Plan III is incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated November 14, 2008.	
(10.39)	Policy on Reimbursement of Incentive Compensation (effective May 11, 2010) is incorporated by reference from our Form 10-Q dated August 4, 2010.	
(10.40)	Amended and restated five-year credit agreement as of August 5, 2014, is incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated August 8, 2014.	
(10.41)	Registration Rights Agreement as of August 4, 2009, between 3M Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company as Independent Fiduciary of the 3M Employee Retirement Income Plan, is incorporated by reference from our Form 8-K dated August 5, 2009.	
 
Filed herewith, in addition to items, if any, specifically identified above:

(12)	Calculation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.	
(21)	Subsidiaries of the Registrant.	
(23)	Consent of independent registered public accounting firm.	
(24)	Power of attorney.	
(31.1)	Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.	
(31.2)	Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.	
(32.1)	Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.	
(32.2)	Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.	
(95)	Mine Safety Disclosures.	
(101)	The following financial information from 3M Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2014, filed with the SEC on February 12, 2015, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Statement of Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, (ii) the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014 and 2013, (iv) the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, (v) the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.	
 
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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

3M COMPANY	
 	
By  	/s/  Nicholas C. Gangestad	
 	Nicholas C. Gangestad,	
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer	
(Principal Financial Officer)	
February 12, 2015	
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 12, 2015.

Signature	 	Title	
Inge G. Thulin	 	Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer and Director)	
Eric D. Hammes	 	Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)	
Linda G. Alvarado	 	Director	
Sondra L. Barbour	 	Director	
Thomas K. Brown	 	Director	
Vance D. Coffman	 	Director	
Michael L. Eskew	 	Director	
Herbert L. Henkel	 	Director	
Muhtar Kent	 	Director	
Edward M. Liddy	 	Director	
Robert J. Ulrich	 	Director	
 
Nicholas C. Gangestad, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this document pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed by the other persons named, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on behalf of such other persons, all in the capacities and on the date stated, such persons constituting a majority of the directors of the Company.

By  	  /s/ Nicholas C. Gangestad	
Nicholas C. Gangestad, Attorney-in-Fact	
 
124 

 
EXHIBIT 12
 
3M COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CALCULATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(Millions)

 	 	Year	 	Year	 	Year	 	Year	 	Year	 	
 	 	2014	 	2013	 	2012	 	2011	 	2010	 	
EARNINGS	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Income before income taxes	 	$	7,026	 	$	6,562	 	$	6,351	 	$	6,031	 	$	5,755	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Add:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Interest expense (including amortization of capitalized interest)	 	164	 	166	 	191	 	206	 	220	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Portion of rent under operating leases representative of the interest component	 	104	 	103	 	92	 	85	 	81	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Less:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Equity in undistributed income of 20-50% owned companies	 	(1	)	(1	)	3	 	4	 	4	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
TOTAL EARNINGS AVAILABLE FOR FIXED CHARGES	 	$	7,295	 	$	6,832	 	$	6,631	 	$	6,318	 	$	6,052	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
FIXED CHARGES	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Interest on debt (including capitalized interest)	 	159	 	166	 	194	 	206	 	218	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Portion of rent under operating leases representative of the interest component	 	104	 	103	 	92	 	85	 	81	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
TOTAL FIXED CHARGES	 	$	263	 	$	269	 	$	286	 	$	291	 	$	299	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES	 	27.7	 	25.4	 	23.2	 	21.7	 	20.2	 	
 
1 

 
EXHIBIT 21
 
3M COMPANY AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES (PARENT AND SUBSIDIARIES)
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

 	 	 	 	Percentage of	 	
 	 	 	 	Voting Securities	 	
 	 	Organized Under	 	Beneficially Owned	 	
Name of Company	 	Laws of	 	by Registrant	 	
Registrant — 3M Company	 	Delaware	 	 	 	
Consolidated subsidiaries of the Registrant:	 	 	 	 	 	
3M Electronic Monitoring, Inc.	 	Delaware	 	100	 	
3M Financial Management Company	 	Delaware	 	100	 	
3M Innovative Properties Company	 	Delaware	 	100	 	
3M Investment Management Corporation	 	Delaware	 	100	 	
3M Occupational Safety LLC	 	Delaware	 	100	 	
Aearo Holding LLC	 	Delaware	 	100	 	
Aearo Technologies LLC	 	Delaware	 	100	 	
3M Cogent, Inc.	 	Delaware	 	100	 	
3M Purification Inc.	 	Delaware	 	100	 	
3M Unitek Corporation	 	California	 	100	 	
Ceradyne, Inc.	 	California	 	100	 	
Meguiar’s, Inc.	 	California	 	100	 	
3M Health Information Systems, Inc.	 	Maryland	 	100	 	
3M Touch Systems, Inc.	 	Massachusetts	 	100	 	
GTA—NHT, Inc.	 	Massachusetts	 	100	 	
Two Harbors Insurance Company	 	South Carolina	 	100	 	
3M Argentina S.A.C.I.F.I.A.	 	Argentina	 	100	 	
3M Australia Pty. Ltd.	 	Australia	 	100	 	
3M Purification Pty Limited	 	Australia	 	100	 	
3M Osterreich GmbH	 	Austria	 	100	 	
Rappold Winterthur Technologie GmbH	 	Austria	 	100	 	
3M Belgium BVBA/SPRL	 	Belgium	 	100	 	
3M do Brasil Limitada	 	Brazil	 	100	 	
3M Manaus Ind. Prods. Quims. LTDA	 	Brazil	 	100	 	
3M Canada Company	 	Canada	 	100	 	
3M Chile S.A.	 	Chile	 	100	 	
3M China Limited	 	China	 	100	 	
3M International Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.	 	China	 	100	 	
3M International Trading (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.	 	China	 	100	 	
3M Investments (China) Co., Ltd.	 	China	 	100	 	
3M Material Technology (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd.	 	China	 	100	 	
3M Material Technology (Hefei) Co., Ltd.	 	China	 	100	 	
3M Material Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.	 	China	 	100	 	
3M Optical Systems Manufacturing Co. (Shanghai) Ltd.	 	China	 	100	 	
3M Specialty Materials (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.	 	China	 	100	 	
3M Colombia, S.A.	 	Colombia	 	100	 	
3M A/S	 	Denmark	 	100	 	
Suomen 3M Oy	 	Finland	 	100	 	
3M Purification	 	France	 	100	 	
3M France S.A.S.	 	France	 	100	 	
EMFI SAS	 	France	 	100	 	
3M Bricolage and Batiment	 	France	 	100	 	
FAAB Fabricauto	 	France	 	100	 	
3M Deutschland GmbH	 	Germany	 	100	 	
3M Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG	 	Germany	 	100	 	
Dyneon GmbH	 	Germany	 	100	 	
ESK Ceramics GmbH Co & KG	 	Germany	 	100	 	
Wendt GmbH	 	Germany	 	100	 	
3M Hong Kong Limited	 	Hong Kong	 	100	 	
 
1 

 

 	 	 	 	Percentage of	 	
 	 	 	 	Voting Securities	 	
 	 	Organized Under	 	Beneficially Owned	 	
Name of Company	 	Laws of	 	by Registrant	 	
3M India Limited	 	India	 	75	 	
3M Electronic Monitoring Ltd	 	Israel	 	100	 	
3M Italia srl	 	Italy	 	100	 	
3M Health Care Limited	 	Japan	 	100	 	
3M Purification Kabushiki Kaisha	 	Japan	 	100	 	
3M Japan Ltd.	 	Japan	 	100	 	
Yamagata 3M Limited	 	Japan	 	100	 	
3M Korea Health and Safety Limited	 	Korea	 	100	 	
3M Korea High Technology Limited	 	Korea	 	100	 	
3M Korea Limited	 	Korea	 	100	 	
3M Asset Management S.a.r.l.	 	Luxembourg	 	100	 	
3M Attenti Holdings S.a.r.l.	 	Luxembourg	 	100	 	
3M Global Capital S.a.r.l.	 	Luxembourg	 	100	 	
3M Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.	 	Malaysia	 	100	 	
3M Mexico, S.A. de C.V.	 	Mexico	 	100	 	
3M Nederland B.V.	 	Netherlands	 	100	 	
3M New Zealand Limited	 	New Zealand	 	100	 	
3M Norge A/S	 	Norway	 	100	 	
3M Panama Pacifico S. de R.L.	 	Panama	 	100	 	
3M Peru, S.A.	 	Peru	 	100	 	
3M Poland Sp. z.o.o.	 	Poland	 	100	 	
3M Wroclaw Sp. z.o.o.	 	Poland	 	100	 	
3M Romania S.R.L.	 	Romania	 	100	 	
3M Puerto Rico, Inc.	 	Puerto Rico	 	100	 	
3M Innovation Singapore Pte Ltd	 	Singapore	 	100	 	
3M Singapore Private Limited	 	Singapore	 	100	 	
3M Technologies Private Limited	 	Singapore	 	100	 	
CUNO Filtration Asia Pte. Ltd.	 	Singapore	 	100	 	
3M South Africa (Proprietary) Limited	 	South Africa	 	100	 	
3M Espana, S.L.	 	Spain	 	100	 	
3M Svenska AB	 	Sweden	 	100	 	
3M EMEA, GmbH	 	Switzerland	 	100	 	
3M (East) A.G.	 	Switzerland	 	100	 	
3M (Schweitz) GmbH	 	Switzerland	 	100	 	
3M Taiwan Limited	 	Taiwan	 	100	 	
3M Taiwan Optronics Corp.	 	Taiwan	 	100	 	
Alpha Beta Global Tapes & Adhesives Co., Ltd.	 	Taiwan	 	100	 	
3M Thailand Limited	 	Thailand	 	100	 	
3M Sanayi VE Ticaret AS	 	Turkey	 	100	 	
3M Russia	 	Russia	 	100	 	
3M Gulf Ltd.	 	United Arab Emirates	 	100	 	
3M Health Care Ltd.	 	United Kingdom	 	100	 	
3M UK Holdings Limited	 	United Kingdom	 	100	 	
3M United Kingdom PLC	 	United Kingdom	 	100	 	
3M Manufacturera Venezuela, S.A.	 	Venezuela	 	100	 	

NOTE: Subsidiary companies excluded from the above listing, if considered in the aggregate, would not constitute a significant subsidiary.
 
2 

 
EXHIBIT 23
 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Registration Nos. 333-30689, 333-30691, 333-44760, 333-73192, 333-101727, 333-101751, 333-109282, 333-128251, 333-130150, 333-151039, 333-156626, 333-156627, 333-166908, 333-174562, 333-181269, and 333-181270) and Form S-3 (Registration Nos. 333-196003, 33-48089, 333-42660, and 333-109211) of 3M Company of our report dated February 12, 2015 relating to the financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.
 
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 12, 2015
 
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EXHIBIT 24
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
Each of the undersigned Directors and the Principal Executive and Principal Financial and Accounting Officers of 3M COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), hereby constitute and appoint Inge G. Thulin, Nicholas C. Gangestad, Gregg M. Larson, Eric D. Hammes, Ivan K. Fong, and Scott D. Krohn, and each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead in any and all capacities, to sign one or more Annual Reports for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, on Form 10-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, any amendments thereto, and all additional amendments thereto, each in such form as they or any one of them may approve, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done so that such Annual Report shall comply with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the applicable Rules and Regulations adopted or issued pursuant thereto, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them or their substitute or resubstitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
The undersigned have signed this Power of Attorney this 3rd day of February 2015.

/s/ Inge G. Thulin	 	/s/ Nicholas C. Gangestad	
Inge G. Thulin, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer and Director)	 	Nicholas C. Gangestad, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)	
 	 	 	
/s/ Linda G. Alvarado	 	/s/ Eric D. Hammes	
Linda G. Alvarado, Director	 	Eric D. Hammes, Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)	
 	 	 	
/s/ Sondra L. Barbour	 	/s/ Herbert L. Henkel	
Sondra L. Barbour, Director	 	Herbert L. Henkel, Director	
 	 	 	
/s/ Thomas K. Brown	 	/s/ Muhtar Kent	
Thomas K. Brown, Director	 	Muhtar Kent, Director	
 	 	 	
/s/ Vance D. Coffman	 	/s/ Edward M. Liddy	
Vance D. Coffman, Director	 	Edward M. Liddy, Director	
 	 	 	
/s/ Michael L. Eskew	 	/s/ Robert J. Ulrich	
Michael L. Eskew, Director	 	Robert J. Ulrich, Director	
 
1 

 
EXHIBIT 31.1
 
SARBANES-OXLEY SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION
 
I, Inge G. Thulin, certify that:
 
1.               I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of 3M Company;
 
2.               Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.               Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.               The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:
 
(a)          Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b)          Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c)           Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d)          Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.               The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a)          All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b)          Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Inge G. Thulin	 	
Inge G. Thulin	 	
Chief Executive Officer	 	
 
February 12, 2015
 
1 

 
EXHIBIT 31.2
 
SARBANES-OXLEY SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION
 
I, Nicholas C. Gangestad, certify that:
 
1.               I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of 3M Company;
 
2.               Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.               Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.               The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:
 
(a)          Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b)          Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c)           Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d)          Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.               The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a)          All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b)          Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Nicholas C. Gangestad	 	
Nicholas C. Gangestad	 	
Chief Financial Officer	 	
 
February 12, 2015
 
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EXHIBIT 32.1
 
SARBANES-OXLEY SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION
 
In connection with the Annual Report of 3M Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Inge G. Thulin, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
 
1.               The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
2.               The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Inge G. Thulin	 	
Inge G. Thulin	 	
Chief Executive Officer	 	
 
February 12, 2015
 
1 

 
EXHIBIT 32.2
 
SARBANES-OXLEY SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION
 
In connection with the Annual Report of 3M Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Nicholas C. Gangestad, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
 
1.               The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
2.                   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Nicholas C. Gangestad	 	
Nicholas C. Gangestad	 	
Chief Financial Officer	 	
 
February 12, 2015
 
1 

 
EXHIBIT 95
 
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
For the year 2014, the Company has the following mine safety information to report in accordance with Section 1503(a) of the Act, in connection with the Pittsboro, North Carolina mine, the Little Rock, Arkansas mine, the Corona, California mine, and the Wausau, Wisconsin mine (including Greystone Plant):

Mine or Operating
Name/MSHA
Identification
Number	 	Section 104
S&S Citations
(#)	 	Section
104(b)
Orders (#)	 	Section
104(d)
Citations and
Orders (#)	 	Section
110(b)(2)
Violations (#)	 	Section
107(a)
Orders (#)	 	Total Dollar Value
of MSHA
Assessments
Proposed
($)	 	Total Number
of Mining
Related
Fatalities (#)	 	Received
Notice of
Pattern of
Violations
Under Section
104(e) (yes/no)	 	Received
Notice of
Potential to
Have Pattern
Under Section
104(e)
(yes/no)	 	Legal Actions
Pending as of
Last Day of
Period (#)	 	Aggregate
Legal Actions
Initiated During
Period (#)	 	Aggregate
Legal Actions
Resolved
During Period
(#)	 	
3M Pittsboro ID: 3102153	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	$	100	 	—	 	No	 	No	 	—	 	 	 	 	 	
3M Little Rock Industrial Mineral Prod ID: 0300426	 	5	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	$	14,144	 	—	 	No	 	No	 	—	 	 	 	 	 	
3M Corona Plant ID: 0400191	 	9	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	$	4,752	 	—	 	No	 	No	 	—	 	 	 	 	 	
Greystone Plant ID: 4700119	 	2	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	1	 	$	7,121	 	—	 	No	 	No	 	—	 	 	 	 	 	
Wausau Plant ID: 4702918	 	3	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	$	3,680	 	—	 	No	 	No	 	—	 	 	 	 	 	
Total	 	19	 	—	 	—	 	—	 	1	 	$	29,797	 	—	 	 	 	 	 	—	 	3	 	3	 	
 
1