Will 3M Be Able to Sustain Margin Momentum Amid Cost Pressures?

3M achieved a 24.9% adjusted operating margin in Q2 2026 through restructuring and productivity gains, with expectations for 70-80 basis points margin expansion in 2026. However, rising tariffs, oil prices, and PFAS exit costs are pressuring margins. The company is shifting focus to supply-chain redesign and AI-driven tools for longer-term transformation.