Earnings Outlook, MMM, CBG, KO

3M Company NYSE:MMM, CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. NYSE:CBG, The Coca-Cola Company NYSE:KO

3M Company NYSE:MMM

3M Company (3M), incorporated in 1929, is a diversified technology company with a presence in industrial and transportation; health care; display and graphics; consumer and office; safety, security and protection services, and electro and communications. 3M manages its operations in six operating business segments: industrial and transportation; health care; display and graphics; consumer and office; safety, security and protection services, and electro and communications. 3M products are sold through numerous distribution channels, including directly to users and through numerous wholesalers, retailers, jobbers, distributors and dealers in a variety of trades in many countries. In February 2011, 3M (industrial and transportation business) announced that it completed its acquisition of the tape-related assets of Alpha Beta Enterprise Co. Ltd. In February 2011, the Company acquired Hybrivet Systems Inc. In April 2011, the Company acquired Original Wraps Inc.

In December 2010, it (safety, security and protection services business) acquired the remaining non-controlling interest in Cogent Inc. In October 2010, 3M acquired a controlling interest in Cogent Inc. In October 2010, 3M (consumer and office business) purchased certain assets of Ross Outdoor Sports Specialties, LLC. In October 2010, 3M (health care business) purchased all of the outstanding shares of Hangzhou ORJ Medical Instrument and Material Co., Ltd., and Arizant Inc. In October 2010, 3M (safety, security and protection services business) purchased all of the outstanding shares of Attenti Holdings S.A. In July 2010, 3M (safety, security and protection services business) purchased all of the outstanding shares of Dailys Limited. In June 2010, 3M (industrial and transportation business) purchased all of the outstanding shares of MTI PolyFab Inc. In May 2010, 3M (health care business) purchased certain assets of J.R. Phoenix Ltd. In April 2010, 3M (consumer and office business) purchased a majority stake in the A-One branded label business and related operations. In January 2010, 3M (consumer and office business) purchased all of the outstanding shares of Incavas Industria de Cabos e Vassouras Ltda.

Industrial and Transportation Business

The industrial and transportation segment serves a range of markets, such as appliance, paper and packaging, food and beverage, electronics, automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM), and automotive aftermarket (auto body shops and retail). Industrial and transportation products include tapes, a variety of coated and non-woven abrasives, adhesives, specialty materials, filtration products, energy control 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. 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, 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 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, and engineering fluids. In addition, it provides 3M Scotchtint Window Film for buildings, 3M Ultra Safety and Security Window Film for property and personal protection during destructive weather conditions, closure systems for personal hygiene products, and acoustic systems products. Major transportation products include insulation components, including components for catalytic converters; functional and decorative graphics; abrasion-resistant films; 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.

Health Care Business

The health care segment serves markets that include medical clinics and hospitals, pharmaceuticals, dental and orthodontic practitioners, and health information systems. 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 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. 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. 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 for food processors to test the microbiological quality of food.