FedEx vs 3M (FDX vs MMM)

FedEx (FDX) vs 3M (MMM) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

FedEx (FDX) and 3M (MMM) compete in industrials. Here are FedEx and 3M side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy FedEx or 3M.

FedEx vs 3M: the figures

Figure	FedEx	3M
Share price	$329.40 (November 4, 2026)	$193.95 (November 4, 2026)
Market cap	$77.1 billion	$100.0 billion
P/E (TTM)	17.8x	28.9x
Forward P/E	15.8x	19.6x
Revenue growth (quarter)	+11.9%	+1.0%
Net margin (TTM)	4.7%	14.0%
Net debt / EBITDA	1.9x	1.3x
Dividend yield	1.53%	1.76%
Beta	1.31	1.06

FedEx and 3M figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that FedEx or 3M figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between FedEx and 3M

Valuation: 3M trades at 28.9x its annual earnings and FedEx at 17.8x; the market pays more for each dollar of 3M profit, usually because it expects more growth.
Profitability: for every 100 of sales, 3M keeps 14.0 as net profit and FedEx keeps 4.7.
Growth: FedEx grew sales +11.9% year on year in its latest quarter, against +1.0% for 3M.

FedEx or 3M: which fits your profile

If you want growth: FedEx is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
If you want income (dividends): 3M pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
If you prefer caution: 3M has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
If price is what matters most to you: FedEx trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither FedEx nor 3M wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How FedEx and 3M make money

FedEx (FDX)

FedEx charges to move parcels and documents. Its core business is Federal Express, which combines the former FedEx Express and FedEx Ground networks to offer overnight air delivery, ground parcel shipping and international express for businesses and consumers. It also provides logistics, customs brokerage and supply chain services. Full FedEx analysis.

3M (MMM)

3M reports three segments after spinning off its health care business as Solventum. Safety and Industrial, the largest, sells abrasives, adhesives, tapes and personal protective equipment. Transportation and Electronics supplies materials for cars, aircraft and electronics, and Consumer sells household and office brands such as Post-it, Scotch, Command and Filtrete. Full 3M analysis.

Frequently asked questions: FedEx vs 3M

Is FedEx or 3M the better stock?

Choosing between FedEx and 3M depends on what you are looking for. FedEx is growing faster right now, and FedEx trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy FedEx or 3M: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, FedEx or 3M?

As of November 4, 2026, 3M yields 1.76% and FedEx yields 1.53%. Also check how much of their profit FedEx and 3M pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, FedEx or 3M?

On P/E, 3M (28.9x) is more expensive than FedEx (17.8x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both FedEx and 3M?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as FedEx and 3M, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying FedEx or 3M.

More comparisons with FedEx or 3M

More companies like FedEx and 3M: industrials stocks. Educational content about FedEx and 3M, not investment advice.