3M vs UPS (MMM vs UPS)
3M (MMM) vs UPS (UPS) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
3M (MMM) and UPS (UPS) compete in industrials. Here are 3M and UPS 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 3M or UPS.
3M vs UPS: the figures
| Figure | 3M | UPS |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $193.95 (November 4, 2026) | $114.31 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $100.0 billion | $97.3 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 28.9x | 21.2x |
| Forward P/E | 19.6x | 14.1x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +1.0% | +6.7% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 14.0% | 4.8% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 1.3x | 2.1x |
| Dividend yield | 1.76% | 6.01% |
| Beta | 1.06 | 0.95 |
3M and UPS figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that 3M or UPS figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between 3M and UPS
- Dividend: UPS yields 6.01% at today's price and 3M yields 1.76%.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, 3M keeps 14.0 as net profit and UPS keeps 4.8.
- Valuation: 3M trades at 28.9x its annual earnings and UPS at 21.2x; the market pays more for each dollar of 3M profit, usually because it expects more growth.
3M or UPS: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: UPS 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): UPS 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: UPS trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither 3M nor UPS 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 3M and UPS make money
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.
UPS (UPS)
United Parcel Service earns money delivering packages. U.S. Domestic Package, its largest segment, covers ground and air shipping within the United States. International Package handles cross-border and in-country delivery abroad, and Supply Chain Solutions provides freight forwarding, customs brokerage, contract logistics and health care logistics. Full UPS analysis.
Frequently asked questions: 3M vs UPS
Is 3M or UPS the better stock?
Choosing between 3M and UPS depends on what you are looking for. UPS is growing faster right now, and UPS trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy 3M or UPS: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, 3M or UPS?
As of November 4, 2026, UPS yields 6.01% and 3M yields 1.76%. Also check how much of their profit 3M and UPS pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, 3M or UPS?
On P/E, 3M (28.9x) is more expensive than UPS (21.2x) 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 3M and UPS?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as 3M and UPS, 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 3M or UPS.
More comparisons with 3M or UPS
More companies like 3M and UPS: industrials stocks. Educational content about 3M and UPS, not investment advice.