3M, a multinational conglomerate, has recently reached a settlement of $6.01 billion with approximately 250,000 plaintiffs who alleged that the company manufactured defective earplugs leading to hearing loss among military veterans and service members. This settlement marks the end of the largest mass tort litigation in U.S. history. The court-appointed lead plaintiffs’ counsel, Bryan Aylstock, expressed confidence that the settlement would receive overwhelming support, not only because it holds 3M accountable but also because it provides just compensation to the deserving veterans.
While the settlement with the veterans is a significant step for 3M, the company still faces other complex legal challenges. One of these involves a $10.3 billion settlement with water utilities over drinking water contamination caused by “forever chemicals.” However, the settlement is currently facing pushback from more than 20 states and does not cover all liabilities or include personal injury claims. The estimated total liability risk for 3M related to these substances, known as PFAS, extends to nearly $30 billion, surpassing the existing settlements.
In addition to the domestic legal battles, 3M also faces lawsuits from European countries such as the Netherlands and Belgium due to PFAS contamination. The potential ban on PFAS chemicals in Europe and the consideration of labeling PFAS as a hazardous chemical by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pose further challenges for the company. These regulatory actions could lead to more extensive testing and reveal the true scope of the toxic chemical’s prevalence.
To finance the settlements and mitigate the financial burden, 3M has implemented cost-cutting measures, including eliminating 8,500 jobs, which accounts for 10% of its workforce. Furthermore, the company plans to spin off its high-performing health-care business by the end of 2023 or early 2024. This strategic move is expected to generate significant cash flows, estimated to be between $7 billion and $9 billion, according to JPMorgan analyst Stephen Tusa.
The company’s dividend has been a subject of debate, with investors currently receiving a 6.1% payout. Wall Street firms such as JPMorgan, UBS, and RBC have raised concerns about the sustainability of 3M’s dividend. Analysts from UBS suggested that the dividend would likely be reduced following the spin-out of the healthcare unit. The timing of this transition appears to be on track, as 3M recently announced that Bryan Hanson, the CEO of Zimmer Biomet, will be joining the company as the CEO of its health-care business. Additionally, the current Chief Financial Officer, Monish Patolawala, has taken on the role of President, possibly positioning him as the future CEO of 3M, according to RBC analyst Deane Dray.
Over the past five years, 3M has faced numerous challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, shortages of N95 respirators, litigation regarding earplugs and PFAS, and criticism from major shareholders about the underperformance of its stock. Since CEO Mike Roman took office in 2018, 3M’s stock has declined by 48%, while the XLI Industrials ETF has rallied by 50% during the same period. However, the stock experienced a modest increase of over 1% following the announcement of the settlement with the veterans.
While 3M has successfully reached a significant settlement in the mass tort litigation involving defective earplugs, the company still faces ongoing legal battles, particularly concerning PFAS contamination. 3M has taken measures to address these challenges, including cost-cutting initiatives and the planned spin-off of its health-care business. However, concerns over the sustainability of its dividend and the need for effective leadership transitions remain. The future prospects of 3M will be shaped by its ability to navigate these legal issues, implement sustainable strategies, and regain investor confidence.