With operations spread across 70 countries worldwide, diversified technology firm 3M Company (MMM – Analyst Report) offers dynamic growth opportunities in a broad range of sectors with its flexible product lines. Portfolio management, investment in innovation and business transformation are the three key levers on which the company intends to focus moving forward. 3M also aims to continue investing in capital expenditures and research and development to support organic growth as it aims a capital structure strategy and increased capital deployment.

However, given its international presence, adverse foreign currency translations are likely to affect the company’s ability to realize projected growth rates in its sales and earnings. As the extent of competition is increasing over time, investors have been eagerly awaiting for the company’s latest earnings report.

Also, MMM has a bumpy earnings surprise history. In the four trailing quarters, MMM has managed to beat earnings only once. Currently, MMM has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), but that could definitely change following the company’s earnings report which was just released. We have highlighted some of the key stats from this just-revealed announcement below:

Earnings: MMM beat on earnings. Our consensus called for EPS of $2.01, and the company reported EPS of $2.05.

Revenue: Revenues missed. MMM posted revenues of $7,712 million, compared to our consensus estimate of $7,895 million.

Key Stats to Note: 3M continues to take actions to strengthen its portfolio, increase its scientific edge through research and development and transform its business processes through a new global ERP system. Also, 3M announced a restructuring plan that will result in an expected reduction of 1,500 positions globally with estimated pre-tax savings of $130 million in 2016.

Stock Price: MMM’s shares were inactive following the release. It would be interesting to see how the market reacts to the results during the trading session today.