3M Company (MMM) vs United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS)

A side-by-side comparison of 3M Company and United Parcel Service, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnMMM vs UPS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
MMM +54.4% (+4.4%/yr)UPS +34.9% (+3.0%/yr)MMM compounded faster over this window
50100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$154$135
MMM UPS

MMM vs UPS: by the numbers

  • UPS is the larger company ($85.18B vs $85.07B market cap).
  • UPS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (18.64 vs 29.30 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MMM converts more revenue to profit (11.90% vs 5.08% net margin).
  • UPS grew revenue faster over the past five years (0.98% vs -6.23% CAGR).
  • UPS pays the higher dividend yield (6.61% vs 1.88%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricMMMUPS
P/E ratio29.3018.64
Forward P/E18.4413.94
P/S ratio3.380.95
P/B ratio28.825.65
EV / EBITDAN/A10.46
FCF yield4.68%6.44%

Profitability

MetricMMMUPS
Gross margin39.40%16.63%
Operating margin19.01%7.31%
Net margin11.90%5.08%
ROE101.52%30.33%
ROIC14.64%8.99%

Dividends

MetricMMMUPS
Dividend yield1.88%6.61%
Payout ratio54.53%121.93%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMMMUPS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)-6.23%0.98%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-8.53%33.45%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-10.85%-7.15%
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.70%-7.84%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, MMM or UPS?
UPS has the lower trailing P/E: MMM trades at 29.30 and UPS at 18.64. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, MMM or UPS?
Over the past five years, UPS grew revenue faster — MMM at a -6.23% CAGR versus UPS at 0.98%.
Does MMM or UPS pay a bigger dividend?
MMM yields 1.88% and UPS yields 6.61% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is MMM or UPS more profitable?
MMM runs the higher net margin — MMM at 11.90% versus UPS at 5.08%.
How have MMM and UPS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, MMM delivered 4.38% and UPS delivered 3.13% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 11, 2026.