Post-it Notes and other office products helped 3M record a 3.9 per cent increase in fourth quarter profits.
3M said profits grew in its consumer and office business, which makes Scotch tape and Post-it notes, as well as in its health care unit. Profits fell in all four of its other divisions, which make industrial products and construction materials.
Profits jumped 28 per cent to US$230 million in its consumer and office business. Growth was led by retail health products, craft supplies and stationery and office supplies.
3M's revenue for Q4 rose four per cent to US$7.39 billion, slightly above expectations of US$7.17 billion.
Net income for 2012 rose 3.8 per cent to US$4.44 billion while revenue rose one per cent to US$29.9 billion for the year.
"Our people executed well in the face of challenging macroeconomic conditions and we have built good momentum to innovate and move forward in 2013," said 3M chairman and CEO Inge Thulin.
