Is 3M bigger than GE Aerospace?

By market capitalization, GE Aerospace is larger at $316.12B vs 3M's $79.51B.

Which has better profit margins — 3M or GE Aerospace?

GE Aerospace has higher net profit margins (19.0%) compared to 3M (13.0%). Gross and operating margins are compared in the table above.

What sectors do 3M and GE Aerospace operate in?

3M operates in the Industrials sector (Conglomerates). GE Aerospace operates in the Industrials sector (Aerospace & Defense).

How does 3M's revenue compare to GE Aerospace's?

3M generates $24.95B in annual revenue (TTM) while GE Aerospace generates $45.85B. GE Aerospace is the larger company by revenue as of 2026.

3MvsGE Aerospace

3M vs GE Aerospace: Business Model & Financial Comparison 2026

3M · Industrials / Conglomerates·GE Aerospace · Industrials / Aerospace & Defense

Financial Comparison

Metric	MMM3M	GEGE Aerospace
Market Cap	$79.51B	$316.12B
Revenue (TTM)	$24.95B	$45.85B
Revenue Growth	2.0%	17.6%
Gross Margin	39.9%	31.5%
Operating Margin	12.4%	19.5%
Net Margin	13.0%	19.0%
Return on Equity	75.5%	44.7%
P/E (Trailing)	25.2x	37.2x
P/E (Forward)	16.1x	35.0x
Free Cash Flow	$1.26B	$5.21B
Cash	$7.93B	$11.99B
Total Debt	$13.13B	$21.56B

Data sourced from Yahoo Finance. Green highlights indicate better performance for that metric. Use the interactive tool for real-time data.

Business Model Comparison

3M

3M Company stands as a leading company in Industrials. Generating $24.95 billion in annual revenue (growing 2.0% year-over-year) and carrying a market capitalization of $82.28 billion, the company has cemented its position as a foundational player in the global Conglomerates landscape. Under the leadership of its leadership team, 3M Company continues to execute on a multi-year strategic vision that balances growth investment with shareholder retu…

Full 3M analysis →

GE Aerospace

GE Aerospace stands as a leading company in Industrials. Generating $45.85 billion in annual revenue (growing 17.6% year-over-year) and carrying a market capitalization of $344.91 billion, the company has cemented its position as a foundational player in the global Aerospace & Defense landscape. Under the leadership of its leadership team, GE Aerospace continues to execute on a multi-year strategic vision that balances growth investment with shar…

Full GE Aerospace analysis →

SWOT Analysis Comparison

Strengths

3M Company maintains a gross margin of 39.9% and operating margin of 12.4%, demonstrating consistent operational execution and cost discipline in a competitive market.
A return on equity of 75.5% demonstrates that 3M Company generates strong returns from shareholder capital, a hallmark of companies with durable competitive advantages.
3M Company generated $1.26B in free cash flow, providing financial flexibility to invest in growth initiatives, return capital to shareholders, or strengthen the balance sheet.

GE Aerospace

With a market capitalization of $344.91B, GE Aerospace is one of the largest companies in its sector, providing the scale advantages of brand recognition, supplier leverage, and capital access that sm
GE Aerospace maintains a gross margin of 31.5% and operating margin of 19.5%, demonstrating consistent operational execution and cost discipline in a competitive market.
Revenue grew 17.6% year-over-year to $45.85B, indicating strong demand for GE Aerospace's products and services and outperformance relative to many industry peers.

Weaknesses

With a debt-to-equity ratio of 276.6, 3M Company carries significant debt relative to equity. While manageable given its cash flow, elevated leverage limits financial flexibility and increases vulnera
Revenue growth of 2.0% is below what growth investors typically seek, suggesting market saturation in core businesses or increasing competitive pressure.

GE Aerospace

With a debt-to-equity ratio of 114.1, GE Aerospace carries significant debt relative to equity. While manageable given its cash flow, elevated leverage limits financial flexibility and increases vulne

Opportunities

3M Company operates in the Conglomerates segment of the broader Industrials sector, which represents a $8.4 trillion global industrial market. Even modest share gains in this environment translate to
Emerging markets — particularly India (1.4B people, rapidly growing middle class), Southeast Asia (700M people), and Sub-Saharan Africa — represent significant untapped addressable markets for 3M Comp
With $7.93B in cash and strong free cash flow generation, 3M Company is well-positioned to pursue strategic acquisitions that expand its capabilities, customer base, or geographic reach.

GE Aerospace

GE Aerospace operates in the Aerospace & Defense segment of the broader Industrials sector, which represents a $8.4 trillion global industrial market. Even modest share gains in this environment trans
Emerging markets — particularly India (1.4B people, rapidly growing middle class), Southeast Asia (700M people), and Sub-Saharan Africa — represent significant untapped addressable markets for GE Aero
Earnings growth of 37.4% YoY demonstrates GE Aerospace's ability to convert revenue growth into shareholder value. Analysts project continued earnings expansion driven by operating leverage as fixed c

Threats

Global economic slowdowns, inflation, or rising interest rates can reduce consumer and enterprise spending. 3M Company's revenue is not fully insulated from macroeconomic cycles, and a recession scena
Increasing government regulation — particularly data privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA), antitrust enforcement, and trade restrictions — poses compliance costs and potential restrictions on 3M Company's busine
Competition for skilled technology, engineering, and management talent remains intense. High employee turnover or inability to attract top talent could slow innovation and execution — particularly cri

GE Aerospace

Global economic slowdowns, inflation, or rising interest rates can reduce consumer and enterprise spending. GE Aerospace's revenue is not fully insulated from macroeconomic cycles, and a recession sce
Increasing government regulation — particularly data privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA), antitrust enforcement, and trade restrictions — poses compliance costs and potential restrictions on GE Aerospace's busi
Competition for skilled technology, engineering, and management talent remains intense. High employee turnover or inability to attract top talent could slow innovation and execution — particularly cri

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3M vs GE Aerospace: FAQ

Is 3M bigger than GE Aerospace?: By market capitalization, GE Aerospace is larger at $316.12B vs 3M's $79.51B.
Which has better profit margins — 3M or GE Aerospace?: GE Aerospace has higher net profit margins (19.0%) compared to 3M (13.0%). Gross and operating margins are compared in the table above.
What sectors do 3M and GE Aerospace operate in?: 3M operates in the Industrials sector (Conglomerates). GE Aerospace operates in the Industrials sector (Aerospace & Defense).
How does 3M's revenue compare to GE Aerospace's?: 3M generates $24.95B in annual revenue (TTM) while GE Aerospace generates $45.85B. GE Aerospace is the larger company by revenue as of 2026.