Boston Scientific (BSX) vs 3M (MMM)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
3M (MMM) has outperformed Boston Scientific (BSX) over the past year, gaining 4.4% versus a loss of 56.3%. Over five years, MMM leads with a +6.6% price change compared with -3.4% for BSX. 3M is the larger company by market cap ($83.61 billion vs $60.26 billion), about 1.4 times the size, while Boston Scientific is growing revenue faster (+19.9% vs +1.5%).
On valuation, Boston Scientific trades at a lower forward P/E (12.3x vs 16.5x for 3M). 3M pays a dividend yielding 1.86%, while Boston Scientific does not currently pay one. Boston Scientific converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 14.4% versus 13.0%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | BSX | MMM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $41.58 | $162.12 |
| Market cap | $60.26B | $83.61B |
| 1-day change | -1.45% | -0.93% |
| YTD return | -56.01% | +1.26% |
| 1-year return | -56.26% | +4.37% |
| 5-year return | -3.35% | +6.57% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 16.83 | 28.80 |
| Forward P/E | 12.29 | 16.50 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.47 | $5.63 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 1.86% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $3.02 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $20.07B | $24.95B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +19.87% | +1.52% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $2.89B | $3.25B |
| Gross margin | 69.01% | 39.91% |
| Operating margin | 18.00% | 18.55% |
| Net margin | 14.41% | 13.03% |
| 52-week high | $105.65 | $184.90 |
| 52-week low | $41.50 | $139.34 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -60.64% | -12.32% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +44.06% | +15.51% |
| Average volume | 19.67M | 3.15M |
| Shares outstanding | 1.45B | 515.72M |
| Employees | 59,000 | 60,500 |
| Sector | Health Care | Health Care |
| Industry | Medical/Dental Instruments | Medical/Dental Instruments |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- MMM has outperformed BSX by 60.6 percentage points over the past year.
- 3M trades at a higher earnings multiple (28.8x vs 16.8x trailing P/E).
- 3M offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.86% vs 0.00%).
- Boston Scientific grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+19.87% vs +1.52%).
About Boston Scientific
BSX stock →Boston Scientific Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in various interventional medical specialties worldwide. The company operates in two segments, MedSurg and Cardiovascular.
Health Care · Medical/Dental Instruments · 59,000 employees
About 3M
MMM stock →3M Company provides diversified technology services in the America, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Safety and Industrial, Transportation and Electronics, and Consumer.
Health Care · Medical/Dental Instruments · 60,500 employees
BSX vs MMM FAQ
Which is bigger, Boston Scientific or 3M?
3M (MMM) is larger, with a market capitalization of $83.61B compared with $60.26B for Boston Scientific (BSX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, BSX or MMM?
MMM returned +4.37% over the past 12 months, compared with -56.26% for BSX (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, BSX or MMM?
BSX has the lower trailing P/E at 16.8, versus 28.8 for MMM. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Boston Scientific or 3M?
3M pays a dividend yielding 1.86%, while Boston Scientific does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Boston Scientific and 3M in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Medical/Dental Instruments industry within the Health Care sector.