v3.26.1
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
Note 12. Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
The service cost component of defined benefit net periodic benefit cost is recorded in cost of sales; selling, general and administrative expenses; and research, development and related expenses. The other components of net periodic benefit cost are reflected in other expense (income), net. Components of net periodic benefit cost and other supplemental information for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 follow:
Three months ended March 31,
Qualified and non-qualified pension benefitsPostretirement benefits
United StatesInternational
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) (millions)202620252026202520262025
Operating expense
Service cost $24 $26 $11 $11 $4 $4 
Non-operating expense
Interest cost 100 108 50 46 16 19 
Expected return on plan assets (144)(142)(73)(65)(14)(14)
Amortization of prior service benefit— — — 1 (7)(1)
Amortization of net actuarial loss 64 69 2 2 4 5 
Total non-operating expense (benefit)20 35 (21)(16)(1)9 
Total net periodic benefit cost (benefit) $44 $61 $(10)$(5)$3 $13 
For the three months ended March 31, 2026, contributions totaling $35 million were made to the Company’s U.S. and international pension plans and $3 million to its postretirement plans. Future contributions will depend on market conditions, interest rates, and other factors. 3M’s annual measurement date for pension and postretirement assets and liabilities is December 31 each year, which is also the date used for the related annual measurement assumptions.