Dividend Aristocrat 3M Co. (MMM) will raise its quarterly dividend by 5.9 percent to $1.44 per share in the first quarter of 2019. 3M has increased its dividend for 61 consecutive years and paid dividends to its shareholders without interruption for more than 100 years.

The next dividend is payable March 12, 2019, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 15, 2019. A new annualized dividend rate of $5.76 per share yields 2.9% at a stock price of $201.12.

"The strength of our business model enables 3M to consistently generate premium margins and strong cash flow, and to build on the company’s long history of returning cash to our shareholders," said Mike Roman, 3M chief executive officer.

3M Company is a technology company which operates in electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office, health care, safety, and other markets.  The company's business segments are Industrial; Safety and Graphics; Health Care; Electronics and Energy; and Consumer. 3M's products include adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, dental and orthodontic products, electronic materials, medical products, car-care products, electronic circuits, and optical films. 3M Company (formerly Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company) was incorporated in 1929 under the laws of the State of Delaware to continue operations begun in 1902.