3M's Profit Beats Analysts" Forecast The 3M Company, the maker of Post-it Notes and industrial products, reported higher fourth-quarter profit than analysts had estimated as demand increased for aerospace and auto products. Net income rose 2.8 percent to $954 million, or $1.35 a share, from $928 million, or $1.28, a year earlier, the company said Thursday in a statement. The average of 16 estimates compiled by Bloomberg was $1.31. 3M benefited as American auto sales rose 10 percent last year and as aircraft makers increased production amid demand for more fuel-efficient planes. Sales for 3M's industrial and transportation unit increased 14 percent during the quarter. The company in October had reduced its full-year profit forecast for 2011, citing slowing growth, especially in western Europe and the electronics industry. 3M today affirmed its 2012 forecast of earnings of $6.25 to $6.50 a share. 3M's quarterly sales rose 5.7 percent from a year earlier to $7.09 billion, matching analysts" estimates. Excluding acquisitions and foreign exchange, revenue was up 3.3 percent. 3M's shares rose 1.3 percent Thursday to close at $87.58.