The $0.73 quarterly payout translates to a roughly 1.6 % yield on 3M’s current $45‑$48 trading range, which is modest but still attractive for income‑focused investors. In the short‑term the stock will typically price‑adjust on the ex‑dividend date (the day after the record‑date) by an amount close to the cash amount of the dividend. Expect a mechanical debit of roughly $0.70–$0.75 per share, i.e., a dip of about 1½ %‑2 % from the closing price on the day before the ex‑date, all else equal. This mechanical drop often creates a brief buying window for dividend‑capture traders, especially if the stock is near a strong technical support level.
From a technical standpoint, 3M has been consolidating between the 200‑day moving average (≈ $42) and a short‑term resistance near $48. If the price holds above the 200‑MA after the ex‑div dip, the pull‑back can serve as a low‑risk entry for traders looking to ride the post‑dividend rebound. Conversely, a break below $44 could signal broader weakness and may prompt short‑term shorts or put spreads. Actionable ideas: (1) go long a small position or buy ITM calls before the ex‑date with a stop just below $44 to capture the expected rebound; (2) for income hunters, buy at or slightly below the ex‑div price and hold through the payment date to lock in the yield; (3) if you anticipate a stronger sell‑off, consider a bear‑put spread expiring a week after the dividend payment. Overall, the dividend itself should not materially alter the longer‑term trend, but it will generate the typical short‑term price dip that can be exploited with disciplined, risk‑controlled trades.