MMM vs HON — which stock performed better?

3M (MMM) versus Honeywell (HON), Industrials, on 2026-10-20.

Result

3M (MMM) performed better on 2026-10-20. MMM moved 5.180%, HON moved 1.500%.

Why these two companies

3M reports Q3 earnings before the market opens on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 — the exact day this matchup goes live — just days after announcing on October 16 that it will contest a new A$2 billion PFAS lawsuit filed by the Australian government. Honeywell, now a leaner automation-focused company after completing its two-stage breakup into three separate public firms, doesn't report until October 22, setting up a direct test of same-day earnings risk against a rival that has two more days to wait.

The research

3M makes a huge range of everyday and industrial products — things like tape, Post-it notes, safety respirators, and specialty materials used by factories and hospitals around the world. Honeywell builds automation and control systems for buildings and factories, after recently splitting off two other parts of its business to become a more focused company.

One reason someone might pick 3M is that the company releases its latest earnings report before the market opens on the very day of this matchup, which often causes a bigger-than-usual price swing in either direction. One reason someone might pick Honeywell is that its sales have been growing faster lately, and investors are still working out how to value the newly slimmed-down company, which can create extra price movement of its own.

Something to keep in mind for 3M is that it's also dealing with a large lawsuit in Australia over chemical contamination, announced just a few days ago, which could affect how investors react to its earnings regardless of the actual results. Something to keep in mind for Honeywell is that its own earnings report doesn't land until two days later, so its price moves this session will be driven more by general market sentiment than by its own news.