3M (MMM) shares plummeted 5.02% in Thursday's trading session, as investors reacted to a series of concerns raised by analysts about the company's long-term performance and growth prospects. The steep decline comes amid a broader reassessment of 3M's position in the market and its ability to generate sustainable returns for shareholders.

Industry experts have pointed out several key issues facing the multinational conglomerate. Firstly, 3M's core business appears to be falling behind as demand plateaus. The company has failed to grow its organic revenue over the past two years, suggesting potential weaknesses in its product offerings, pricing strategies, or market approach. This stagnation in core business growth is particularly concerning for a company of 3M's size and diversification.

Additionally, analysts have highlighted a troubling trend in 3M's earnings per share (EPS), which has been declining along with revenue over the past five years. This downward trajectory in both top and bottom lines raises questions about the company's ability to maintain profitability in changing market conditions. Furthermore, 3M's return on invested capital (ROIC) has significantly decreased, indicating that the company's new investments are not yielding the desired results and that profitable growth opportunities may be limited.