of jurisdictions. The final taxes paid are dependent upon many factors, including negotiations with taxing authorities in various jurisdictions and resolution of disputes arising from federal, state, and international tax audits. The Company recognizes potential liabilities and records tax liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues in the United States and other tax jurisdictions based on its estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. The Company follows guidance provided by ASC 740, Income Taxes, regarding uncertainty in income taxes, to record these liabilities (refer to Note 7 for additional information). The Company adjusts these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances; however, due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from the Company’s current estimate of the tax liabilities. If the Company’s estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, an additional charge to expense would result. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be less than the recorded amounts, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when the Company determines the liabilities are no longer necessary.

 

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

Information regarding new accounting pronouncements is included in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

 

3M’s primary short-term liquidity needs are met through cash on hand, U.S. commercial paper and euro commercial paper issuances. 3M resumed commercial paper funding in July 2013 for the first time since late 2008. 3M expects to maintain a consistent presence in the market and believes it will have continuous access to the commercial paper market. 3M’s commercial paper program permits the Company to have a maximum of $3 billion outstanding with a maximum maturity of 397 days from date of issuance. At both of December 31, 2013 and 2012, 3M’s outstanding commercial paper balance was zero.

 

The Company has sufficient liquidity and generates significant ongoing cash flow, which have been used, in part, to repurchase shares and to pay dividends on 3M common stock. In addition, 3M’s liquidity and cash flow enable it to meet currently anticipated growth plans, including funds for capital expenditures, working capital investments and acquisitions. As discussed in Note 2, in 2012 3M acquired Ceradyne, Inc. and other acquisitions for approximately $1.0 billion. In 2011, 3M acquired Winterthur Technologie AG and other acquisitions for approximately $700 million (including purchases of noncontrolling interest). 3M was able to complete these acquisitions while maintaining a strong net debt position, as shown in the table below.

  

The Company defines net debt as total debt less cash, cash equivalents and current and long-term marketable securities. 3M considers net debt to be an important measure of liquidity and its ability to meet ongoing obligations. This measure is not defined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and may not be computed the same as