3M’s deferred and accrued income tax positions benefited 2009 cash flows. These positive contributions were partially offset by a decrease of $276 million in net income including noncontrolling interest. The category, “Other-net,” in the preceding table reflects changes in other asset and liability accounts. This includes the impact of cash outlays for restructuring payments, net of restructuring expenses, which on a combined basis reduced liabilities (Note 4). In addition, decreases in banked vacation accruals reduced liabilities.



Free Cash Flow (non-GAAP measure):

 

In addition, to net cash provided by operating activities, 3M uses free cash flow as a useful measure of performance and as an indication of the strength of the Company and its ability to generate cash. 3M defines free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment (which is classified as an investing activity). Free cash flow is not defined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Therefore, it should not be considered a substitute for income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. It should not be inferred that the entire free cash flow amount is available for discretionary expenditures. Below find a recap of free cash flow for 2010, 2009 and 2008.

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

  

Investments in property, plant and equipment enable growth in diverse markets, helping to meet product demand and increasing manufacturing efficiency. Capital spending increased to $1.091 billion in 2010, compared to $903 million in 2009. In 2010, in the U.S., 3M invested in film manufacturing assets for optical systems and other non-optical businesses which use similar technology. In Singapore, 3M is increasing capacity at its multi-purpose manufacturing facility. 3M investments in the Industrial and Transportation business included solar energy in the U.S. and industrial adhesives and tapes in China. 3M also invested in optical film capacity in Korea. Capital spending on some of the preceding projects will carry over into 2011. The Company expects 2011 capital spending to be approximately $1.3 to $1.4 billion as 3M continues to fund growth opportunities around the world.

 

In response to global economic conditions, the Company reduced its capital spending significantly in 2009. A substantial amount of the 2009 spending was carryover from 2008 or for tooling needed for new products and continued operations. In 2008, major facility efforts included completion of production lines in the United States for both Consumer and Office and Health Care, an R&D laboratory in Korea, a tape building in Poland, and numerous tape lines and building expansions in China. In 2008, 3M also made progress towards completion of investments in a Singapore multi-purpose manufacturing facility and film production facilities and made progress towards completion of manufacturing cost reduction investments in two of its U.S. film manufacturing plants.

 

Refer to Note 2 for information on acquisitions. Note 2 also provides information