(Series F). The designated use of proceeds is for general corporate purposes.

 

Sources for cash availability in the United States, such as ongoing cash flow from operations and 3M’s reliable access to capital markets, have historically been sufficient to fund dividend payments to shareholders and share repurchases, in addition to funding U.S. acquisitions, U.S. capital spending, U.S. pension/other postemployment benefit contributions, and other items as needed. For those international earnings considered to be reinvested indefinitely, the Company currently has no plans or intentions to repatriate these funds for U.S. operations. However, if these international funds are needed for operations in the U.S., 3M would be required to accrue and pay U.S. taxes to repatriate them. Refer to Note 7 for additional information on unremitted earnings attributable to international companies that have been considered to be reinvested indefinitely.

 

In 2014, the Company plans to contribute an amount in the range of $100 million to $200 million of cash to its pension and postretirement plans. The Company does not have a required minimum cash pension contribution obligation for its U.S. plans in 2014. Therefore, the amount of the anticipated discretionary contribution could vary significantly depending on the U.S. qualified plans’ funded status as of the 2014 measurement date and the anticipated tax deductibility of the contribution. Future contributions will also depend on market conditions, interest rates and other factors. 3M believes its strong cash flow and balance sheet will allow it to fund future pension needs without compromising growth opportunities.

 

3M’s strong balance sheet and liquidity provide the Company with significant flexibility to take advantage of numerous opportunities going forward. The Company will continue to invest in its operations to drive growth, including continual review of acquisition opportunities. 3M paid dividends of $1.730 billion in 2013, and has a long history of dividend increases. In December 2013, 3M’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of 85.5 cents per share for the first-quarter of 2014, an increase of 34.6 percent. This is equivalent to an annual dividend of $3.42 per share and marked the 56th consecutive year of dividend increases for 3M. In February 2014, 3M’s Board of Directors also authorized the repurchase of up to $12 billion of 3M’s outstanding common stock, which replaced the Company’s February 2013 repurchase program. This authorization has no pre-established end date. As of December 31, 2013, approximately $2.5 billion remained available under the February 2013 repurchase authorization.

 

Various assets and liabilities, including cash and short-term debt, can fluctuate significantly from month to month depending on short-term liquidity needs. Working capital (defined as current assets minus current liabilities) totaled $5.235 billion at December 31, 2013, compared with $7.430 billion at December 31, 2012, a decrease of approximately $2.2 billion. Factors which reduced working capital on a combined basis by $2.4 billion included decreases in cash, cash equivalents, and current marketable