3M (MMM) has been named as a Top 25 ”Dividend Giant” by ETF Channel, with a stunning $4.24B worth of MMM stock held by ETFs, and above-average ”DividendRank” statistics including a strong 2.62% yield, according to the most recent Dividend Channel ”DividendRank” report.

The report noted a strong quarterly dividend history at 3M, and favorable long-term multi-year growth rates in key fundamental data points.

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The annualized dividend paid by 3M Co is $3.42 per share, currently paid in quarterly installments, and its most recent dividend ex-date was on 02/12/2014. Below is a long-term dividend history chart for MMM, which the report stressed as being of key importance.

Indeed, studying a company’s past dividend history can be of good help in judging whether the most recent dividend is likely to continue.