3M forecast

3M Co. updated investors and analysts at a presentation on Dec. 17. Langenberg & Co. analyst Brian Langenberg came away impressed with management but maintained his "hold'' rating, writing that he believes the company is "fully valued" at its current price range. One of the interesting developments from 3M's presentation, Langenberg noted, was the announcement that 3M has formally established a ­Mining and Oil & Gas business unit to target growth opportunities.

3M CEO Inge Thulin also told attendees that 3M plans to spend $5 billion to $10 ­billion on mergers and ­acquisitions through 2017.

Target's first Boxing Day

The day after Christmas is celebrated in the British Commonwealth as Boxing Day. It has become one of the biggest shopping days of the year in Canada and the rest of the commonwealth. Thus Boxing Day is another opportunity for Target to court customers at the 124 stores it opened in Canada earlier this year.

Target's initial foray into Canada has been rocky.

"The holidays are perhaps a second chance for Target to make a good first impression," retail analyst Doug Stephens told the Star Tribune.

Patrick Kennedy