Review the "In Business" section on Page 191 regarding 3M (below).

Required: Review the 3M 2016 Annual Report (Click on link).

In a response to 350-400 words, why do you think that 3M does not report its contribution margin or gross margins for its business segments? What effect does this decision have on company managers?

In 2009, 3M Company reported segmented profitability to its shareholders by product lines and geographic areas. A portion of the company's segmented information is summarized below (all numbers are in millions): Net Operating Income Net Sales Product Lines $1,238 $1,350 %748 $745 $590 $322 $7,116 $3,471 $3,180 $3,132 $2,.276 Display and graphics Electro and communications. . _ . .. . Geographic Areas: $1,640 $1,528 $1,003 $631 Europe, Middle East, and Africa $5,972 3M's annual report does not report the gross margins or contribution margins for its business segments. Why do you think this is the case? Source: 3M Company, 2009 Annual Report