Principal Financial to Report Q4 Earnings: Is a Beat in Store?

Core Viewpoint - Principal Financial Group, Inc. (PFG) is expected to report its fourth-quarter 2024 earnings on February 6, with a negative earnings surprise in the previous quarter [1] Factors at Play - The fourth-quarter results are anticipated to show an increase in fee revenues, higher yields, favorable market performance, and increased sales of single premium group annuities [2] Revenue and Earnings Estimates - Operating revenues are projected to decline due to lower premiums and fees in Retirement and Income Solutions and Principal Global Investors, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues at $4.03 billion, reflecting a nearly 5% decrease from the previous year [3] - The expected net investment income for the fourth quarter is $1.2 billion, benefiting from higher yields and average invested assets [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is $1.95 per share, indicating a 5% decrease from the prior-year quarter [5] Earnings Prediction Model - The earnings prediction model suggests a potential earnings beat for Principal Financial, supported by a positive Earnings ESP of +0.03% and a Zacks Rank of 3 [6][7] Other Stocks to Consider - Unum Group (UNM) has an Earnings ESP of +0.23% and a Zacks Rank of 3, with a consensus estimate of $2.13 for fourth-quarter earnings, indicating a 19% year-over-year increase [8] - Allstate Corporation (ALL) has an Earnings ESP of +3.93% and a Zacks Rank of 3, with a consensus estimate of $6.51 for fourth-quarter earnings, reflecting an 11.9% year-over-year increase [9] - Intercontinental Exchange Inc. (ICE) has an Earnings ESP of +0.09% and a Zacks Rank of 3, with a consensus estimate of $1.49 for fourth-quarter earnings, indicating a 5.3% year-over-year increase [10]