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Core Insights - Principal Financial Group, Inc. (PFG) reported a third-quarter 2025 operating net income of $2.10 per share, which was 3.6% below the Zacks Consensus Estimate, but represented a 19% year-over-year increase [1] - Operating revenues for the quarter increased by 6.2% year over year to $3.8 billion, driven by higher premiums, fees, and net investment income, although it missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.1% [1] Financial Performance - Total expenses rose by 3.8% year over year to $3.4 billion, primarily due to increased benefits, claims, and operating expenses, which was lower than the estimated $3.6 billion [3] - As of September 30, 2025, Principal Financial's assets under management (AUM) reached $784.3 billion, reflecting a 10.1% increase from the end of 2024, including $0.4 billion of net cash flow and $1.8 trillion in assets under administration [3] Segment Performance - **Retirement and Income Solution**: Revenues increased by 11.8% year over year to $1.9 billion, exceeding the estimate of $1.8 billion, while pre-tax operating earnings rose by 26% to $310.3 million, though it missed the estimate of $319 million [4] - **Investment Management**: Revenues grew by 3.7% year over year to $483.9 million, surpassing the estimate of $482.4 million, with pre-tax operating earnings increasing by 9% to $173.5 million, exceeding the estimate of $157.1 million [5] - **International Pension**: Revenues decreased by 10.5% year over year to $248 million, but were above the estimate of $245.4 million, with pre-tax operating earnings declining by 8% to $101.2 million, beating the estimate of $76.4 million [6] - **Specialty Benefits**: Revenues rose by 3.2% year over year to $896.5 million, although it missed the estimate of $939.2 million, while pre-tax operating earnings surged by 53% to $155.5 million, but fell short of the estimate of $205.3 million [7] - **Life Insurance**: Revenues increased by 5.6% year over year to $364.2 million, missing the estimate of $422.9 million, with pre-tax operating losses widening to $69 million compared to a loss of $37.3 million in the previous year [9] Capital Management - Principal Financial returned $398 million to shareholders in Q3 2025, which included $225 million in share repurchases and $173 million in dividends [12] - The board declared a fourth-quarter dividend of 79 cents per share, marking an 8% increase from the fourth quarter of 2024, to be paid on December 19, 2025 [12] Financial Position - As of September 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents stood at $5.1 billion, a 22% increase from the end of 2024, while long-term debt decreased by 0.7% to $3.9 billion [11] - Book value per share, excluding certain adjustments, was $55.93, reflecting a 4.2% increase from the end of 2024 [11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 13% year-over-year growth in adjusted earnings per share and a 14% increase year-to-date, exceeding target ranges [4][5] - Return on equity expanded significantly and is now at the high end of the target range [4] - Year-to-date free capital flow conversion ratio is over 90%, tracking above target [4] - Non-GAAP operating earnings reached $474 million, or $2.10 per share, a 19% increase year-over-year [11] - Total managed AUM increased to $784 billion, a 4% sequential increase [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Workplace Savings and Retirement Solutions (WSRS) transfer deposits grew 13% year-over-year, with total Retirement Investment Solutions (RIS) sales of $7 billion, an 8% increase [6][7] - Small and mid-sized business segment saw WSRS SMB recurring deposits grow 8% and transfer deposits increase by 27% [7] - Global asset management gross sales reached $32 billion, up 19% year-over-year, with private markets generating net inflows of $1.7 billion [8][9] - Specialty Benefits pre-tax operating earnings were $147 million, a record quarter, reflecting a 28% increase year-over-year [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced positive net cash flow of $400 million in the quarter, driven by investment management flows [13] - International pension reported record AUM of $151 billion, a 9% year-over-year increase [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three significant profit pools: the retirement ecosystem, small and mid-sized businesses, and global asset management [5] - Continued investment in modernizing recordkeeping capabilities and enhancing individual customer service [22] - The company aims to capitalize on opportunities in financial inclusion and fintech solutions [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering full-year enterprise financial targets based on strong performance and business momentum [5][17] - The economic environment has created challenges, but there are significant opportunities for growth in financial inclusion and retirement solutions [10] Other Important Information - The company returned $400 million to shareholders in the quarter, including $225 million in share repurchases [12] - The common stock dividend was raised by 8%, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of increases [5][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin expansion expectations - Management expects continued margin expansion driven by strong underwriting results and disciplined expense management [19][20] Question: Free capital flow conversion trends - The company maintains a strong capital position with a capital-efficient mix of business, allowing for organic investments while returning capital to shareholders [26][27] Question: Investment management flows and investor sentiment - Positive net cash flow of $800 million was reported, with strong demand in private markets and emerging market fixed income [33][34] Question: Performance fees outlook - Performance fees are expected to remain modest, but there has been an uptick in transaction and borrower fee activity [36][37] Question: Bering Strategic Partnership fee rate - The partnership aims to enhance private market expertise and is expected to create value for the company [41][43] Question: 401k business and market consolidation - The company anticipates benefiting from industry consolidation and is focused on driving organic growth [45][49] Question: Private credit market dynamics - The company maintains a strong credit quality in its portfolio, with a focus on underwriting standards [86][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 13% year-over-year growth in adjusted earnings per share and a 14% increase year-to-date, exceeding target ranges [4][5] - Return on equity expanded significantly and is now at the high end of the target range [4] - Year-to-date free capital flow conversion ratio is over 90%, tracking above target [5][6] - Non-GAAP operating earnings reached $474 million, or $2.10 per share, a 19% increase year-over-year [12] - Total company managed AUM increased to $784 billion, a 4% sequential increase [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Workplace Savings and Retirement Solutions (WSRS) transfer deposits grew 13% year-over-year, with total Retirement Investment Solutions (RIS) sales of $7 billion, an 8% increase [7][8] - Specialty Benefits pre-tax operating earnings were $147 million, a record quarter, reflecting a 28% increase compared to the year-ago quarter [17] - Investment management gross sales reached $32 billion, up 19% year-over-year, with net cash flow of $800 million in the quarter [9][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong momentum in the global asset management sector, with private markets capabilities generating net inflows of $1.7 billion [9] - International pension reported record AUM of $151 billion, a 9% year-over-year increase [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three significant profit pools: the broad retirement ecosystem, small and mid-sized businesses, and global asset management [6][10] - Continued investments in modernizing recordkeeping capabilities and enhancing customer service are prioritized [21][26] - The company aims to capitalize on opportunities in the retirement solutions market and expand its asset management capabilities [10][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering full-year enterprise financial targets, supported by strong fundamentals and business momentum [19] - The current economic uncertainty has impacted employer financial inclusion programs, but there are positive signs of government and financial system support [11][12] Other Important Information - The company returned $400 million to shareholders in the quarter, including $225 million in share repurchases and raised its common stock dividend by 8% [5][13] - The company is committed to maintaining a 40% dividend payout ratio, reflecting confidence in continued growth [13][31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for margin expansion - Management expects margins to continue expanding due to strong underwriting results and disciplined expense management [21][22] Question: Free capital flow conversion trends - The company maintains a strong capital position with a capital-efficient mix of business, allowing for organic investments while returning capital to shareholders [29][30] Question: Investment management flows and client sentiment - Positive net cash flow of $800 million was reported, with strong demand in private markets and emerging market fixed income [36][37] Question: Bering Strategic Partnership and fee rates - The partnership aims to enhance private market expertise and is expected to provide unique opportunities for value creation [44][46] Question: 401(k) business and market consolidation - The company anticipates benefiting from industry consolidation, focusing on organic growth rather than large transactions [51][52] Question: Private credit market performance - The company maintains a strong credit quality in its portfolio, with no direct exposure to recent market issues [90][92] Question: Wealth management opportunity and advisor metrics - The company is building its wealth management capabilities with a focus on long-term growth and asset retention [98]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 13% year-over-year growth in adjusted earnings per share and a 14% increase year-to-date, exceeding target ranges [3][4] - Return on equity expanded significantly and is now at the high end of the target range [3] - Year-to-date free capital flow conversion ratio exceeded 90%, tracking above target [4] - The company returned $400 million to shareholders in the quarter, including $225 million in share repurchases [4][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Workplace Savings and Retirement Solutions (WSRS) transfer deposits grew 13% year-over-year, with total Retirement Investment Solutions (RIS) sales of $7 billion, an 8% increase [5][6] - Small and mid-sized business segment saw WSRS SMB recurring deposits grow 8% and transfer deposits increase 27% [7] - Global asset management gross sales reached $32 billion, up 19% year-over-year, with private markets generating net inflows of $1.7 billion [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company managed assets under management (AUM) increased to $784 billion, a 4% sequential increase [13] - International pension reported record AUM of $151 billion, a 9% year-over-year increase [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three significant profit pools: the retirement ecosystem, small and mid-sized businesses, and global asset management [4][9] - Continued investment in modernizing recordkeeping capabilities and enhancing retirement solutions [22][23] - The company aims to capitalize on opportunities in financial inclusion and fintech solutions [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering full-year enterprise financial targets based on strong performance and business momentum [4][17] - The economic environment has created challenges, but there are significant opportunities for growth in financial inclusion and retirement solutions [9][10] Other Important Information - The company raised its common stock dividend for the ninth consecutive quarter, reflecting confidence in continued growth [4][11] - The recent release of the Fourth Annual Global Financial Inclusion Index highlights the importance of digital solutions in advancing financial security [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for margin expansion - Management expects margins to continue expanding due to strong underwriting results and disciplined expense management [18][20] Question: Areas of investment in growth initiatives - Investments are being made in modernizing recordkeeping capabilities and enhancing customer service for retirement plans [22][23] Question: Free capital flow conversion trends - The company maintains a strong capital position with a capital-efficient mix of business, allowing for organic growth and capital returns [26][27] Question: Changes in investment management flows and investor sentiment - Positive net cash flow of $800 million was reported, with growth across multiple channels, indicating strong investor sentiment [30][31] Question: Impact of performance fees - Performance fees are expected to remain modest, but there has been an uptick in transaction and borrower fee activity [34][35] Question: Update on the Bering Strategic Partnership - The partnership aims to enhance private market expertise and improve fee rates through collaboration [36][39] Question: Outlook on 401(k) business and industry consolidation - The company anticipates benefiting from industry consolidation and is focused on driving organic growth [41][44] Question: Update on private credit market performance - The company maintains a strong credit quality in its portfolio, with low credit losses reported [79][80] Question: Wealth management opportunity metrics - The company has seen a 90% plan sponsor adoption rate for advisory services, with a notable increase in roll-in transfers [87][88]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1] - The Zacks Style Scores provide a unique rating system for stocks based on value, growth, and momentum, helping investors identify securities with high potential for market outperformance [2][3] Zacks Style Scores - Each stock is rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, with A being the highest score indicating better chances of outperforming the market [3] - The Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios like P/E and Price/Sales [4] - The Growth Score emphasizes a company's financial health and future growth potential, analyzing projected and historical earnings [5] - The Momentum Score assesses stocks based on price trends and earnings estimate changes, aiding in timing purchases of high-momentum stocks [6] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines the Value, Growth, and Momentum Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator for stock selection [6] Zacks Rank Integration - The Zacks Rank utilizes earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in building successful portfolios, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +23.93% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7] - Investors are encouraged to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal investment potential [9] Company Spotlight: Principal Financial Group (PFG) - Principal Financial Group, a Fortune 500 company, specializes in global investment management and offers a range of financial products and services [11] - PFG holds a 3 (Hold) rating on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B and a Value Style Score of A, supported by a forward P/E ratio of 9.55 [12] - Recent upward revisions in earnings estimates and a Zacks Consensus Estimate of $8.33 per share for fiscal 2025 highlight PFG's potential, making it a candidate for investors' consideration [12][13]

Financial Performance - The company's Non-GAAP operating earnings were $474 million, a 15% increase compared to Q3 2024[9] - Non-GAAP EPS, excluding significant variances, was $2.32, up 13% from Q3 2024[9] - The company returned $398 million of excess capital to shareholders in Q3 2025, including $225 million in share repurchases and $173 million in common stock dividends[2] - The company's total AUM reached $784 billion, a 4% increase compared to Q2 2025[10] Segment Performance - Retirement and Income Solutions pre-tax operating earnings increased 8% due to 4% higher net revenue[4, 14] - Investment Management pre-tax operating earnings increased 9% due to 5% higher management fees[4] - Specialty Benefits record pre-tax operating earnings increased 28% due to strong underwriting results[4] Growth & Sales - Investment Management's private net cash flow was +$1.7 billion[6] - Investment Management's active ETF net cash flow was +$0.5 billion[6] - International Pension's record reported AUM was $151 billion, a 9% increase from the year-ago quarter[20] - Sales of Retirement and Income Solutions increased 8% to $7 billion[14] Capital Management - The company's excess and available capital position was $1.6 billion[4, 9] - The company's debt to capital ratio was 22%[4, 9]

Core Viewpoint - Shares of Principal Financial Group (NASDAQ: PFG) have underperformed over the past year, with a 6% decline in value, despite the company's efforts to return capital to investors [1] Group 1: Company Performance - The operating performance of Principal Financial Group has been mixed, particularly in certain segments [1] Group 2: Capital Return - The company has been aggressively returning capital to investors, but much of this has already been priced into the stock [1]

Core Insights - Principal Financial (PFG) reported revenue of $3.9 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 6.2% but falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.15% [1] - Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $2.10, an increase from $1.76 in the same quarter last year, but also below the consensus estimate of $2.18, resulting in an EPS surprise of -3.67% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Assets under management (AUM) for International Pension reached $150.70 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $143.58 billion [4] - AUM for Investment Management was reported at $601.60 billion, slightly below the average estimate of $604.19 billion [4] - Net investment income revenue was $1.2 billion, compared to the average estimate of $1.26 billion, marking a year-over-year increase of 2.8% [4] - Revenue from premiums and other considerations was $1.53 billion, below the average estimate of $1.74 billion, with a year-over-year change of +8.5% [4] - Fees and other revenues generated $1.13 billion, slightly below the average estimate of $1.14 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 3.5% [4] Segment Performance - In the Principal Asset Management Segment, net investment income was $179.5 million, below the estimate of $188.31 million, representing a year-over-year decline of 13.5% [4] - In the Benefits and Protection Segment, Specialty Benefits fees and other revenues were $8.4 million, below the average estimate of $8.85 million, with a year-over-year change of +2.4% [4] - Specialty Benefits premiums and other considerations totaled $836.8 million, below the average estimate of $850 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 3.2% [4] - Life Insurance fees and other revenues were reported at $112.8 million, below the average estimate of $129.74 million, with a year-over-year change of +2.9% [4] - Life Insurance premiums and other considerations reached $136.1 million, exceeding the average estimate of $127.22 million, marking a year-over-year increase of 3.5% [4]

Core Viewpoint - Principal Financial (PFG) reported quarterly earnings of $2.1 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.18 per share, but showing an increase from $1.76 per share a year ago, indicating a -3.67% earnings surprise [1][2] Financial Performance - The company posted revenues of $3.9 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.15%, compared to $3.67 billion in the same quarter last year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Principal Financial has surpassed consensus EPS estimates only once and topped consensus revenue estimates two times [2] Stock Performance - Principal Financial shares have increased by approximately 2.9% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 15.5% [3] - The current Zacks Rank for Principal Financial is 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [6] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $2.21 on revenues of $4.15 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $8.33 on revenues of $15.93 billion [7] - The trend of estimate revisions for Principal Financial was mixed ahead of the earnings release, which could change following the recent report [6] Industry Context - The Insurance - Multi line industry, to which Principal Financial belongs, is currently in the top 26% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to the bottom 50% [8]