Core Insights - Principal Financial Group, Inc. (PFG) reported a fourth-quarter 2025 operating net income of $2.19 per share, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.8%, but showed a 13% year-over-year increase [1][8] - Total revenues increased by 9.2% year over year to $4.4 billion, driven by higher premiums, fees, and net investment income [1][8] Revenue Performance - Higher revenues were observed across the Retirement and Income Solution, Investment Management, Specialty Benefits, and Life Insurance segments, despite increased expenses [2] - Total expenses rose by 8.2% year over year to $3.9 billion, attributed to higher benefits, claims, and operating expenses [3] Segment Analysis - **Retirement and Income Solution**: Revenues increased by 15.6% year over year to $2.5 billion, with pre-tax operating earnings rising 7% to $299.5 million [4] - **Investment Management**: Revenues reached $482.7 million, up 1.7% from the prior year, with pre-tax operating earnings increasing by 2% to $166.7 million [4][5] - **International Pension**: Revenues decreased by 9.6% year over year to $216.6 million due to lower premiums and net investment income [5] - **Specialty Benefits**: Revenues increased by 2.8% year over year to $898.2 million, while pre-tax operating earnings decreased by 3% to $142.1 million [6] - **Life Insurance**: Revenues rose by 5.1% year over year to $346.1 million, with pre-tax operating earnings surging more than threefold to $27.5 million [7] Financial Position - As of December 31, 2025, assets under management totaled $781 billion, part of $1.8 trillion in assets under administration [3] - Cash and cash equivalents were $4.4 billion, a 5.2% increase from the end of 2024, while long-term debt decreased by 0.7% to $3.9 billion [10] Shareholder Returns - PFG returned $1.5 billion to shareholders in 2025, including $0.9 billion in share repurchases and $0.7 billion in dividends [11] - The quarterly dividend was raised by 7% to 80 cents per share, payable on March 27, 2026 [11] Full-Year Overview - For 2025, PFG reported an operating net income of $8.27 per share, missing estimates by 0.3%, but reflecting a 19% year-over-year increase [12] - Total operating revenues for the year were $15.93 billion, up 2% year over year [12] Future Guidance - PFG anticipates 9-12% annual non-GAAP operating earnings per diluted share growth and expects a 75-85% free capital flow conversion [13] - The company projects $1.5-$1.8 billion in capital deployment, including $0.8-$1.1 billion for share repurchases and a 40% dividend payout ratio [13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) growth for full year 2025 was 12%, at the high end of the target range, while reported EPS growth was nearly 20% [4][5] - Full year non-GAAP operating earnings were $1.9 billion, or $8.55 per diluted share, representing a 12% increase over 2024 [14] - Non-GAAP operating return on equity (ROE) for 2025 was 15.7%, an improvement of 120 basis points compared to the previous year [15] - The company returned over $1.5 billion to shareholders in 2025, including approximately $850 million in share repurchases and $685 million in dividends [5][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the retirement ecosystem, total retirement transfer deposits grew 9% year-over-year to $35 billion, with workplace savings and retirement solutions recurring deposits increasing by 5% [6][19] - Small and midsize business (SMB) market saw WSRS recurring deposits grow 8% in 2025, with transfer deposits increasing by 32% [8] - Investment Management gross sales reached $127 billion in 2025, up 16% from 2024, with private markets sales increasing by 50% [9][20] - Benefits and Protection pre-tax operating earnings increased by 7% in 2025, driven by a 29% increase in life insurance [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company managed assets under management (AUM) was $781 billion at year-end, a 10% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 [17] - International Pension AUM grew 24% year-over-year to record levels [20] - The company experienced a net cash flow of -$2 billion for the quarter, with positive private flows of $1 billion [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on three strategic profit pools: the retirement ecosystem, small and midsize businesses, and global asset management [6] - Recent divestitures, including the sale of the runoff annuities business in Chile, reflect a strategic focus on higher growth and more capital-efficient businesses [12][54] - The company is committed to returning excess capital to shareholders, targeting $1.5-$1.8 billion in capital deployments in 2026 [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering financial targets for 2026, with expected EPS growth of 9%-12% and ROE of 15%-17% [24] - The company is not currently seeing significant impacts from employment challenges in the market, with stable employment growth expected [40][42] - Management highlighted the importance of leveraging data and emerging technologies, including AI, to enhance customer engagement and experience [11] Other Important Information - The company received several recognitions, including being named a Best Place to Work in Money Management for the 14th consecutive year [12] - The company is focused on optimizing its portfolio to align with growth priorities and enhance strategic focus [54] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for performance fees in Investment Management for 2026 - Management expects performance fees to remain similar to the $30 million-$40 million range seen in 2025 [31][32] Question: Impact of job market challenges on employment growth - Management noted that employment growth remains stable and positive, with no significant impact observed [40][42] Question: Strategy for small divestitures in international markets - Management emphasized that divestitures are part of ongoing portfolio optimization to focus on higher growth businesses [51][54] Question: Confidence in raising ROE target to 15%-17% - Management cited strong competitive positioning and capital-light business model as reasons for increased confidence in ROE [55][56] Question: Capital benefits from divestitures - Management indicated that divestitures will free up capital for share buybacks and organic growth opportunities [62][66] Question: Expectations for loss ratios in Specialty Benefits - Management anticipates improved loss ratios in 2026 driven by pricing and network optimization efforts [70][74] Question: Free cash flow performance compared to peers - Management highlighted a lower capital-intensive business model as a key factor in achieving strong free cash flow [75][80] Question: Outlook for net flows in Investment Management - Management noted a growing pipeline of committed transactions and new diligence activity, particularly in European real estate [84][86]

Core Viewpoint - Principal Financial Group, Inc. reported mixed earnings results for Q3 2025, with operating net income missing estimates but showing year-over-year growth in both net income and operating revenues [3][4]. Financial Performance - Q3 2025 operating net income was $2.10 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.6%, but increased 19% year over year [3]. - Operating revenues rose 6.2% year over year to $3.8 billion, driven by increased premiums and net investment income, but fell short of estimates by 4.1% [3]. - Total expenses increased 3.8% year over year to $3.4 billion, lower than the estimated $3.6 billion [5]. Segment Performance - **Retirement and Income Solution**: Revenues increased 11.8% year over year to $1.9 billion, exceeding estimates, while pre-tax operating earnings rose 26% to $310.3 million, though it missed estimates [6]. - **Investment Management**: Revenues rose 3.7% year over year to $483.9 million, beating estimates, with pre-tax operating earnings increasing 9% to $173.5 million, also above estimates [7]. - **International Pension**: Revenues decreased 10.5% year over year to $248 million, but pre-tax operating earnings of $101.2 million exceeded estimates [8]. - **Specialty Benefits**: Revenues increased 3.2% year over year to $896.5 million, missing estimates, while pre-tax operating earnings surged 53% to $155.5 million, but also missed estimates [9]. - **Life Insurance**: Revenues increased 5.6% year over year to $364.2 million, missing estimates, with pre-tax operating losses widening to $69 million [10]. - **Corporate**: Pre-tax operating losses were $91.6 million, wider than the previous year's loss [11]. Financial Health - As of September 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $5.1 billion, a 22% increase from the end of 2024 [12]. - Long-term debt was $3.9 billion, a slight decline of 0.7% from the end of 2024 [12]. - Book value per share increased 4.2% from the end of 2024 to $55.93 [12]. Shareholder Returns - Principal Financial returned $398 million to shareholders in Q3 2025, including $225 million in share repurchases and $173 million in dividends [13]. - The board declared a fourth-quarter dividend of 79 cents per share, an 8% increase from the previous year [13]. Market Outlook - Estimates for Principal Financial have been trending upward, indicating a positive outlook [14][16]. - The company holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting an expectation of in-line returns in the coming months [16].

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 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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted non-GAAP earnings for Q2 2025 were $469 million, or $2.7 per share, representing an 18% increase in EPS compared to 2024 [5][6] - Reported non-GAAP operating earnings were $489 million, up 27% year over year, with EPS at $2.16, a 33% increase [15][16] - Total company managed AUM reached $753 billion, a 5% increase sequentially and an 8% increase year over year [7][11] - Net cash flow was negative $2.6 billion for the quarter, but showed improvement sequentially [7][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Retirement, overall RIS sales were $6 billion, a 7% year-over-year increase, driven by Workplace Savings and Retirement Solutions [9][10] - Principal Asset Management AUM increased to $723 billion, a 5% sequential increase, with sales of $33 billion, up 19% year over year [11][12] - Specialty Benefits saw a 10% growth in earnings, with a margin expansion of 100 basis points [12][21] - Life Insurance premium fees increased by 5% compared to 2024, driven by strong business market growth [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market drop in April affected daily averages, impacting second quarter fee revenue, but a strong rebound in May and June provided positive momentum [6][7] - International Pension net revenue was impacted by foreign currency, but increased by 2% on a constant currency basis [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on disciplined expense management while investing for growth, aiming to align revenue and expenses effectively [29][31] - Continued emphasis on capital return targets, with $320 million returned to shareholders in Q2, including $150 million in share repurchases [6][24] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong capital position and expects to deliver on full-year capital return targets of $1.4 billion to $1.7 billion [24][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the second half of the year, expecting full-year results to align with 2025 outlook and financial targets [7][8] - The company anticipates improved results in the latter half of 2025, particularly in investment management and performance fees [48][49] - Management acknowledged the competitive environment in pension risk transfer (PRT) but remains optimistic about achieving targeted returns [40][42] Other Important Information - The company was recognized for its leadership in disability inclusion and AI application in financial services [13] - A $0.78 common stock dividend was announced for Q3, reflecting an 8% increase over the previous year [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Overall expense levels and future focus - Management confirmed a continued focus on aligning expenses with revenue while maintaining investments in the business [29][31] Question: Spread balances within RIS - Management noted that investment-only issuance and PRT sales were moderate, emphasizing a disciplined approach to prioritizing returns over volume [34][38] Question: Competitive environment in PRT - Management acknowledged increased competition but remains optimistic about converting existing DB clients into PRT opportunities [40][42] Question: Variable investment income experience - Management indicated improved performance in variable investment income, with expectations for better results in the latter half of 2025 [47][49] Question: Dental business outlook - Management highlighted competitive pricing and renewal rates, with expectations for improved sales in the second half of the year [84][88]