Principal Financial Group® 
Third Quarter 2014 Earnings Call 
October 24, 2014
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures 
A non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of performance, financial position, or cash flows that 
includes adjustments from a comparable financial measure presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. 
The company uses a number of non-GAAP financial measures that management believes are useful to investors 
because they illustrate the performance of the company’s normal, ongoing operations which is important in 
understanding and evaluating the company’s financial condition and results of operations. While such measures 
are also consistent with measures utilized by investors to evaluate performance, they are not, however, a 
substitute for U.S. GAAP financial measures. Therefore, in our quarterly earnings release, the company has 
provided reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP 
financial measure. The company adjusts U.S. GAAP financial measures for items not directly related to ongoing 
operations. However, it is possible these adjusting items have occurred in the past and could recur in future 
reporting periods. Management also uses non-GAAP financial measures for goal setting, as a basis for 
determining employee and senior management awards and compensation, and evaluating performance on a 
basis comparable to that used by investors and securities analysts. 
The company also uses a variety of other operational measures that do not have U.S. GAAP counterparts, and 
therefore do not fit the definition of non-GAAP financial measures. Assets under management is an example of 
an operational measure that is not considered a non-GAAP financial measure. 
2 Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
Forward Looking Statements 
3 
Certain statements made by the company which are not historical facts may be considered forward-looking statements, 
including, without limitation, statements as to operating earnings, net income available to common stockholders, net 
cash flows, realized and unrealized gains and losses, capital and liquidity positions, sales and earnings trends, and 
management's beliefs, expectations, goals and opinions. The company does not undertake to update these statements, 
which are based on a number of assumptions concerning future conditions that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. 
Future events and their effects on the company may not be those anticipated, and actual results may differ materially 
from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. The risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause or 
contribute to such material differences are discussed in the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
Dec. 31, 2013 and in the company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2014, filed by the 
company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated or supplemented from time to time in subsequent 
filings. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: adverse capital and credit market conditions may 
significantly affect the company’s ability to meet liquidity needs, access to capital and cost of capital; conditions in the 
global capital markets and the economy generally; continued volatility or further declines in the equity, bond or real 
estate markets; changes in interest rates or credit spreads; the company’s investment portfolio is subject to several risks 
that may diminish the value of its invested assets and the investment returns credited to customers; the company’s 
valuation of securities may include methodologies, estimations and assumptions that are subject to differing 
interpretations; the determination of the amount of allowances and impairments taken on the company’s investments 
requires estimations and assumptions that are subject to differing interpretations; gross unrealized losses may be 
realized or result in future impairments; competition from companies that may have greater financial resources, broader 
arrays of products, higher ratings and stronger financial performance; a downgrade in the company’s financial strength 
or credit ratings; inability to attract and retain sales representatives and develop new distribution sources; international 
business risks; the company’s actual experience could differ significantly from its pricing and reserving assumptions; the 
company’s ability to pay stockholder dividends and meet its obligations may be constrained by the limitations on 
dividends or distributions Iowa insurance laws impose on Principal Life; the pattern of amortizing the company’s DAC 
and other actuarial balances on its universal life-type insurance contracts, participating life insurance policies and certain 
investment contracts may change; the company may need to fund deficiencies in its “Closed Block” assets that support 
participating ordinary life insurance policies that had a dividend scale in force at the time of Principal Life’s 1998 
conversion into a stock life insurance company; the company’s reinsurers could default on their obligations or increase 
their rates; risks arising from acquisitions of businesses; changes in laws, regulations or accounting standards; a 
computer system failure or security breach could disrupt the company’s business, and damage its reputation; results of 
litigation and regulatory investigations; from time to time the company may become subject to tax audits, tax litigation or 
similar proceedings, and as a result it may owe additional taxes, interest and penalties in amounts that may be material; 
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and applicable laws and the company’s certificate of incorporation and 
by-laws may discourage takeovers and business combinations that some stockholders might consider in their best 
interests. 
Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
3Q14 Earnings Call Key Themes 
Continued Execution, Continued Success 
• Total company operating earnings of $354 million were the third straight quarter 
of record results 
• YTD total company operating earnings up 28% over prior year period 
• At least 85% of our investment options are in the top half of the Morningstar 
rankings on a 1, 3 and 5-year-basis 
• Total company net cash flow of $3.7 billion leading to AUM of $514 billion at 
quarter end 
• ROE of 14.1%, up 220 basis points from year ago quarter; 145 basis points from 
organic growth 
• 2014 capital deployment is well above our $500-$700 million range 
4 Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
Strong Investment Performance Continues 
Morningstar rankings of Principal mutual funds, separate accounts and CITs 
Percentage of funds in the top two quartiles 
58% 
80% 
67% 
79% 
85% 88% 85% 89% 88% 
1-Year 3-Year 5-Year 
Sept. 30, 2013 
June 30, 2014 
Sept. 30, 2014 
GOAL: 
ABOVE 
60% 
Represents $159 billion assets under management of which 74% is managed by PGI boutiques 
Principal “I” shares; if no “I” share class then “A” share class; separate accounts use “R6” rate level; Includes Principal mutual funds, 
separate accounts and collective investment trusts (CITs); Excludes money market, stable value and U.S. Property separate account. 
5 Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
Operating Earnings Normalizing Items 
After normalizing, 3Q14 EPS is up 13% compared to a year ago 
Per diluted share 3Q13 3Q14 
Operating Earnings $0.90 $1.19 +32% 
Normalizing items: 
Principal International 
Actual encaje return compared to expected return* +0.03 -0.04 
Individual Life 
Actuarial assumption review -0.13 
Adverse claims experience +0.03 
Total of normalizing items $0.03 ($0.14) 
Normalized Operating Earnings $0.93 $1.05 +13% 
* Street expectations include the difference in expected returns for encaje. 
6 Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
Retirement and Investor Services 
Accumulation 
Net Revenue ($m) 
581 
643 
700 
600 
500 
400 
300 
200 
100 
0 
3Q13 3Q14 
• Full Service Accumulation sales of $1.8B, 
continue to balance growth & profitability 
• Recurring deposits were up 9% over 3Q13 
• 19 consecutive quarters of positive net cash flow 
On a trailing twelve month basis: in Principal Funds 
• Net revenue up 12% 
• Pretax return on net revenue of 34% 
Operating Earnings 
After-tax ($m) 
3Q14 $179.7 
3Q13 $150.7 
Change $29.0 (+19%) 
7 Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
Retirement and Investor Services 
Guaranteed 
Net Revenue ($m) 
40 
44 
50 
45 
40 
35 
30 
25 
20 
15 
10 
5 
0 
3Q13 3Q14 
On a trailing twelve month basis: 
• Net revenue up 15% 
• Pretax return on net revenue of 82% 
Operating Earnings 
After-tax ($m) 
3Q14 $24.6 
3Q13 $22.2 
Change $2.4 (+11%) 
8 
• Investment Only new business at a higher 
margin than business rolling off 
• Continue to treat Investment Only and Full 
Service Payout as opportunistic 
Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
Principal Global Investors 
Revenue ($m) 
161 174 
200 
180 
160 
140 
120 
100 
80 
60 
40 
20 
0 
3Q13 3Q14 
On a trailing twelve month basis: 
• Revenue is up 16% 
• Pretax margin of 25% 
9 
• Total AUM of $307B including unaffiliated 
AUM of $114B 
• $500M in unaffiliated net cash flow 
• Increased ownership in CCI* & partnered 
with the Macquarie Group to create 
Principal Commercial Capital 
Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014 
Operating Earnings 
After-tax ($m) 
3Q14 $25.3 
3Q13 $23.1 
Change $2.2 (+10%) 
*CCI - Columbus Circle Investors
Combined* Net Revenue ($m) 
327 
407 
400 
300 
200 
100 
0 
3Q13 3Q14 
• Local organic OE growth is 12% over 
3Q13, on a comparable basis*** 
• Net cash flow of $2.5B due to continued 
strength in Brazil 
• AUM of $116B is up 13% over 3Q13, 
despite an $11B currency headwind 
On a trailing twelve month combined basis: 
• Net revenue is up 20% 
• Pretax return on net revenue of 52% 
Operating 
Earnings 
After-tax 
($m) 
Operating 
Earnings 
Adjustment 
($m) 
Adjusted 
Operating 
Earnings 
After-tax ($m) 
3Q14 $73.8 ($12.4)** $61.4 
3Q13 $50.7 $10.1** $60.8 
Change $23.1 (+46%) $0.6 (+1%) 
*Combined basis includes all Principal International companies at 100%. 
**Actual encaje returns compared to expected returns. 
***Adjusted for FX, encaje, and Brasilprev amortization. 
10 
Principal International 
Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
Individual Life 
Premium and Fees ($m) 
216 
235 
250 
200 
150 
100 
50 
0 
3Q13 3Q14 
• Excluding Universal Life with Secondary 
Guarantee, sales up 21% over 3Q13 
• Business market remains strong at 55% of 
YTD sales 
On a trailing twelve month basis: 
• Premium and fees up 1% 
• Pretax operating margin of 19% 
Operating 
Earnings 
After-tax ($m) 
Operating 
Earnings 
Adjustment 
($m) 
Adjusted 
Operating 
Earnings 
After-tax 
($m) 
3Q14 $52.2 ($29.0)* $23.2 
3Q13 $22.3 -- $22.3 
Change $29.9 (+134%) $0.9 (4%) 
* Net actuarial assumption review benefit offset by adverse claims experience. 
11 Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
Specialty Benefits 
Premium and Fees ($m) 
372 
405 
450 
400 
350 
300 
250 
200 
150 
100 
50 
0 
3Q13 3Q14 
Operating Earnings 
After-tax ($m) 
3Q14 $31.1 
3Q13 $31.7 
Change ($0.6) (-2%) 
• Record 3Q sales and strong persistency 
• In-plan membership growth (TTM) of 1.5%, 
highest level since 2006 
• Overall quarterly loss ratio of 64.5% is better 
On a trailing twelve month basis: than the targeted range 
• Premium and fees up 6% 
• Pretax operating margin of 11% 
• Loss ratio of 65.6% 
12 Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
Capital Deployment 
• More than $855M announced so far in 2014 
 $375M in common stock dividends 
o Paid 3Q14 dividend of 34-cents per share 
o Announced 4Q14 dividend of 34-cents per share 
 $200M share repurchase program authorized 
o $72M in share repurchases in 3Q14 
o $50M remains from current authorization 
 Redeemed $100M surplus note in 1Q14 
 $180M* for increased ownership in Columbus Circle Investors 
• Active M&A pipeline 
• Long-term we expect to deploy 65-70 percent of our net income with 
volatility in any given year 
*With expectation of an additional $40M spend over the next two years. 
13 Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
Looking Ahead 
• Upcoming investor events: 
 November 21, 2014 – Asset Management update in New York City 
 December 8, 2014 – Principal Financial Group 2015 Outlook Call 
 March 11, 2015 – Principal International update in Santiago, Chile 
14 Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014

3 q14 earnings-call-presentation

  • 1.
    Principal Financial Group® Third Quarter 2014 Earnings Call October 24, 2014
  • 2.
    Use of Non-GAAPFinancial Measures A non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of performance, financial position, or cash flows that includes adjustments from a comparable financial measure presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The company uses a number of non-GAAP financial measures that management believes are useful to investors because they illustrate the performance of the company’s normal, ongoing operations which is important in understanding and evaluating the company’s financial condition and results of operations. While such measures are also consistent with measures utilized by investors to evaluate performance, they are not, however, a substitute for U.S. GAAP financial measures. Therefore, in our quarterly earnings release, the company has provided reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure. The company adjusts U.S. GAAP financial measures for items not directly related to ongoing operations. However, it is possible these adjusting items have occurred in the past and could recur in future reporting periods. Management also uses non-GAAP financial measures for goal setting, as a basis for determining employee and senior management awards and compensation, and evaluating performance on a basis comparable to that used by investors and securities analysts. The company also uses a variety of other operational measures that do not have U.S. GAAP counterparts, and therefore do not fit the definition of non-GAAP financial measures. Assets under management is an example of an operational measure that is not considered a non-GAAP financial measure. 2 Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
  • 3.
    Forward Looking Statements 3 Certain statements made by the company which are not historical facts may be considered forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements as to operating earnings, net income available to common stockholders, net cash flows, realized and unrealized gains and losses, capital and liquidity positions, sales and earnings trends, and management's beliefs, expectations, goals and opinions. The company does not undertake to update these statements, which are based on a number of assumptions concerning future conditions that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Future events and their effects on the company may not be those anticipated, and actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. The risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause or contribute to such material differences are discussed in the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2013 and in the company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2014, filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated or supplemented from time to time in subsequent filings. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: adverse capital and credit market conditions may significantly affect the company’s ability to meet liquidity needs, access to capital and cost of capital; conditions in the global capital markets and the economy generally; continued volatility or further declines in the equity, bond or real estate markets; changes in interest rates or credit spreads; the company’s investment portfolio is subject to several risks that may diminish the value of its invested assets and the investment returns credited to customers; the company’s valuation of securities may include methodologies, estimations and assumptions that are subject to differing interpretations; the determination of the amount of allowances and impairments taken on the company’s investments requires estimations and assumptions that are subject to differing interpretations; gross unrealized losses may be realized or result in future impairments; competition from companies that may have greater financial resources, broader arrays of products, higher ratings and stronger financial performance; a downgrade in the company’s financial strength or credit ratings; inability to attract and retain sales representatives and develop new distribution sources; international business risks; the company’s actual experience could differ significantly from its pricing and reserving assumptions; the company’s ability to pay stockholder dividends and meet its obligations may be constrained by the limitations on dividends or distributions Iowa insurance laws impose on Principal Life; the pattern of amortizing the company’s DAC and other actuarial balances on its universal life-type insurance contracts, participating life insurance policies and certain investment contracts may change; the company may need to fund deficiencies in its “Closed Block” assets that support participating ordinary life insurance policies that had a dividend scale in force at the time of Principal Life’s 1998 conversion into a stock life insurance company; the company’s reinsurers could default on their obligations or increase their rates; risks arising from acquisitions of businesses; changes in laws, regulations or accounting standards; a computer system failure or security breach could disrupt the company’s business, and damage its reputation; results of litigation and regulatory investigations; from time to time the company may become subject to tax audits, tax litigation or similar proceedings, and as a result it may owe additional taxes, interest and penalties in amounts that may be material; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and applicable laws and the company’s certificate of incorporation and by-laws may discourage takeovers and business combinations that some stockholders might consider in their best interests. Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
  • 4.
    3Q14 Earnings CallKey Themes Continued Execution, Continued Success • Total company operating earnings of $354 million were the third straight quarter of record results • YTD total company operating earnings up 28% over prior year period • At least 85% of our investment options are in the top half of the Morningstar rankings on a 1, 3 and 5-year-basis • Total company net cash flow of $3.7 billion leading to AUM of $514 billion at quarter end • ROE of 14.1%, up 220 basis points from year ago quarter; 145 basis points from organic growth • 2014 capital deployment is well above our $500-$700 million range 4 Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
  • 5.
    Strong Investment PerformanceContinues Morningstar rankings of Principal mutual funds, separate accounts and CITs Percentage of funds in the top two quartiles 58% 80% 67% 79% 85% 88% 85% 89% 88% 1-Year 3-Year 5-Year Sept. 30, 2013 June 30, 2014 Sept. 30, 2014 GOAL: ABOVE 60% Represents $159 billion assets under management of which 74% is managed by PGI boutiques Principal “I” shares; if no “I” share class then “A” share class; separate accounts use “R6” rate level; Includes Principal mutual funds, separate accounts and collective investment trusts (CITs); Excludes money market, stable value and U.S. Property separate account. 5 Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
  • 6.
    Operating Earnings NormalizingItems After normalizing, 3Q14 EPS is up 13% compared to a year ago Per diluted share 3Q13 3Q14 Operating Earnings $0.90 $1.19 +32% Normalizing items: Principal International Actual encaje return compared to expected return* +0.03 -0.04 Individual Life Actuarial assumption review -0.13 Adverse claims experience +0.03 Total of normalizing items $0.03 ($0.14) Normalized Operating Earnings $0.93 $1.05 +13% * Street expectations include the difference in expected returns for encaje. 6 Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
  • 7.
    Retirement and InvestorServices Accumulation Net Revenue ($m) 581 643 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 3Q13 3Q14 • Full Service Accumulation sales of $1.8B, continue to balance growth & profitability • Recurring deposits were up 9% over 3Q13 • 19 consecutive quarters of positive net cash flow On a trailing twelve month basis: in Principal Funds • Net revenue up 12% • Pretax return on net revenue of 34% Operating Earnings After-tax ($m) 3Q14 $179.7 3Q13 $150.7 Change $29.0 (+19%) 7 Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
  • 8.
    Retirement and InvestorServices Guaranteed Net Revenue ($m) 40 44 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 3Q13 3Q14 On a trailing twelve month basis: • Net revenue up 15% • Pretax return on net revenue of 82% Operating Earnings After-tax ($m) 3Q14 $24.6 3Q13 $22.2 Change $2.4 (+11%) 8 • Investment Only new business at a higher margin than business rolling off • Continue to treat Investment Only and Full Service Payout as opportunistic Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
  • 9.
    Principal Global Investors Revenue ($m) 161 174 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 3Q13 3Q14 On a trailing twelve month basis: • Revenue is up 16% • Pretax margin of 25% 9 • Total AUM of $307B including unaffiliated AUM of $114B • $500M in unaffiliated net cash flow • Increased ownership in CCI* & partnered with the Macquarie Group to create Principal Commercial Capital Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014 Operating Earnings After-tax ($m) 3Q14 $25.3 3Q13 $23.1 Change $2.2 (+10%) *CCI - Columbus Circle Investors
  • 10.
    Combined* Net Revenue($m) 327 407 400 300 200 100 0 3Q13 3Q14 • Local organic OE growth is 12% over 3Q13, on a comparable basis*** • Net cash flow of $2.5B due to continued strength in Brazil • AUM of $116B is up 13% over 3Q13, despite an $11B currency headwind On a trailing twelve month combined basis: • Net revenue is up 20% • Pretax return on net revenue of 52% Operating Earnings After-tax ($m) Operating Earnings Adjustment ($m) Adjusted Operating Earnings After-tax ($m) 3Q14 $73.8 ($12.4)** $61.4 3Q13 $50.7 $10.1** $60.8 Change $23.1 (+46%) $0.6 (+1%) *Combined basis includes all Principal International companies at 100%. **Actual encaje returns compared to expected returns. ***Adjusted for FX, encaje, and Brasilprev amortization. 10 Principal International Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
  • 11.
    Individual Life Premiumand Fees ($m) 216 235 250 200 150 100 50 0 3Q13 3Q14 • Excluding Universal Life with Secondary Guarantee, sales up 21% over 3Q13 • Business market remains strong at 55% of YTD sales On a trailing twelve month basis: • Premium and fees up 1% • Pretax operating margin of 19% Operating Earnings After-tax ($m) Operating Earnings Adjustment ($m) Adjusted Operating Earnings After-tax ($m) 3Q14 $52.2 ($29.0)* $23.2 3Q13 $22.3 -- $22.3 Change $29.9 (+134%) $0.9 (4%) * Net actuarial assumption review benefit offset by adverse claims experience. 11 Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
  • 12.
    Specialty Benefits Premiumand Fees ($m) 372 405 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 3Q13 3Q14 Operating Earnings After-tax ($m) 3Q14 $31.1 3Q13 $31.7 Change ($0.6) (-2%) • Record 3Q sales and strong persistency • In-plan membership growth (TTM) of 1.5%, highest level since 2006 • Overall quarterly loss ratio of 64.5% is better On a trailing twelve month basis: than the targeted range • Premium and fees up 6% • Pretax operating margin of 11% • Loss ratio of 65.6% 12 Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
  • 13.
    Capital Deployment •More than $855M announced so far in 2014  $375M in common stock dividends o Paid 3Q14 dividend of 34-cents per share o Announced 4Q14 dividend of 34-cents per share  $200M share repurchase program authorized o $72M in share repurchases in 3Q14 o $50M remains from current authorization  Redeemed $100M surplus note in 1Q14  $180M* for increased ownership in Columbus Circle Investors • Active M&A pipeline • Long-term we expect to deploy 65-70 percent of our net income with volatility in any given year *With expectation of an additional $40M spend over the next two years. 13 Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014
  • 14.
    Looking Ahead •Upcoming investor events:  November 21, 2014 – Asset Management update in New York City  December 8, 2014 – Principal Financial Group 2015 Outlook Call  March 11, 2015 – Principal International update in Santiago, Chile 14 Posted on PFG website: 10/24/2014