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PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP INC

For the period ended Mar 31, 2026. Filed Apr 29, 2026.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.

Mar 31, 2026 · Filed Apr 29, 2026

PFG$110.91-1.7%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-Q

Period ended 2025-09-30; filed 2025-10-29.

0001104659-25-103708

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Current report: 10-Q

Period ended 2026-03-31; filed 2026-04-29.

0001104659-26-051384

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 235 previous paragraphs and 199 current paragraphs.

134 unchanged; 53 reworded; 12 added; 43 removed; 5 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 79 previous and 77 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Added paragraphs (12)

Current report

Beginning in 2026, we are reporting the results of a subsidiary supporting enterprise distribution, which was previously reported in the Benefits and Protection segment, in the Corporate segment. This aligns all our affiliated distribution functions within the Corporate segment. The results for this subsidiary primarily include fees and other revenues and operating expenses that largely offset each other, resulting in a minimal impact to pre-tax operating earnings.

Current report

The liability for future policy benefits remeasurement (gain) loss change was primarily due to improvements in underlying claims experience in the Benefits and Protection segment.

Current report

Dividends to policyholders increased in Benefits and Protection segment primarily due to a higher policyholder dividend obligation in the closed block from improved claims experience.

Current report

Pre-tax operating earnings in our Specialty Benefits business increased $23.3 million from improved claims experience and $3.1 million due to higher yields on invested assets. Pre-tax operating earnings in our Life Insurance business increased $12.6 million due to improved claims experience in our liability for future policy benefits remeasurement gain and $3.5 million due to growth in premium and fees.

Current report

Benefits, claims and settlement expenses in our Specialty Benefits business decreased $23.3 million due to improved claims experience offset by $18.1 million due to growth in the business.

Current report

Liability for future policy benefits remeasurement gain was driven by improvements in underlying claims experience, resulting in a $12.6 million increased gain in our Life Insurance business partially offset by a $2.4 million increased loss in our Specialty Benefits business.

Current report

Operating expenses decreased primarily due to lower net commission expense in our Life Insurance business largely resulting from the affiliated distribution realignment in 2026.

Current report

Pre-tax operating losses increased primarily due to a $6.6 million increase in strategic initiatives funded by the Corporate segment, including brand expense, a $5.0 million increase in compensation costs and $1.8 million lower net investment income largely resulting from mark-to-market losses on investments.

Current report

Long-Term Debt. As of March 31, 2026, no significant changes have occurred to long-term debt since December 31, 2025.
Removed paragraphs (43)

Previous report

During 2024, we terminated, executed and amended certain YRT reinsurance agreements with unaffiliated reinsurance companies for insurance risks associated with universal life insurance in the Benefits and Protection segment, primarily related to ULSG (“YRT Reinsurance Transactions”).

Previous report

Actuarial Assumption Updates. We periodically review and update actuarial assumptions that are inputs to the models for the liability for future policy benefits for traditional limited-payment long-duration contracts and other actuarial balances. Assumption updates, model refinements and other updates made during the third quarter resulted in a change in cash flow assumptions that decreased consolidated net income attributable to Principal Financial Group, Inc. by $59.3 million and $85.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Previous report

The following table presents the increase (decrease) to pre-tax operating earnings for each segment.

Previous report

Net realized capital gains on funds withheld assets decreased due to $19.1 million lower gains on sales of funds withheld assets as a result of reduced sales in 2025 by an external reinsurer and a $16.2 million change due to net unrealized losses on funds withheld assets in 2025 as compared to net unrealized gains in 2024.

Previous report

The change in fair value of the funds withheld embedded derivative resulted in a lower loss in 2025 than 2024 due primarily to changes in interest rates and credit spreads.

Previous report

The liability for future policy benefits remeasurement (gain) loss change was primarily due to the less unfavorable effect of changes in cash flow assumptions related to actuarial assumption updates and model refinements in 2025 compared to 2024.

Previous report

The market risk benefit remeasurement (gain) loss change was primarily due to the $82.5 million favorable impact from the change in fair value of the MRB asset (liability), excluding impacts of nonperformance risk, primarily driven by changes in market movements. This change was offset by a $32.5 million unfavorable impact from periodic and final settlements for derivatives used to hedge MRBs. See Item 1. “Financial Statements, Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 10, Market Risk Benefits” for further information on market effects.

Previous report

Operating expenses increased primarily due to a $17.0 million increase in nondeferrable commission expense, an $8.7 million increase in compensation costs and an $8.0 million increase in amounts credited to employee accounts in a nonqualified defined contribution pension plan.

Previous report

Net income attributable to Principal Financial Group, Inc. increased $158.1 million due to the unfavorable one-time impact of the YRT Reinsurance Transactions in 2024, $32.4 million due to a one-time expense accrual release in 2025 and $26.4 million due to less unfavorable actuarial assumption updates, model refinements and other updates in 2025 compared to 2024. These increases were partially offset by $119.7 million due to the impact from asset write-downs related to exiting our sponsor and trustee (pension) roles in Hong Kong for MPF Schemes and $85.7 million due to the change in the fair value of the funds withheld embedded derivative.

Previous report

Fees and other revenues increased $56.8 million for the Principal Asset Management segment primarily due to higher management fee revenue as a result of increased average AUM managed by our Investment Management operations. Fees and other revenues increased $16.4 million for the Benefits and Protection segment primarily due to growth in our Life Insurance business.

Previous report

Benefits, claims and settlement expenses decreased $213.5 million for the Retirement and Income Solutions segment primarily due to a decrease in reserves, stemming from lower sales of single premium group annuities with life contingencies. Benefits, claims and settlement expenses decreased for the Principal Asset Management segment due to $26.0 million from the closure of our Hong Kong guaranteed constituent funds in the prior year, $11.5 million due to lower new sales of Chile annuities and $9.8 million due to lower interest credited to customers. Benefits, claims and settlement expenses increased $347.2 million for the Benefits and Protection segment primarily due to the one-time impact of the YRT Reinsurance Transactions in 2024.

Previous report

The liability for future policy benefits remeasurement (gain) loss change was primarily due to the favorable effect of $442.1 million of prior year changes in cost of reinsurance cash flow assumptions driven by the one-time impact of the YRT Reinsurance Transactions and a $45.4 million impact driven by actuarial assumption updates and model refinements.

Previous report

The market risk benefit remeasurement (gain) loss change was primarily due to the $78.0 million unfavorable impact from the change in fair value of the MRB asset (liability), excluding impacts of nonperformance risk, primarily driven by changes in market movements. This change was partially offset by a $64.1 million favorable impact from periodic and final settlements for derivatives used to hedge MRBs. See Item 1. “Financial Statements, Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 10, Market Risk Benefits” for further information on market effects.

Previous report

Operating expenses increased primarily due to a $79.3 million increase in compensation costs, $65.4 million of impairments of our distribution agreement intangible asset and contract cost asset in Hong Kong and a $49.8 million increase in nondeferrable commission expense. The increases were partially offset by a $67.3 million decrease in amounts credited to employee accounts in a nonqualified defined contribution pension plan, a $41.0 million decrease resulting from a one-time expense accrual release in 2025 and a $19.3 million decrease in management fees.

Previous report

The effective income tax rate decreased to 6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 from 11% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to a 2% impact from our foreign valuation allowance, a 2% impact from foreign tax credits and a 1% impact from releasing unrecognized tax benefits. See Item 1. “Financial Statements, Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 13, Income Taxes” for a reconciliation between the U.S. corporate income tax rate and the effective income tax rate.

Previous report

Operating expenses increased primarily due to a $10.6 million increase in staff-related costs.

Previous report

Net revenue increased primarily due to a $68.4 million impact due to growth in the business and a $28.7 million impact associated with actuarial assumption updates and model refinements, which were favorable in 2025 compared to unfavorable in 2024.

Previous report

Operating expenses increased primarily due to a $27.7 million increase in staff-related costs, partially offset by a $19.4 million impact from a one-time expense accrual release in 2025.

Previous report

Pre-tax operating earnings increased in our Investment Management operations due to $19.4 million higher management fee revenue as a result of increased average AUM, which was partially offset by $3.4 million lower performance fee revenue primarily in our real estate business. Pre-tax operating earnings decreased in our International Pension operations due to $9.2 million lower fees primarily due to the loss of administrative fees related to the transition to a new administrative platform in conjunction with MPF system reform in Hong Kong and $4.4 million lower earnings from our equity method investments in Brazil, primarily as a result of our prior year actuarial assumption review and other updates. This decrease was partially offset by $4.7 million of lower operating expenses in Hong Kong.

Previous report

Pre-tax operating earnings in our Specialty Benefits business increased $27.2 million from improved claims experience and $25.9 million due to favorable actuarial assumption updates in 2025 compared to unfavorable in 2024. Pre-tax operating earnings in our Life Insurance business decreased $18.6 million due to more unfavorable actuarial assumption updates, model refinements and other updates in 2025 compared to 2024 and $8.6 million from negative claims experience.

Previous report

Benefits, claims and settlement expenses in our Specialty Benefits business increased $16.1 million from growth in the business and $16.1 million due to unfavorable actuarial assumption updates in 2025 compared to favorable in 2024, offset by $27.2 million from improved claims experience. Benefits, claims and settlement expenses in our Life Insurance business increased $8.6 million from unfavorable claims experience, $5.8 million due to mark-to-market changes on options associated with our indexed universal life insurance and $4.7 million due to growth in the business.

Previous report

Liability for future policy benefits remeasurement (gain) loss in our Specialty Benefits business changed $40.9 million due to favorable actuarial assumption updates in 2025 compared to unfavorable in 2024. Liability for future policy benefits remeasurement loss in our Life Insurance business increased $22.4 million due to more unfavorable actuarial assumption updates, model refinements and other updates in 2025 compared to 2024.

Previous report

Pre-tax operating earnings in our Specialty Benefits business increased $37.8 million from improved claims experience, $25.9 million due to favorable actuarial assumption updates in 2025 compared to unfavorable in 2024 and $10.7 million due to growth. Pre-tax operating earnings in our Life Insurance business decreased $41.8 million from negative claims experience and $18.6 million due to more unfavorable actuarial assumption updates, model refinements and other updates in 2025 compared to 2024, offset by $17.0 million liability for future policy benefits remeasurement gain due to underlying claims experience, $6.0 million from higher yields on invested assets and a $3.2 million one-time expense accrual release in 2025.

Previous report

Premiums and fees in our Specialty Benefits business increased $83.3 million due to growth in the business. Premiums and fees in our Life Insurance business increased $11.4 million due to the one-time impact of the YRT Reinsurance Transactions in 2024 and $7.0 million due to growth in the business.

Previous report

Net investment income in our Specialty Benefits business increased $13.8 million primarily from higher yields on invested assets. Net investment income in our Life Insurance business increased $15.0 million from growth in invested assets and $6.0 million from higher yields on invested assets, offset by a decrease of $3.7 million from mark-to-market changes on options associated with our indexed universal life insurance.

Previous report

Benefits, claims and settlement expenses in our Specialty Benefits business increased $50.8 million due to growth in the business and $16.1 million due to unfavorable actuarial assumption updates in 2025 compared to favorable in 2024, offset by $37.8 million from improved claims experience. Benefits, claims and settlement expenses in our Life Insurance business increased $58.0 million due to the one-time impact of the YRT Reinsurance Transactions in 2024 and $41.8 million from unfavorable claims experience.

Previous report

Dividends to policyholders in our Life Insurance business increased $6.6 million due to higher dividends on our Closed Block business, offset by $3.5 million due to less unfavorable actuarial assumption updates, model refinements and other updates in 2025 compared to 2024.

Previous report

Liability for future policy benefits remeasurement (gain) loss in our Specialty Benefits business changed $40.9 million due to favorable actuarial assumption updates in 2025 compared to unfavorable in 2024 and $6.3 million due to changes in underlying claims experience. Liability for future policy benefits remeasurement loss in our Life Insurance business decreased $41.2 million due to the one-time impact of the YRT Reinsurance Transactions in 2024 and $17.0 million due to changes in underlying claims experience, offset by $22.4 million due to more unfavorable actuarial assumption updates, model refinements and other updates in 2025 compared to 2024.

Previous report

Operating expenses in our Specialty Benefits business increased $26.0 million due to growth in the business and $20.5 million due to higher net commissions, offset by a $7.1 million decrease due to a one-time expense accrual release in 2025. Operating expenses in our Life Insurance business decreased $3.4 million primarily due to a one-time expense accrual release in 2025.

Previous report

Pre-tax operating losses increased primarily due to a $5.5 million increase in compensation costs and a $3.4 million decrease in interest income related to tax settlements.

Previous report

Pre-tax operating losses increased primarily due to a $15.2 million increase in compensation costs, partially offset by an $8.0 million increase in interest income related to tax settlements.

Showing the first 40 of 43 passages. Open the source sections for the rest.

Reworded paragraphs (53)

Previous wording

The following analysis discusses our financial condition as of September 30, 2025, compared with December 31, 2024, and our consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. The discussion and analysis includes, where appropriate, factors that may affect our future financial performance. The discussion should be read in conjunction with our Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes to the financial statements and the other financial information included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.

Current wording

The following analysis discusses our financial condition as of March 31, 2026, compared with December 31, 2025, and our consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. The discussion and analysis includes, where appropriate, factors that may affect our future financial performance. The discussion should be read in conjunction with our Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes to the financial statements and the other financial information included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.

Previous wording

Actual results may differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the following: (1) adverse capital and credit market conditions may significantly affect our ability to meet liquidity needs, as well as our access to capital and cost of capital; (2) conditions in the global capital markets, including the equity, bond or real estate markets, and the economy generally may materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations; (3) changes in interest rates or credit spreads or a prolonged low interest rate environment may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and our net income can vary from period to period; (4) our investment portfolio is subject to several risks that may diminish the value of our invested assets and the investment returns credited to customers, which could reduce our sales, revenues, AUM and net income; (5) our valuation of investments and the determinations of the amount of allowances and impairments taken on our investments may include methodologies, estimations and assumptions that are subject to differing interpretations and, if changed, could materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition; (6) any impairments of or valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition; (7) we may face losses on our insurance and annuity products if our actual experience differs significantly from our pricing and reserving assumptions; (8) the pattern of amortizing our DAC asset and other actuarial balances may change, impacting both the level of our DAC asset and other actuarial balances and the timing of our net income; (9) changes in laws or regulations may reduce our profitability or impact how we do business; (10) our ability to pay stockholder dividends, make share repurchases and meet our obligations may be constrained by the limitations on dividends or other distributions Iowa insurance laws impose on Principal Life; (11) changes in accounting standards may adversely affect our reported results of operations and financial condition; (12) litigation and regulatory investigations may affect our financial strength or reduce our profitability; (13) from time to time, we may become subject to tax audits, tax litigation or similar proceedings, and as a result we may owe additional taxes, interest and penalties in amounts that may be material; (14) applicable laws and our certificate of incorporation and by-laws may discourage takeovers and business combinations that some stockholders might consider in their best interests; (15) competition, including from companies that may have greater financial resources, broader arrays of products, higher ratings and stronger financial performance, may impair our ability to retain existing customers, attract new customers and maintain our profitability; …

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Current wording

Actual results may differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the following: (1) adverse capital and credit market conditions may significantly affect our ability to meet liquidity needs, as well as our access to capital and cost of capital; (2) conditions in the global capital markets, including the equity, bond or real estate markets and the economy generally may materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations; (3) changes in interest rates or credit spreads or a prolonged low interest rate environment may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and our net income can vary from period to period; (4) our investment portfolio’s risks may reduce asset values, credited returns and overall financial performance; (5) our valuation of investments and the determinations of the amount of allowances and impairments taken on our investments may include methodologies, estimations and assumptions that are subject to differing interpretations and, if changed, could materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition; (6) any impairments of, or valuation allowances against, our deferred tax assets could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition; (7) we may face losses on our insurance and annuity products if our actual experience differs significantly from our pricing and reserving assumptions; (8) the pattern of amortizing our DAC asset and other actuarial balances may change, impacting both the level of our DAC asset and other actuarial balances and the timing of our net income; (9) changes in laws or regulations may reduce our profitability or impact how we do business; (10) our ability to pay stockholder dividends, make share repurchases and meet our obligations may be constrained by the limitations on dividends or other distributions Iowa insurance laws impose on Principal Life; (11) changes in accounting standards may adversely affect our reported results of operations and financial condition; (12) litigation and regulatory investigations may affect our financial strength or reduce our profitability; (13) damage to our reputation may adversely affect our revenues and profitability; (14) we may not be able to protect our intellectual property and may be subject to infringement claims; (15) from time to time, we may become subject to tax audits, tax litigation or similar proceedings, and as a result we may owe additional taxes, interest and penalties in amounts that may be material; (16) applicable laws and our certificate of incorporation and by-laws may discourage takeovers and business combinations that some stockholders might consider in their best interests; (17) our risk management framework may not identify or mitigate all risks, potentially leading to unexpected losses; (18) competition, including from companies that may have greater financi…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

Transaction Affecting Comparability of Results of Operations

Current wording

Transactions Affecting Comparability of Results of Operations

Previous wording

Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations create variances in our financial statement line items. The most significant impact occurs within our Principal Asset Management segment where pre-tax operating earnings were positively impacted $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and negatively impacted $8.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, as a result of fluctuations in foreign currency to U.S. dollar exchange rates. This impact was calculated by comparing (a) the difference between current year results and prior year results to (b) the difference between current year results and prior year results translated using current year exchange rates for both periods. We use this approach to calculate the impact of exchange rates on all revenue and expense line items. For a discussion of our approaches to managing foreign currency exchange rate risk, see Item 3. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Foreign Currency Risk.”

Current wording

Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations create variances in our financial statement line items. The most significant impact occurs within our Principal Asset Management segment where pre-tax operating earnings were positively impacted $8.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, as a result of fluctuations in foreign currency to U.S. dollar exchange rates. This impact was calculated by comparing (a) the difference between current year results and prior year results to (b) the difference between current year results and prior year results translated using current year exchange rates for both periods. We use this approach to calculate the impact of exchange rates on all revenue and expense line items. For a discussion of our approaches to managing foreign currency exchange rate risk, see Item 3. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Foreign Currency Risk.”

Previous wording

Net income (loss) attributable to Principal Financial Group, Inc. increased primarily due to the change in the fair value of the funds withheld embedded derivative.

Current wording

Net income attributable to Principal Financial Group, Inc. increased primarily due to the change in fair value of the funds withheld embedded derivative.

Previous wording

Premiums and other considerations decreased $412.8 million for the Retirement and Income Solutions segment primarily due to lower sales of single premium group annuities with life contingencies. Premiums and other considerations increased $81.3 million for the Benefits and Protection segment primarily due to growth in our Specialty Benefits business.

Current wording

Premiums and other considerations decreased $638.4 million for the Retirement and Income Solutions segment primarily due to lower sales of single premium group annuities with life contingencies. Premiums and other considerations increased $37.1 million for the Benefits and Protection segment primarily due to growth in the Specialty Benefits business.

Previous wording

Fees and other revenues increased $5.5 million for the Retirement and Income Solutions segment primarily due to an increase in fee revenue stemming from an increase in average monthly account values, which largely resulted from more favorable financial markets. Fees and other revenues increased for the Principal Asset Management segment primarily due to $19.4 million higher management fee revenue as a result of increased average AUM managed by our Investment Management operations. Fees and other revenues increased for the Corporate segment primarily due to a $4.2 million increase in our broker-dealer operations.

Current wording

Fees and other revenues increased $17.9 million for the Corporate segment primarily due to commission income related to the affiliated distribution realignment in 2026. Fees and other revenues increased $14.8 million for the Principal Asset Management segment primarily due to foreign currency tailwinds. Fees and other revenues increased $9.7 million for the Retirement and Income Solutions segment primarily due to an increase in fee revenue stemming from an increase in average monthly account values, which largely resulted from more favorable financial markets.

Previous wording

Net realized capital gains on funds withheld assets decreased primarily due to lower net gains on sales of funds withheld assets as a result of reduced sales in 2025 by an external reinsurer.

Current wording

Net realized capital gains on funds withheld assets decreased primarily due to net unrealized losses on funds withheld assets in 2026 as compared to net unrealized gains in 2025.

Previous wording

The change in fair value of the funds withheld embedded derivative resulted in a larger loss in 2025 compared to 2024 due to changes in interest rates and credit spreads.

Current wording

The change in fair value of the funds withheld embedded derivative resulted in a gain in 2026 as compared to a loss in 2025 due to changes in interest rates and credit spreads.

Previous wording

Benefits, claims and settlement expenses increased $163.7 million in the Retirement and Income Solutions segment primarily due to an increase in reserves, largely stemming from higher sales of single premium group annuities with life contingencies.

Current wording

Benefits, claims and settlement expenses decreased $575.4 million for the Retirement and Income Solutions segment primarily due to a decrease in reserves, largely stemming from lower sales of single premium group annuities with life contingencies.

Previous wording

The effective income tax rate decreased to 6% for the three months ended September 30, 2025, from 34% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to an increase in pre-tax income with no proportional changes in permanent tax differences. See Item 1. “Financial Statements, Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 13, Income Taxes” for a reconciliation between the U.S. corporate income tax rate and the effective income tax rate.

Current wording

The effective income tax rate of 14% for the three months ended March 31, 2026 changed from (118)% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to an increase in pre-tax income with no proportionate change in permanent tax differences.

Previous wording

The following table presents the Retirement and Income Solutions segment net revenue and average monthly account values for the periods indicated:

Current wording

The following table presents the Retirement and Income Solutions segment net revenue and average monthly account values for theperiods indicated:

Previous wording

Pre-tax operating earnings increased due to an increase in our net revenue, which was slightly offset by an increase in operating expenses as described below.

Current wording

Pre-tax operating earnings increased due to an increase in net revenue, which was slightly offset by an increase in operating expenses as described below.

Previous wording

Net revenue increased primarily due to a $28.7 million impact associated with actuarial assumption updates and model refinements, which were favorable in 2025 compared to unfavorable in 2024, a $24.2 million impact due to growth in the business and a $6.1 million increase in fee revenue primarily due to an increase in average monthly account values, which largely resulted from more favorable financial markets.

Current wording

Net revenue increased primarily due to a $14.0 million increase resulting from growth in the business, a $9.3 million increase in fee revenue primarily due to an increase in average monthly account values, which largely resulted from more favorable financial markets and an $8.0 million increase in variable investment income.

Previous wording

Operating expenses increased primarily due to growth in the business.

Current wording

Operating expenses increased primarily due to a refinement of an accrual estimate related to plan administration expenses favorably impacting the first quarter of 2025 with no corresponding activity in the first quarter of 2026.

Previous wording

Pre-tax operating earnings increased in our Investment Management operations due to $51.9 million higher management fee revenue as a result of increased average AUM, which was partially offset by $15.7 million increase in variable compensation expense. Pre-tax operating earnings increased in our International Pension operations primarily due to $15.2 million of increased fees from increased business, $15.2 million of favorable relative market performance on our required regulatory investments and $14.0 million increased variable investment income. These improvements were partially offset by $15.3 million lower earnings from our equity method investments in Brazil, primarily as a result of our prior year actuarial assumption review and other updates, and $10.9 million of foreign currency headwinds.

Current wording

Pre-tax operating earnings increased in our Investment Management operations primarily due to $9.5 million higher management fee revenue as a result of increased average AUM. Pre-tax operating earnings increased in our International Pension operations due to $12.8 million higher earnings from our equity method investments in Brazil and $6.8 million of foreign currency tailwinds. These improvements were partially offset by $8.8 million of unfavorable relative market performance on our required regulatory investments.

Previous wording

The following table presents the Benefits and Protection segment premium and fees for the periods indicated:

Current wording

The following table presents the Benefits and Protection segment premium and fees for theperiods indicated:

Previous wording

Premiums and fees increased primarily due to growth in the business.

Previous wording

Net investment income in our Life Insurance business increased $5.1 million due to growth in invested assets, $4.7 million from mark-to-market changes on options associated with our indexed universal life insurance and $1.8 million from higher yields on invested assets.

Current wording

Net investment income in our Specialty Benefits business increased $3.1 million due to higher yields on invested assets. Net investment income in our Life Insurance business increased $1.8 million from growth in invested assets and $1.6 million from mark-to-market changes on options associated with our indexed universal life insurance.

Previous wording

Dividends to policyholders in our Life Insurance business increased $15.0 million primarily due to a change in the policyholder dividend obligation.

Current wording

Dividends to policyholders in our Life Insurance business increased primarily due to a higher policyholder dividend obligation in the closed block from improved claims experience.

Previous wording

We also manage liquidity risk by limiting the sales of liabilities with features such as puts or other options that can be exercised at inopportune times. For example, as of September 30, 2025, approximately $14.0 billion, or 99%, of our institutional guaranteed investment contracts and funding agreements cannot be redeemed by contractholders prior to maturity. Our individual annuity liabilities also contain surrender charges and other provisions limiting early surrenders.

Current wording

We also manage liquidity risk by limiting the sales of liabilities with features such as puts or other options that can be exercised at inopportune times. For example, as of March 31, 2026, approximately$13.8 billion, or 99%, of our institutional guaranteed investment contracts and funding agreements cannot be redeemed by contractholders prior to maturity. Our individual annuity liabilities also contain surrender charges and other provisions limiting early surrenders.

Previous wording

Dividends or other distributions from Principal Life, our primary subsidiary, are limited by Iowa law. Under Iowa law, Principal Life may pay dividends or make other distributions only from the earned surplus arising from its business and must receive the prior approval of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Iowa (the “Commissioner”) to pay stockholder dividends or make any other distribution if such distribution would exceed certain statutory limitations. Iowa law gives the Commissioner discretion to disapprove requests for distributions in excess of these limitations. Extraordinary dividends include those made, together with dividends and other distributions, within the preceding twelve months that exceed the greater of (i) 10% of statutory policyholder surplus as of the previous year-end excluding admitted disallowed interest maintenance reserve or (ii) the statutory net gain from operations from the previous calendar year, not to exceed earned surplus. Based on statutory results for the year ended December 31, 2024, the ordinary stockholder dividend limitation for Principal Life is approximately $1,313.1 million in 2025. However, because the dividend test is based on dividends previously paid over rolling twelve month periods, if paid before a specified date during 2025, some or all of such dividends may be extraordinary and require regulatory approval.

Current wording

Dividends or other distributions from Principal Life, our primary subsidiary, are limited by Iowa law. Under Iowa law, Principal Life may pay dividends or make other distributions only from the earned surplus arising from its business and must receive the prior approval of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Iowa (the “Commissioner”) to pay stockholder dividends or make any other distribution if such distribution would exceed certain statutory limitations. Iowa law gives the Commissioner discretion to disapprove requests for distributions in excess of these limitations. Extraordinary dividends include those made, together with dividends and other distributions, within the preceding twelve months that exceed the greater of (i) 10% of statutory policyholder surplus as of the previous year-end excluding admitted disallowed interest maintenance reserve or (ii) the statutory net gain from operations from the previous calendar year, not to exceed earned surplus. Based on statutory results for the year ended December 31, 2025, the ordinary stockholder dividend limitation for Principal Life is approximately$1,234.0 million in 2026. However, because the dividend test is based on dividends previously paid over rolling twelve month periods, if paid before a specified date during 2026, some or all of such dividends may be extraordinary and require regulatory approval.

Previous wording

Total stockholder dividends paid by Principal Life to its parent for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, were $955.0 million, all of which was extraordinary and approved by the Commissioner. As of September 30, 2025, we had $2,675.2 million of cash and liquid assets held in our holding companies and other subsidiaries, which is available for corporate purposes. Corporate balances held in foreign holding companies meet the indefinite reinvestment exception.

Current wording

Total stockholder dividends paid by Principal Life to its parentfor the three months ended March 31, 2026, were$232.0 million, all of which was extraordinary and approved by the Commissioner. As of March 31, 2026, we had$1,802.6 million ofcash and liquid assets held in our holding companies and other subsidiaries, which is available for corporate purposes. Corporate balances held in foreign holding companies meet the indefinite reinvestment exception.

Previous wording

Net cash provided by operating activities was $2,793.0 million and $3,143.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Our insurance business typically generates positive cash flows from operating activities, as premiums collected from our insurance products and investment income received exceed acquisition costs, benefits paid, redemptions and operating expenses. These positive cash flows are then invested to support the obligations of our insurance and investment products and required capital supporting these products. Our cash flows from operating activities are affected by the timing of premiums, fees and investment income received and benefits and expenses paid. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities in 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily due to fluctuations in receivables and payables associated with the timing of settlements.

Current wording

Net cash provided by operating activities was $187.1 million and $977.3 million for thethree months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. Our insurance business typically generates positive cash flows from operating activities, as premiums collected from our insurance products and investment income received exceed acquisition costs, benefits paid, redemptions and operating expenses. These positive cash flows are then invested to support the obligations of our insurance and investment products and required capital supporting these products. Our cash flows from operating activities are affected by the timing of premiums, fees and investment income received and benefits and expenses paid. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities in 2026 compared to 2025 was primarily due to fluctuations in receivables and payables associated with the timing of settlements.

Previous wording

Net cash used in investing activities was $1,034.6 million and $1,628.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The decrease in cash used in investing activities was primarily due to lower net purchases of available-for-sale securities in 2025 as compared to 2024. This was partially offset by net purchases of mortgage loans in 2025 as compared to net sales in 2024.

Current wording

Net cash used in investing activities was $959.8 million and $952.7 million for thethree months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. The increase in cash used in investing activities was due to net acquisitions and originations of mortgage loans in 2026 compared to net sales of mortgage loans in 2025, which were mostly offset by lower net purchases of available-for-sale securities in 2026 as compared to 2025.

Previous wording

Net cash used in financing activities was $833.2 million and $48.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The increase in cash used in financing activities was due to a $400.0 million repayment of long-term debt that matured during 2025 and a lower increase in both banking operation deposits and net investment contract deposits in 2025 as compared to 2024.

Current wording

Net cash provided by financing activities was $395.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $360.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The increase in cash provided by financing activities was due to an increase in banking operations net deposits and net investment contract deposits in 2026 as compared to 2025.

Previous wording

In March 2018, we entered into two contingent funding agreements that give us the right at any time over a ten-year or thirty-year period to issue up to $400.0 million or $350.0 million, respectively, of senior notes. In March 2025, we exercised our right to issue $400.0 million of senior notes under the ten-year contingent funding agreement.

Current wording

In March 2018, we entered into a contingent funding agreement that gives us the right at any time over a thirty-year period to issue up to $350.0 million of senior notes.

Previous wording

In February 2024, our Board authorized a share repurchase program of up to $1.5 billion of our outstanding common stock, which has no expiration date. In February 2025, our Board authorized a share repurchase program of up to $1.5 billion of our outstanding common stock, which has no expiration date. See Part II, Item 2. “Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds,” for information about our share repurchase authorizations. For additional stockholders’ equity information, see Item 1. “Financial Statements, Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 16, Stockholders’ Equity.”

Current wording

In February 2024, our Board authorized a share repurchase program of up to $1.5 billion of our outstanding common stock, which was completed in December 2025. In February 2025, our Board authorized a share repurchase program of up to $1.5 billion of our outstanding common stock, which has no expiration date. See Part II, Item 2. “Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds,” for information about our share repurchase authorizations. For additional stockholders’ equity information, see Item 1. “Financial Statements, Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 14, Stockholders’ Equity.”

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2024, 47% of our net assets (liabilities) were Level 1, 50% were Level 2 and 3% were Level 3. Excluding separate account assets as of December 31, 2024, 4% of our net assets (liabilities) were Level 1, 87% were Level 2 and 9% were Level 3.

Current wording

As of March 31, 2026, 46% of our net assets (liabilities) were Level 1, 51% were Level 2 and 3% were Level 3. Excluding separate account assets as of March 31, 2026, 4% of our net assets (liabilities) were Level 1, 88% were Level 2 and 8% were Level 3.

Previous wording

As of September 30, 2025, 47% of our net assets (liabilities) were Level 1, 50% were Level 2 and 3% were Level 3. Excluding separate account assets as of September 30, 2025, 3% of our net assets (liabilities) were Level 1, 89% were Level 2 and 8% were Level 3.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2025, 46% of our net assets (liabilities) were Level 1, 51% were Level 2 and 3% were Level 3. Excluding separate account assets as of December 31, 2025, 3% of our net assets (liabilities) were Level 1, 89% were Level 2 and 8% were Level 3.

Previous wording

Net assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of September 30, 2025, were $7,051.3 million as compared to $8,046.3 million as of December 31, 2024. The decrease was primarily related to issuances of investment and universal life contracts, a decrease in the funds withheld payable embedded derivative net asset and settlements of mortgage loans.

Current wording

Net assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of March 31, 2026, were $7,308.9 million as compared to $7,042.6 million as of December 31, 2025. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the funds withheld payable embedded derivative net asset and an increase in fixed maturities, available-for-sale resulting from net purchases and net transfers into Level 3.

Previous wording

We had total consolidated assets as of September 30, 2025, of $334,491.8 million, of which $107,608.1 million were invested assets. A portion of our invested assets represent funds withheld backing reserves as part of coinsurance with funds withheld reinsurance agreements. The funds withheld assets and associated net investment income and net realized capital gains (losses) are not included in the discussions below as the investment risk is passed to the reinsurer. See Item 1. “Financial Statements, Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 11, Reinsurance” for more information on the funds withheld assets. The rest of our total consolidated assets are comprised primarily of separate account assets for which we do not bear investment risk; therefore, the discussion and financial information below does not include such assets.

Current wording

We had total consolidated assets as of March 31, 2026, of$332,704.5 million, of which$110,857.6 million were invested assets. A portion of our invested assets represent funds withheld backing reserves as part of coinsurance with funds withheld reinsurance agreements. The funds withheld assets and associated net investment income and net realized capital gains (losses) are not included in the discussions below as the investment risk is passed to the reinsurer. See Item 1. “Financial Statements, Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 10, Reinsurance” for more information on the funds withheld assets. The rest of our total consolidated assets are comprised primarily of separate account assets for which we do not bear investment risk; therefore, the discussion and financial information below does not include such assets.

Previous wording

Net investment income increased primarily due to higher average invested assets and yields in fixed maturities for our U.S. operations. These increases were partially offset by lower income associated with currency derivatives for our U.S. operations.

Current wording

Net investment income increased primarily due to higher average invested assets in fixed maturities, derivatives in fair value hedges, and other investments for our U.S. operations. These increases were partially offset by lower inflation-based returns on average invested assets and cash in Latin America.

Previous wording

Net realized capital losses increased primarily due to losses versus gains on currency derivatives, the write-down of an intangible asset in 2025, increased losses on non-hedged interest rate derivatives due to changes in rates, decreased gains on equity real estate sales and increased losses on non-credit available-for-sale fixed maturities. These changes were partially offset by gains versus losses on GMWB/RILA activities and decreased losses on commercial mortgage loan reserve changes.

Current wording

Net realized capital losses increased primarily due to losses versus gains on GMWB/RILA activities and increased credit losses from available-for-sale fixed maturities. These increases were partially offset by a held-for-sale write-down of an intangible asset in 2025, increased gains on currency derivatives, reduced losses from noncredit available-for-sale fixed maturities and reduced losses on non-hedged interest rate derivatives due to changes in rates.

Previous wording

Of our invested assets, $83,655.5 million were held by our U.S. operations as of September 30, 2025. Our U.S. invested assets are managed primarily by Principal Asset Management–Investment Management. Our Investment Committee, appointed by our Board, is responsible for establishing investment policies and monitoring risk limits and tolerances. Our primary investment objective is to maximize after-tax returns consistent with acceptable risk parameters. We seek to protect customers’ benefits by optimizing the risk/return relationship on an ongoing basis, through asset/liability matching, reducing credit risk, avoiding high levels of investments that may be redeemed by the issuer, maintaining sufficiently liquid investments and avoiding undue asset concentrations through diversification. We are exposed to two primary sources of investment risk:

Current wording

Of our invested assets, $87,685.4 million were held by our U.S. operations as of March 31, 2026. Our U.S. invested assets are managed primarily by Principal Asset Management–Investment Management. Our Investment Committee, appointed by our Board, is responsible for establishing investment policies and monitoring risk limits and tolerances. Our primary investment objective is to maximize after-tax returns consistent with acceptable risk parameters. We seek to protect customers’ benefits by optimizing the risk/return relationship on an ongoing basis, through asset/liability matching, reducing credit risk, avoiding high levels of investments that may be redeemed by the issuer, maintaining sufficiently liquid investments and avoiding undue asset concentrations through diversification. We are exposed to two primary sources of investment risk:

Previous wording

We purchase credit default swaps to hedge certain credit exposures in our investment portfolio. We economically hedged credit exposure in our portfolio by purchasing credit default swaps with a notional amount of $105.0 million and $155.0 million as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. We sell credit default swaps and total return swaps to offer credit protection to investors when entering into synthetic replicating transactions. When selling credit protection, if there is an event of default by the referenced name, we are obligated to pay the counterparty the referenced amount of the contract and receive in return the referenced security. When selling total return swaps, if there is an event of default by the referenced name, we are obligated to compensate the protection buyer for any decline in the price of the referenced security. For further information on credit derivatives sold, see Item 1. “Financial Statements, Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 5, Derivative Financial Instruments” under the caption, “Credit Derivatives Sold.”

Current wording

We purchase credit default swaps to hedge certain credit exposures in our investment portfolio. We economically hedged credit exposure in our portfolio by purchasing credit default swaps with a notional amount of $84.9 million and $85.0 million as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively. We sell credit default swaps and total return swaps to offer credit protection to investors when entering into synthetic replicating transactions. When selling credit protection, if there is an event of default by the referenced name, we are obligated to pay the counterparty the referenced amount of the contract and receive in return the referenced security. When selling total return swaps, if there is an event of default by the referenced name, we are obligated to compensate the protection buyer for any decline in the price of the referenced security. For further information on credit derivatives sold, see Item 1. “Financial Statements, Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 4, Derivative Financial Instruments” under the caption, “Credit Derivatives Sold.”

Previous wording

The amortized cost and weighted average yield, calculated using amortized cost, of non-structured fixed maturity securities that will be callable at the option of the issuer, excluding securities with a make-whole provision, were $3,655.6 million and 4.8%, respectively, as of September 30, 2025, and $2,091.5 million and 4.0%, respectively, as of December 31, 2024. In addition, the amortized cost and weighted average yield of RMBS, residential collateralized mortgage obligations, and asset-backed securities - home equity with material prepayment risk were $8,843.0 million and 4.2%, respectively, as of September 30, 2025, and $8,401.9 million and 4.1%, respectively, as of December 31, 2024.

Current wording

The amortized cost and weighted average yield, calculated using amortized cost, of non-structured fixed maturity securities that will be callable at the option of the issuer, excluding securities with a make-whole provision, were $4,249.1 million and 4.8%, respectively, as of March 31, 2026, and $3,990.4 million and 4.8%, respectively, as of December 31, 2025. In addition, the amortized cost and weighted average yield of RMBS, residential collateralized mortgage obligations, and asset-backed securities - home equity with material prepayment risk were $9,156.1 million and 4.2%, respectively, as of March 31, 2026, and $9,021.4 million and 4.2%, respectively, as of December 31, 2025.

Previous wording

The international exposure held in our U.S. operation’s fixed maturities portfolio was 15% of total fixed maturities as of September 30, 2025, and 14% as of December 31, 2024. It is comprised of corporate and foreign government fixed maturities.

Current wording

The international exposure held in our U.S. operation’s fixed maturities portfolio was 14% of total fixed maturities as of both March 31, 2026, and December 31, 2025. It is comprised of corporate and foreign government fixed maturities.

Previous wording

International fixed maturities exposure is determined by the country of risk of the obligor entity. All international fixed maturities held by our U.S. operations are either denominated in U.S. dollars or have been swapped into U.S. dollar equivalents. Our international investments are analyzed internally by country and industry credit investment professionals. We control concentrations using issuer and country level exposure benchmarks, which are based on the credit quality of the issuer and the country. Our investment policy limits total international fixed maturities investments and we are within those internal limits. Exposure to Canada is not included in our international exposure. As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, our investments in Canada totaled $932.8 million and $966.1 million, respectively.

Current wording

International fixed maturities exposure is determined by the country of risk of the obligor entity. All international fixed maturities held by our U.S. operations are either denominated in U.S. dollars or have been swapped into U.S. dollar equivalents. Our international investments are analyzed internally by country and industry credit investment professionals. We control concentrations using issuer and country level exposure benchmarks, which are based on the credit quality of the issuer and the country. Our investment policy limits total international fixed maturities investments and we are within those internal limits. Exposure to Canada is not included in our international exposure. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, our investments in Canada totaled $929.0 million and $938.0 million, respectively.

Previous wording

Fixed Maturities Credit Concentrations. One aspect of managing credit risk is through industry, issuer and asset class diversification. Our credit concentrations are managed to established limits. The top 10 exposures comprised 5.5% of single-name credit fixed maturity exposures as of September 30, 2025, and 5.4% as of December 31, 2024.

Current wording

Fixed Maturities Credit Concentrations. One aspect of managing credit risk is through industry, issuer and asset class diversification. Our credit concentrations are managed to established limits. The top 10 exposures comprised 5.5% of single-name credit fixed maturity exposures as of March 31, 2026, and 5.5% as of December 31, 2025.

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Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

Premiums and other considerations increased $94.8 million for the Retirement and Income Solutions segment primarily due to higher sales of single premium group annuities with life contingencies. Premiums and other considerations increased $29.4 million for the Benefits and Protection segment primarily due to growth in our Specialty Benefits business.

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

Net Income Attributable to Principal Financial Group, Inc.

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

For net investment income and net realized capital gains (losses) variance information, see “Investments — Investment Results” under the captions “Net Investment Income” and “Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses),” respectively.

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

Pre-tax operating earnings increased due to an increase in our net revenue, which was slightly offset by an increase in operating expenses as described below.

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

Net investment income increased primarily due to higher average invested assets in fixed maturities and higher income associated with derivatives in fair value hedges and other alternative investments for our U.S. operations. These increases were partially offset by lower yields in fixed maturities and the sale of certain value-add real estate in third quarter of 2024 for our U.S. operations.