Principal Financial - PFG STOCK NEWS

Principal Financial Group reveals that 60% of retirement savers have reduced, stopped, or withdrawn contributions at some point, according to a recent survey. Despite these setbacks, 50% managed to catch up to their original savings trajectory. 78% of those who paused contributions eventually resumed saving.

The survey identified key reasons for reducing savings, including high monthly expenses, lower income, unexpected life events, and debt repayment. Essential expenses, house down payments, and job loss were primary drivers for withdrawals. Three-quarters of respondents felt they had no alternative when modifying their retirement contributions.

Among top savers (those contributing 15%+ of annual income), 65% also utilized IRAs compared to 39% of lower-contribution savers, indicating a trend toward diversifying retirement investment vehicles beyond 401(k) plans. Notably, 40% of these high-contribution savers had previously paused or modified their retirement savings at some point.

Principal Asset Management has successfully closed its Principal Data Center Growth & Income Fund with a substantial $3.64 billion capital raise, exceeding the target from a diverse global investor base. The fund, which represents Principal's third discretionary data center-focused vehicle, is expected to capitalize over $8 billion of hyperscale development assets across the United States in partnership with Stream Data Centers.

The fund closure strengthens Principal's position in digital infrastructure investments, with Principal Real Estate managing over $100 billion in global real estate assets. As a top 10 global real estate manager, Principal Real Estate has been investing in data centers since 2007, currently maintaining data center assets under management and a construction pipeline valued at $11 billion.

Principal Asset Management has appointed Brant Wong as head of retirement solutions to spearhead the expansion of their retirement investment franchise. Wong, a 30-year industry veteran and former J.P. Morgan executive, will focus on connecting client needs with product innovation across asset management and U.S. retirement businesses.

The company, which manages nearly $320 billion in retirement AUM, is expanding its investment solutions with new offerings including the Principal® LifeTime Strategic Index CITs, a passive target date fund. Recent additions to their portfolio include personalized target date options and a hybrid QDIA combining target date strategies with managed account services.

Principal Financial Group (PFG) reported strong financial results for 2024, with full-year non-GAAP operating earnings per diluted share of $7.65, marking an 11% increase. The company returned $1.7 billion to shareholders, including $1.0 billion in share repurchases and $0.7 billion in dividends.

Key highlights include assets under management of $712 billion and assets under administration of $1.7 trillion. The Board approved a new $1.5 billion share repurchase authorization and increased the Q1 2025 dividend to $0.75 per share, a 9% increase from Q1 2024.

For 2025, PFG provided guidance aligned with long-term targets: 9-12% annual non-GAAP operating EPS growth, 75-85% free capital flow conversion, 14-16% non-GAAP ROE, and $1.4-$1.7 billion in capital deployment. The company maintains a strong financial position with $1.6 billion in excess capital and a 404% statutory risk-based capital ratio.

Principal Financial Group research reveals key insights about retirement savings and small business outlook for 2025. While 88% of Americans are saving for retirement, with 89% using employer plans and 58% contributing at least 9% of annual income, there's a notable confidence gap. 34% feel behind on retirement goals and 32% are uncertain about maintaining their living standard post-retirement.

The study highlights misconceptions about retirement planning, with 56% believing they need 30x their annual salary saved by age 65, though 10x may suffice. Additionally, 54% incorrectly assume they can safely withdraw 10% of retirement savings annually. On the business front, small-to-midsized business owners show cautious optimism, with 64% positive about their 12-month outlook despite decreased confidence in U.S. economy (14-point drop) and local economies (12-point drop). Employee retention concerns fell from 46% to 32%, while talent attraction worries dropped from 39% to 33%.

Principal Financial Group (Nasdaq: PFG) has announced that Amy Friedrich, president of Benefits & Protection, will participate in a fireside chat at the UBS Financial Services Conference on February 10, 2025, at 11:20 a.m. Eastern Time. The session will be available via audio webcast at principal.com/investor.

Principal Financial Group is a global financial company with a 145-year history, serving over 68 million customers and employing nearly 20,000 people as of September 30, 2024. The company focuses on helping people and businesses with planning, protection, investment, and retirement services. Principal has earned recognition as one of the 2024 World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere, is a member of the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, and has been named a 'Best Places to Work in Money Management.'

Principal Financial Group (Nasdaq: PFG) has announced its schedule for releasing fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results, along with its 2025 outlook. The financial results will be released after U.S. markets close on February 6, 2025, followed by a live conference call on February 7, 2025, at 9 a.m. ET.

The conference call will be led by Deanna Strable, president and CEO, and Joel Pitz, interim CFO, who will discuss the results and provide the company's 2025 outlook. Additional senior management will be available for a Q&A session. The earnings release, financial supplement, and presentation slides will be accessible at investors.principal.com.

Principal Financial Group serves approximately 68 million customers with nearly 20,000 employees as of September 30, 2024, focusing on wealth and well-being services for people and businesses.

Principal Financial Group (Nasdaq: PFG) announces a significant community event at its global headquarters in Des Moines on World Cancer Day, February 4, 2025, featuring the V Foundation for Cancer Research. The event will showcase keynote speeches from Shane Jacobson, V Foundation CEO, and Dr. Susanna Greer, Chief Scientific Officer.

Principal has launched the Move to Make a Difference challenge, pledging to donate $1 to the V Foundation for every mile employees move between January 13 and June 30, 2025, targeting one million miles for a $1 million donation. The initiative aligns with concerning statistics showing Iowa has the second-highest cancer rate nationally.

The V Foundation, founded by ESPN and Jim Valvano, has funded nearly $400 million in cancer research grants across North America. The partnership emphasizes Principal's commitment to community health and financial stability, recognizing health's important role in long-term financial security.

Principal Asset Management, part of Principal Financial Group, has been named 2024 Best Place to Work in Money Management by Pensions & Investments. This marks their 13th consecutive year receiving this recognition in the 'largest employers' category, maintaining their perfect record since the program began.

The company's success is attributed to its focus on creating a global culture emphasizing personal engagement, client collaboration, and platform transformation. Principal Asset Management offers various employee-centric programs, including flexible work arrangements, a global mentoring program for career development, and comprehensive wellness initiatives.

According to Kamal Bhatia, president and CEO of Principal Asset Management, the recognition reflects their commitment to being a cultural role model while adapting to evolving workplace expectations.