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   <TD noWrap align=center><B><FONT size=5 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD align=center><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Washington, D.C. 20549</FONT></B></TD></TR>

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   <TD align=center><B><FONT size=5 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">FORM 8-K</FONT></B></TD></TR>

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   <TD align=center><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">CURRENT REPORT</FONT></B></TD></TR>

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   <TD align=center><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the</FONT></B></TD></TR>

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   <TD align=center><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Securities Exchange Act of 1934</FONT></B></TD></TR>

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   <TD align=center><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Date of Report: </FONT><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">February 2, 2012</FONT></B></TD></TR>

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   <TD align=center><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(Date of earliest event reported)</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>

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   <TD colSpan=3 noWrap align=center><B><FONT size=5 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=3 align=center><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</FONT></TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 10px" noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Delaware</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1-16725&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></B>&nbsp;<B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">42-1520346</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=center><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (State or other jurisdiction</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (Commission file number)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(I.R.S. Employer</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=center><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; of incorporation)</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=center><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Identification Number)</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=3 align=center><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">711 High Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50392</FONT></B></TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=3 align=center><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(Address of principal executive offices)</FONT></TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=3 align=center><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(515) 247-5111</FONT></B></TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=3 align=center><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(Registrant&#8217;s telephone number, including area code)</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; registrant under any of the following provisions:</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ]</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ]</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">240.14d-2(b))</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">240.13e-4(c))</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Page 2</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Item 2.02.&nbsp; Results of Operations and Financial Condition</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">On February 2, 2012, Principal Financial Group, Inc. publicly announced information regarding its</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">results of operations and financial condition for the year and&nbsp;quarter ended December 31, 2011. The text of</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">the announcement is included herewith as Exhibit 99.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Item 9.01&nbsp;&nbsp;Financial Statements and Exhibits</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">99 <FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">Calendar Year and </FONT>Fourth Quarter 2011 Earnings Release</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

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   <TD colSpan=2 align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SIGNATURE</FONT></TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 10px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 61px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; By:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U></FONT><U>&nbsp;<FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">/s/ Terrance J. </FONT><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Lillis</FONT>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </U></TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 61px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Name:&nbsp;&nbsp; Terrance J. Lillis</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 61px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Title:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Senior Vice President and Chief Financial</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Officer</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Date: February 2, 2012</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; EXHIBIT 99</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Release:</FONT>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">On receipt, Feb. 2, 2012</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Media contact:</FONT>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Susan Houser, 515-248-2268<FONT size=2 face="Times New Roman">, houser.susan@principal.com</FONT></FONT></TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><I><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Investor contact:</FONT></I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <I><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">John Egan, 515-235-9500, </FONT></I><B><I><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldItalicMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">egan.john@principal.com</FONT></I></B></TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=3 align=left><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Principal Financial Group, Inc. Announces Full Year</FONT></B></TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=3 align=left><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; and Fourth Quarter 2011 Results</FONT></B></TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=center><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Full-year 2011 operating earnings</FONT></B><B><SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">1 </FONT></SUP></B><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">of $878.1 million, an increase of 4 percent over 2010;</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">net income available to common stockholders of $682.0 million, an increase of 2 percent</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">over 2010.</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD>

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   <TD noWrap align=center><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Fourth quarter 2011 operating earnings of $217.1 million, an increase of 1 percent over</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">fourth quarter 2010; net income available to common stockholders of $164.0 million, a</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">decrease of 18 percent compared to fourth quarter 2010.</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=center><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Year-end 2011 assets under management of $335.0 billion, an increase of 5 percent</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(Des Moines, Iowa) &#8211; Principal Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: PFG) today announced results for full-year and</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">fourth quarter 2011. The company reported operating earnings of $878.1 million for the twelve months ended</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Dec. 31, 2011, compared to $844.8 million for the twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2010. Operating earnings per</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">diluted share (EPS) were $2.76 for the twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2011, compared to $2.62 for the twelve</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">months ended Dec. 31, 2010. The company reported net income available to common stockholders of $682.0</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">million, or $2.15 per diluted share for the twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2011, compared to $666.3 million, or</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">$2.06 per diluted share for the twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2010. Operating revenues for the year 2011 were</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">$8,325.1 million compared to $8,041.9 million for the same period last year.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">The company reported operating earnings of $217.1 million for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2011,</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">compared to $214.1 million for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2010. Operating earnings per diluted share</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(EPS) were $0.71 for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2011, compared to $0.66 for the three months ended Dec.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">31, 2010. The company reported net income available to common stockholders of $164.0 million, or $0.54 per</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">diluted share for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2011, compared to $199.3 million, or $0.62 per diluted share</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2010. Operating revenues for the fourth quarter 2011 were $2,103.1 million</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">compared to $2,106.5 million for the same period last year.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&#8220;In 2011 we delivered solid operating earnings despite market challenges during the year. We</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">again benefitted from business and geographic diversification with Principal International, Principal Global</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Investors and U.S. Insurance Solutions each delivering double-digit earnings growth for the year. The</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Retirement and Investor Service Accumulation</FONT><SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">2 </FONT></SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">businesses, which are directly impacted by the pace of the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">economic recovery, continue to show improvement with impressive sales growth and improved net cash</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">flows,&#8221; said Larry D. Zimpleman, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Principal Financial</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=3></TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=3>___________________&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">1 </FONT></SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Use of non-GAAP financial measures is discussed in this release after Segment Highlights</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">2 </FONT></SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Full Service Accumulation, Principal Funds, Individual Annuities and Bank and Trust Services</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Page 4</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Group, Inc. &#8220;I am more confident today than ever that The Principal</FONT><SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&#174; </FONT></SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">is positioned for long-term growth with the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">right business mix and the right global footprint.&#8221;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&#8220;Between our three strategic international acquisitions, opportunistic share buyback and increased</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">common stock dividend, we were able to deploy more than $1.1 billion in capital in 2011, demonstrating our</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">commitment to building long-term value for shareholders and the ability of our business model to generate free</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">cash flow,&#8221; said Terry Lillis, senior vice president and chief financial officer. &#8220;With $1.6 billion of excess capital at</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">year end and a strong balance sheet, we continue to have financial flexibility and strength to invest in our</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">businesses and return capital to shareholders.&#8221;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Key Highlights</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><I><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Full Year Results</FONT></I>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Full Service Accumulation had its second highest sales year at $8.4 billion in sales, an increase of 27 percent</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">from 2010, and positive net cash flow of $3.8 billion, or 3.5 percent of beginning of the year account values.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Principal Funds saw record sales of $11.2 billion, an increase of 20 percent over 2010, and record net</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">cash flow of $2.2 billion.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Continued strong operating leverage in Principal Global Investors with 26 percent growth in full-year</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">2011 operating earnings compared to 2010 on 5 percent growth in average assets under management. In</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">addition, 2011 mandates awarded were $11 billion, more than double the amount awarded in 2010.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Principal International reported assets under management of $52.8 billion, a 15 percent increase over last</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">year, as well as records in both operating earnings of $154 million and net cash flow of $5.5 billion.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Record operating earnings in Individual Life at $119.1 million and continued sales momentum in U.S.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Insurance Solutions with $186 million of Individual Life sales and $285 million of Specialty Benefits</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">sales.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Total capital deployed in 2011 was just over $1.1 billion, with $350 million in acquisitions, $215 million</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">in common stock dividend and $550 million in share repurchases.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Strong capital position with an estimated risk based capital ratio of 445 percent at year-end and $1.6 billion</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">of excess capital.</FONT><SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">3</FONT></SUP>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Book value per share, excluding AOCI</FONT><SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">4 </FONT></SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">increased to $29.54, up 6 percent over year end 2010.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><I><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Fourth Quarter</FONT></I>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Second highest cumulative sales quarter of the company&#8217;s three key U.S. Retirement and Investor</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Services Accumulation products in the fourth quarter, with $3.3 billion for Full Service Accumulation,</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">the third highest quarter on record, $3.1 billion for Principal Funds and $452 million for Individual</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Annuities.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Paid an annual dividend of $0.70 per common share, a 27 percent increase over 2010.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Principal Financial Group completed its November Board-authorized share repurchase program and</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">bought back 4.1 million shares of common stock in the fourth quarter at an average price of $24.20,</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">bringing the year-to-date total number of shares repurchased to 20.9 million.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Net Income</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><I><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Full Year Results</FONT></I>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Net income available to common stockholders of $682.0 million for the twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2011</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">reflects net realized capital losses of $148.3 million, which include:</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">$119.7 million of losses related to credit gains and losses on sales and permanent impairments of fixed</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">maturity securities, including $90.5 million of losses on commercial mortgage backed securities; and</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">$12.1 million of losses on commercial mortgage whole loans.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2>_____________________&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">3 </FONT></SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Excess capital includes cash at the holding company and capital at the life company above that needed to maintain a</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">350 percent NAIC risk based capital ratio for the life company.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">4 </FONT></SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Page 5</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Net income also reflects a $79.2 million after-tax loss resulting from the impact of a court ruling regarding</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">some uncertain tax positions and the estimated obligation associated with the New York State Insurance</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Department&#8217;s liquidation plan for Executive Life Insurance Company of New York, both of which were</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">accrued in third quarter 2011.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><I><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Fourth Quarter</FONT></I>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Net income available to common stockholders of $164.0 million for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2011</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">reflects net realized capital losses of $53.4 million, which include:</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">$28.6 million of losses related to credit gains and losses on sales and permanent impairments of fixed</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">maturity securities, including $22.6 million of losses on commercial mortgage backed securities; and</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">$0.9 million of losses on commercial mortgage whole loans.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><B><I><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldItalicMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Segment Highlights</FONT></I></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Retirement and Investor Services</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Segment operating earnings for fourth quarter 2011 were $131.9 million, compared to $151.0 million</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">for the same period in 2010. Full Service Accumulation earnings decreased 16 percent from the year ago quarter</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">to $63.9 million, reflecting higher non-deferrable sales compensation cost, less variable investment income from</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">fewer real estate sales and higher costs for employee pension and other post-retirement benefits. Principal Funds</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">earnings increased 1 percent from a year ago to $10.6 million, primarily due to an increase in average account</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">values. Individual Annuities earnings were $30.0 million compared to $33.2 million for fourth quarter 2010. The</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">variance primarily reflects spread compression. Bank and Trust Services earnings were $8.5 million compared to</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">$8.7 million for the same period in 2010 primarily reflecting flat account values. The guaranteed businesses,</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">which consists of Investment Only and Full Service Payout, earned $18.9 million in the fourth quarter 2011</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">compared to $22.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. The difference was primarily due to lower variable</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">investment income and a decline in average account values.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Operating revenues for the fourth quarter 2011 were $1,016.7 million compared to $1,093.4 million</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">for the same period in 2010 primarily due to $74.4 million of lower revenues for the guaranteed businesses.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Segment assets under management were $179.8 billion as of Dec. 31, 2011, compared to $175.0</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">billion as of Dec. 31, 2010.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Principal Global Investors</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Segment operating earnings for fourth quarter 2011 were $17.5 million, compared to $19.2 million in</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">the prior year quarter, primarily due to higher compensation and one-time costs related to our acquisition of</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Origin Asset Management.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Operating revenues for fourth quarter were $151.8 million, compared to $135.3 million for the same</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">period in 2010, primarily due to higher management fees and an increase in performance fees.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Unaffiliated assets under management were $82.4 billion as of Dec. 31, 2011, compared to $78.7</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">billion as of Dec. 31, 2010.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Page 6</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Principal International</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 17px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Segment operating earnings were $51.4 million in fourth quarter 2011, compared to $30.9 million in</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">the prior year quarter. Results reflect the successful integration of the HSBC AFORE acquisition and $10.4</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">million of one-time earnings recognized in the quarter that are not expected to recur.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 17px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Operating revenues were $255.7 million for fourth quarter 2011, compared to $210.5 million for the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">same period last year, primarily due to 15 percent growth in assets under management.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Segment assets under management were a $52.8 billion as of Dec. 31, 2011 (excluding</FONT></TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">approximately $7.2 billion of assets under management in our asset management joint venture in China,</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">which are not included in reported assets under management), up $7.0 billion over $45.8 billion as of Dec. 31,</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">2010. This includes a record $5.5 billion of net cash flows over the trailing twelve months, or 12 percent of</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">beginning of period assets under management.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">U.S. Insurance Solutions</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 17px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Segment operating earnings for fourth quarter 2011 were $59.3 million, compared to $52.3 million</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">for the same period in 2010. Individual Life earnings were $33.2 million in the fourth quarter compared to</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">$22.1 million in fourth quarter 2010. Fourth quarter 2010 results were reduced due to an increase in GAAP net</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">reserves following a periodic long-term interest rate assumption review. Specialty Benefits earnings were $26.1</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">million in fourth quarter 2011, down from $30.2 million in the same period a year ago, as growth in the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">business was offset by higher costs for employee pension and other post-retirement benefits and lower variable</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">investment income.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 17px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Segment operating revenues for fourth quarter 2011 were $737.8 million compared to $705.0</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">million for the same period a year ago due to higher premium and fees in Individual Life and positive trends</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">in both sales and client retention for Specialty Benefits.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Corporate</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 18px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Operating losses for fourth quarter 2011 were $43.0 million compared to operating losses of $39.3</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">million in fourth quarter 2010. Current quarter results reflect lower variable investment income from an active</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">credit strategy on excess capital at the holding company. We unwound this strategy in January 2012 due to the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">added volatility and the continued deployment of excess capital at the holding company in 2011.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Forward looking and cautionary statements</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements as to</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">operating earnings, net income available to common stockholders, net cash flows, realized and unrealized</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">gains and losses, capital and liquidity positions, sales and earnings trends, and management's beliefs,</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">expectations, goals and opinions. The company does not undertake to update these statements, which are</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">based on a number of assumptions concerning future conditions that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Future events and their effects on the company may not be those anticipated, and actual results may differ</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. The risks, uncertainties and</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">factors that could cause or contribute to such material differences are discussed in the company's annual report</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010, and in the company&#8217;s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">quarter ended Sept. 30, 2011, filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">or supplemented from time to time in subsequent filings. These risks and uncertainties include, without</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">limitation: adverse capital and credit market conditions may significantly affect the company&#8217;s ability to meet</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">liquidity needs, access to capital and cost of capital; continued difficult conditions in the global capital markets</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">and the economy generally; continued volatility or further declines in the equity markets; changes in interest</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">rates or credit spreads; the company&#8217;s investment portfolio is subject to several risks that may diminish the value</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">of its invested assets and the investment returns credited to customers; the company&#8217;s valuation of securities may</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">include methodologies, estimations and assumptions that are subject to differing interpretations; the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">determination of the amount of allowances and impairments taken on the company&#8217;s investments requires</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">estimations and assumptions that are subject to differing interpretations; gross unrealized losses may be realized</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">or result in future impairments; competition from companies that may have greater financial resources, broader</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">arrays of products, higher ratings and stronger financial performance; a downgrade in the company&#8217;s financial</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">strength or credit ratings; inability to attract and retain sales representatives and develop new distribution</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">sources; international business risks; the company&#8217;s actual experience could differ significantly from its pricing</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">and reserving assumptions; the company&#8217;s ability to pay stockholder dividends and meet its obligations may be</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">constrained by the limitations on dividends or distributions Iowa insurance laws impose on Principal Life; the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">pattern of amortizing the company&#8217;s DPAC and other actuarial balances on its universal life-type insurance</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">contracts, participating life insurance policies and certain investment contracts may change; the company may</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">need to fund deficiencies in its &#8220;Closed Block&#8221; assets that support participating ordinary life insurance policies</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">that had a dividend scale in force at the time of Principal Life&#8217;s 1998 conversion into a stock life insurance</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">company; the company&#8217;s reinsurers could default on their obligations or increase their rates; risks arising from</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">acquisitions of businesses; changes in laws, regulations or accounting standards; a computer system failure or</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">security breach could disrupt the company&#8217;s business, and damage its reputation; results of litigation and</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">regulatory investigations; from time to time the company may become subject to tax audits, tax litigation or</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">similar proceedings, and as a result it may owe additional taxes, interest and penalties in amounts that may be</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">material; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and applicable laws and the company&#8217;s stockholder</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">rights plan, certificate of incorporation and by-laws may discourage takeovers and business combinations that</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">some stockholders might consider in their best interests.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">The company uses a number of non-GAAP financial measures that management believes are useful to investors</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">because they illustrate the performance of normal, ongoing operations, which is important in understanding and</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">evaluating the company&#8217;s financial condition and results of operations. They are not, however, a substitute for</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">U.S. GAAP financial measures. Therefore, the company has provided reconciliations of the non-GAAP</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure at the end of the release. The company adjusts</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">U.S. GAAP measures for items not directly related to ongoing operations. However, it is possible these</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">adjusting items have occurred in the past and could recur in the future reporting periods. Management also uses</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">non-GAAP measures for goal setting, as a basis for determining employee and senior management</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">awards and compensation, and evaluating performance on a basis comparable to that used by investors</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">and securities analysts.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR>

   <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Earnings Conference Call</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">On Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. (ET), Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Larry</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Zimpleman and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Terry Lillis will lead a discussion of</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">results, asset quality and capital adequacy during a live conference call, which can be accessed as follows:</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Via live Internet webcast. Please go t<FONT size=2 face="Times New Roman">o <FONT style="COLOR: #000000" size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif"><U>www.principal.com/investor</U></FONT>&nbsp;</FONT></FONT><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif"> <FONT size=2 face="Times New Roman">a</FONT>t least 10-15 minutes prior to the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">start of the call to register, and to download and install any necessary audio software.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Via telephone by dialing 800-374-1609 (U.S. and Canadian callers) or 706-643-7701 (International</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">callers) approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. The access code is 39011663.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8226;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Replay of the earnings call via telephone is available by dialing 855-859-2056 (U.S. and Canadian</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">callers) or 404-537-3406 (International callers). The access code is 39011663. This replay will be</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">available approximately two hours after the completion of the live earnings call through the end of day</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Feb. 10, 2012.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Page 8</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR height=20>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif></FONT></TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp; &#8226;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Replay of the earnings call via webcast as well as a transcript of the call will be available after the call at:</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT color=#0000ff size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <FONT style="COLOR: #000000" size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif"><U>www.principal.com/investor</U></FONT></FONT><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR>

   <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The company's financial supplement and additional investment portfolio detail for fourth quarter and</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; full-year 2011 is currently available at </FONT><FONT style="COLOR: #000000" size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif"><U>www.principal.com/investor</U></FONT><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">, and may be referred to during the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;call. Slides related to the call will be available at </FONT><FONT style="COLOR: #000000" size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif"><U>www.principal.com/investor </U></FONT><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">approximately one-half</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; hour prior to call start time.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR>

   <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; About the Principal Financial Group</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">The Principal Financial Group</FONT><SUP><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&#174; </FONT></SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(The Principal </FONT><SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&#174;</FONT></SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">)</FONT><SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">5 </FONT></SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">is a global investment management leader including</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">retirement services, insurance solutions and asset management. The Principal offers businesses, individuals</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">and institutional clients a wide range of financial products and services, including retirement, asset</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">management and insurance through its diverse family of financial services companies. Founded in 1879 and</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">a member of the FORTUNE 500</FONT><SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&#174;</FONT></SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">, the Principal Financial Group has $335.0 billion in assets under</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">management</FONT><SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">6 </FONT></SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">and serves some 18.0 million customers worldwide from offices in Asia, Australia, Europe,</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Latin America and the United States. Principal Financial Group, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Exchange under the ticker symbol PFG. For more information, visit </FONT><FONT style="COLOR: #000000" size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif"><U>www.principal.com</U></FONT><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR>

   <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR>

   <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD noWrap align=center><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">###</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR>

   <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR>

   <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR>

   <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR>

   <TD>_____________________&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD noWrap align=left><SUP><FONT size=1 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">5 </FONT></SUP><FONT size=1 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&#8220;The Principal Financial Group&#8221; and &#8220;The Principal&#8221; are registered service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a member of the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=1 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Principal Financial Group.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR vAlign=bottom>

   <TD noWrap align=left><SUP><FONT size=1 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">6 </FONT></SUP><FONT size=1 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">As of Dec. 31, 2011.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>

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fourthqtrer11.htm - Generated by SEC Publisher for SEC Filing
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_________________________
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report:
February 2, 2012
(Date of earliest event reported)
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
1-16725
42-1520346
(State or other jurisdiction
(Commission file number)
(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation)
Identification Number)
711 High Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50392
(Address of principal executive offices)
(515) 247-5111
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the
registrant under any of the following provisions:
[    ]
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[    ]
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[    ]
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
240.14d-2(b))
[    ]
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
240.13e-4(c))
_________________________
Page 2
Item 2.02.  Results of Operations and Financial Condition
On February 2, 2012, Principal Financial Group, Inc. publicly announced information regarding its
results of operations and financial condition for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2011. The text of
the announcement is included herewith as Exhibit 99.
Item 9.01  Financial Statements and Exhibits
99
Calendar Year and
Fourth Quarter 2011 Earnings Release
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
By:
/s/ Terrance J.
Lillis
Name:   Terrance J. Lillis
Title:      Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
Date: February 2, 2012
Page 3
EXHIBIT 99
Release:
On receipt, Feb. 2, 2012
Media contact:
Susan Houser, 515-248-2268
, houser.susan@principal.com
Investor contact:
John Egan, 515-235-9500,
egan.john@principal.com
Principal Financial Group, Inc. Announces Full Year
and Fourth Quarter 2011 Results
•
Full-year 2011 operating earnings
1
of $878.1 million, an increase of 4 percent over 2010;
net income available to common stockholders of $682.0 million, an increase of 2 percent
over 2010.
•
Fourth quarter 2011 operating earnings of $217.1 million, an increase of 1 percent over
fourth quarter 2010; net income available to common stockholders of $164.0 million, a
decrease of 18 percent compared to fourth quarter 2010.
•
Year-end 2011 assets under management of $335.0 billion, an increase of 5 percent
compared to year-end 2010.
(Des Moines, Iowa) – Principal Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: PFG) today announced results for full-year and
fourth quarter 2011. The company reported operating earnings of $878.1 million for the twelve months ended
Dec. 31, 2011, compared to $844.8 million for the twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2010. Operating earnings per
diluted share (EPS) were $2.76 for the twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2011, compared to $2.62 for the twelve
months ended Dec. 31, 2010. The company reported net income available to common stockholders of $682.0
million, or $2.15 per diluted share for the twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2011, compared to $666.3 million, or
$2.06 per diluted share for the twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2010. Operating revenues for the year 2011 were
$8,325.1 million compared to $8,041.9 million for the same period last year.
The company reported operating earnings of $217.1 million for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2011,
compared to $214.1 million for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2010. Operating earnings per diluted share
(EPS) were $0.71 for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2011, compared to $0.66 for the three months ended Dec.
31, 2010. The company reported net income available to common stockholders of $164.0 million, or $0.54 per
diluted share for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2011, compared to $199.3 million, or $0.62 per diluted share
for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2010. Operating revenues for the fourth quarter 2011 were $2,103.1 million
compared to $2,106.5 million for the same period last year.
"In 2011 we delivered solid operating earnings despite market challenges during the year. We
again benefitted from business and geographic diversification with Principal International, Principal Global
Investors and U.S. Insurance Solutions each delivering double-digit earnings growth for the year. The
Retirement and Investor Service Accumulation
2
businesses, which are directly impacted by the pace of the
economic recovery, continue to show improvement with impressive sales growth and improved net cash
flows," said Larry D. Zimpleman, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Principal Financial
___________________
1
Use of non-GAAP financial measures is discussed in this release after Segment Highlights
2
Full Service Accumulation, Principal Funds, Individual Annuities and Bank and Trust Services
Page 4
Group, Inc. "I am more confident today than ever that The Principal
®
is positioned for long-term growth with the
right business mix and the right global footprint."
"Between our three strategic international acquisitions, opportunistic share buyback and increased
common stock dividend, we were able to deploy more than $1.1 billion in capital in 2011, demonstrating our
commitment to building long-term value for shareholders and the ability of our business model to generate free
cash flow," said Terry Lillis, senior vice president and chief financial officer. "With $1.6 billion of excess capital at
year end and a strong balance sheet, we continue to have financial flexibility and strength to invest in our
businesses and return capital to shareholders."
Key Highlights
Full Year Results
•
Full Service Accumulation had its second highest sales year at $8.4 billion in sales, an increase of 27 percent
from 2010, and positive net cash flow of $3.8 billion, or 3.5 percent of beginning of the year account values.
•
Principal Funds saw record sales of $11.2 billion, an increase of 20 percent over 2010, and record net
cash flow of $2.2 billion.
•
Continued strong operating leverage in Principal Global Investors with 26 percent growth in full-year
2011 operating earnings compared to 2010 on 5 percent growth in average assets under management. In
addition, 2011 mandates awarded were $11 billion, more than double the amount awarded in 2010.
•
Principal International reported assets under management of $52.8 billion, a 15 percent increase over last
year, as well as records in both operating earnings of $154 million and net cash flow of $5.5 billion.
•
Record operating earnings in Individual Life at $119.1 million and continued sales momentum in U.S.
Insurance Solutions with $186 million of Individual Life sales and $285 million of Specialty Benefits
sales.
•
Total capital deployed in 2011 was just over $1.1 billion, with $350 million in acquisitions, $215 million
in common stock dividend and $550 million in share repurchases.
•
Strong capital position with an estimated risk based capital ratio of 445 percent at year-end and $1.6 billion
of excess capital.
3
•
Book value per share, excluding AOCI
4
increased to $29.54, up 6 percent over year end 2010.
Fourth Quarter
•
Second highest cumulative sales quarter of the company's three key U.S. Retirement and Investor
Services Accumulation products in the fourth quarter, with $3.3 billion for Full Service Accumulation,
the third highest quarter on record, $3.1 billion for Principal Funds and $452 million for Individual
Annuities.
•
Paid an annual dividend of $0.70 per common share, a 27 percent increase over 2010.
•
Principal Financial Group completed its November Board-authorized share repurchase program and
bought back 4.1 million shares of common stock in the fourth quarter at an average price of $24.20,
bringing the year-to-date total number of shares repurchased to 20.9 million.
Net Income
Full Year Results
Net income available to common stockholders of $682.0 million for the twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2011
reflects net realized capital losses of $148.3 million, which include:
•
$119.7 million of losses related to credit gains and losses on sales and permanent impairments of fixed
maturity securities, including $90.5 million of losses on commercial mortgage backed securities; and
•
$12.1 million of losses on commercial mortgage whole loans.
_____________________
3
Excess capital includes cash at the holding company and capital at the life company above that needed to maintain a
350 percent NAIC risk based capital ratio for the life company.
4
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Page 5
Net income also reflects a $79.2 million after-tax loss resulting from the impact of a court ruling regarding
some uncertain tax positions and the estimated obligation associated with the New York State Insurance
Department's liquidation plan for Executive Life Insurance Company of New York, both of which were
accrued in third quarter 2011.
Fourth Quarter
Net income available to common stockholders of $164.0 million for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2011
reflects net realized capital losses of $53.4 million, which include:
•
$28.6 million of losses related to credit gains and losses on sales and permanent impairments of fixed
maturity securities, including $22.6 million of losses on commercial mortgage backed securities; and
•
$0.9 million of losses on commercial mortgage whole loans.
Segment Highlights
Retirement and Investor Services
Segment operating earnings for fourth quarter 2011 were $131.9 million, compared to $151.0 million
for the same period in 2010. Full Service Accumulation earnings decreased 16 percent from the year ago quarter
to $63.9 million, reflecting higher non-deferrable sales compensation cost, less variable investment income from
fewer real estate sales and higher costs for employee pension and other post-retirement benefits. Principal Funds
earnings increased 1 percent from a year ago to $10.6 million, primarily due to an increase in average account
values. Individual Annuities earnings were $30.0 million compared to $33.2 million for fourth quarter 2010. The
variance primarily reflects spread compression. Bank and Trust Services earnings were $8.5 million compared to
$8.7 million for the same period in 2010 primarily reflecting flat account values. The guaranteed businesses,
which consists of Investment Only and Full Service Payout, earned $18.9 million in the fourth quarter 2011
compared to $22.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. The difference was primarily due to lower variable
investment income and a decline in average account values.
Operating revenues for the fourth quarter 2011 were $1,016.7 million compared to $1,093.4 million
for the same period in 2010 primarily due to $74.4 million of lower revenues for the guaranteed businesses.
Segment assets under management were $179.8 billion as of Dec. 31, 2011, compared to $175.0
billion as of Dec. 31, 2010.
Principal Global Investors
Segment operating earnings for fourth quarter 2011 were $17.5 million, compared to $19.2 million in
the prior year quarter, primarily due to higher compensation and one-time costs related to our acquisition of
Origin Asset Management.
Operating revenues for fourth quarter were $151.8 million, compared to $135.3 million for the same
period in 2010, primarily due to higher management fees and an increase in performance fees.
Unaffiliated assets under management were $82.4 billion as of Dec. 31, 2011, compared to $78.7
billion as of Dec. 31, 2010.
Page 6
Principal International
Segment operating earnings were $51.4 million in fourth quarter 2011, compared to $30.9 million in
the prior year quarter. Results reflect the successful integration of the HSBC AFORE acquisition and $10.4
million of one-time earnings recognized in the quarter that are not expected to recur.
Operating revenues were $255.7 million for fourth quarter 2011, compared to $210.5 million for the
same period last year, primarily due to 15 percent growth in assets under management.
Segment assets under management were a $52.8 billion as of Dec. 31, 2011 (excluding
approximately $7.2 billion of assets under management in our asset management joint venture in China,
which are not included in reported assets under management), up $7.0 billion over $45.8 billion as of Dec. 31,
2010. This includes a record $5.5 billion of net cash flows over the trailing twelve months, or 12 percent of
beginning of period assets under management.
U.S. Insurance Solutions
Segment operating earnings for fourth quarter 2011 were $59.3 million, compared to $52.3 million
for the same period in 2010. Individual Life earnings were $33.2 million in the fourth quarter compared to
$22.1 million in fourth quarter 2010. Fourth quarter 2010 results were reduced due to an increase in GAAP net
reserves following a periodic long-term interest rate assumption review. Specialty Benefits earnings were $26.1
million in fourth quarter 2011, down from $30.2 million in the same period a year ago, as growth in the
business was offset by higher costs for employee pension and other post-retirement benefits and lower variable
investment income.
Segment operating revenues for fourth quarter 2011 were $737.8 million compared to $705.0
million for the same period a year ago due to higher premium and fees in Individual Life and positive trends
in both sales and client retention for Specialty Benefits.
Corporate
Operating losses for fourth quarter 2011 were $43.0 million compared to operating losses of $39.3
million in fourth quarter 2010. Current quarter results reflect lower variable investment income from an active
credit strategy on excess capital at the holding company. We unwound this strategy in January 2012 due to the
added volatility and the continued deployment of excess capital at the holding company in 2011.
Forward looking and cautionary statements
This press release contains 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, 2010, and in the company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended Sept. 30, 2011, 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
Page 7
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; continued difficult conditions in the global capital markets
and the economy generally; continued volatility or further declines in the equity 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 DPAC 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 stockholder
rights plan, certificate of incorporation and by-laws may discourage takeovers and business combinations that
some stockholders might consider in their best interests.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The company uses a number of non-GAAP financial measures that management believes are useful to investors
because they illustrate the performance of normal, ongoing operations, which is important in understanding and
evaluating the company's financial condition and results of operations. They are not, however, a substitute for
U.S. GAAP financial measures. Therefore, the company has provided reconciliations of the non-GAAP
measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure at the end of the release. The company adjusts
U.S. GAAP 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 the future reporting periods. Management also uses
non-GAAP 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.
Earnings Conference Call
On Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. (ET), Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Larry
Zimpleman and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Terry Lillis will lead a discussion of
results, asset quality and capital adequacy during a live conference call, which can be accessed as follows:
•
Via live Internet webcast. Please go t
o
www.principal.com/investor
a
t least 10-15 minutes prior to the
start of the call to register, and to download and install any necessary audio software.
•
Via telephone by dialing 800-374-1609 (U.S. and Canadian callers) or 706-643-7701 (International
callers) approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. The access code is 39011663.
•
Replay of the earnings call via telephone is available by dialing 855-859-2056 (U.S. and Canadian
callers) or 404-537-3406 (International callers). The access code is 39011663. This replay will be
available approximately two hours after the completion of the live earnings call through the end of day
Feb. 10, 2012.
Page 8
•
Replay of the earnings call via webcast as well as a transcript of the call will be available after the call at:
www.principal.com/investor
.
The company's financial supplement and additional investment portfolio detail for fourth quarter and
full-year 2011 is currently available at
www.principal.com/investor
, and may be referred to during the
call. Slides related to the call will be available at
www.principal.com/investor
approximately one-half
hour prior to call start time.
About the Principal Financial Group
The Principal Financial Group
®
(The Principal
®
)
5
is a global investment management leader including
retirement services, insurance solutions and asset management. The Principal offers businesses, individuals
and institutional clients a wide range of financial products and services, including retirement, asset
management and insurance through its diverse family of financial services companies. Founded in 1879 and
a member of the FORTUNE 500
®
, the Principal Financial Group has $335.0 billion in assets under
management
6
and serves some 18.0 million customers worldwide from offices in Asia, Australia, Europe,
Latin America and the United States. Principal Financial Group, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock
Exchange under the ticker symbol PFG. For more information, visit
www.principal.com
.
###
_____________________
5
"The Principal Financial Group" and "The Principal" are registered service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a member of the
Principal Financial Group.
6
As of Dec. 31, 2011.