PFG 11K Employees 061915


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 11-K


(Mark One)
[x]
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2014

OR

[ ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ____________ to _____________

Commission file number: 1-16725

The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
(Full title of the plan)

Principal Financial Group, Inc.
(Name of Issuer of the securities held pursuant to the plan)

711 High Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50392
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)


Page 1 of 26



TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
Financial Statements
 
Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits
Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits
Notes to Financial Statements
 
 
Supplemental Schedule:
 
Schedule H, Line 4i - Schedule of Assets (Held at End of Year)
 
 
Signature
 
 
Exhibit Index


Page 2 of 26




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Benefit Plans Administration Committee
Principal Life Insurance Company
We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related statement of changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2014. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Plan's internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Plan's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits of The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the changes in its net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

The accompanying supplemental schedule of assets (held at end of year) at December 31, 2014, for the year then ended, has been subject to audit procedures performed in conjunction with the audit of the Principal Select Savings Plan for Employee’s financial statements. The information in the supplemental schedule is the responsibility of the Plan’s management. Our audit procedures included determining whether the information reconciles to the financial statements or the underlying accounting and other records, as applicable, and performing procedures to test the completeness and accuracy of the information presented in the supplemental schedule. In forming an opinion on the information, we evaluated whether such information, including its form and content, is presented in conformity with the Department of Labor’s Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. In our opinion, the information is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the financial statements as a whole.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Des Moines, Iowa
June 23, 2015


Page 3 of 26






The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits

 
December 31,
 
2014
2013
Assets
 
 
Investments at fair value:
 
 
Unallocated investment options:
 
 
Guaranteed interest accounts
$
35,395,260

$
38,820,839

Separate accounts
1,673,821,228

1,528,671,002

Principal Financial Group, Inc. ESOP
105,742,348

103,314,989

Plan interest in Principal Select Savings Stable Value Master Trust
74,876,505

76,889,286

Total invested assets at fair value
1,889,835,341

1,747,696,116

 
 
 
Receivables:
 
 
Contributions receivable from employer
1,891

2,013

Contributions receivable from participants
25

3,296

Notes receivable from participants
22,454,302

21,550,942

Other receivables
2,851

3,733

Total receivables
22,459,069

21,559,984

Net assets reflecting investments at fair value
1,912,294,410

1,769,256,100

Adjustments from fair value to contract value for a fully benefit-responsive investment contract
(20,421)

459,315

Net assets available for benefits
$
1,912,273,989

$
1,769,715,415

 
 
 
See accompanying notes.
 
 




    



Page 4 of 26





The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits

 
For the
Year Ended
December 31,
 
2014
Additions
 
Investment income:
 
Interest
$
384,157

Dividends
2,690,784

Net appreciation of investments
119,935,527

Interest in Principal Select Savings Stable Value Master Trust
783,421

Total investment income
123,793,889

 
 
Interest income on notes receivable from participants
1,095,266

 
 
Contributions:
 
Employer
38,149,117

Participants
74,997,602

Total contributions
113,146,719

Total additions
238,035,874

 
 
Deductions
 
Benefits paid to participants
94,282,578

Transfers to affiliated and unaffiliated plans, net
828,998

Administrative expenses
365,724

Total deductions
95,477,300

Net increase
142,558,574

 
 
Net assets available for benefits at beginning of year
1,769,715,415

Net assets available for benefits at end of year
$
1,912,273,989

 
 
See accompanying notes.
 




Page 5 of 26


The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
Notes to Financial Statements
Year Ended December 31, 2014

1. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Accounting
The accounting records of The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees (the Plan) are maintained on the accrual basis of accounting.
Valuation of Investments and Income Recognition
The unallocated investment options consist of guaranteed interest accounts under a guaranteed benefit policy (as defined in section 401(b) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA)) and separate accounts (as defined in ERISA section 3(17)) of Principal Life Insurance Company (Principal Life). The guaranteed interest accounts and separate accounts are reported at fair value as determined by Principal Life.
These unallocated investment options are non-benefit-responsive. The guaranteed interest account’s fair value is the amount Plan participants would receive currently if they were to withdraw or transfer funds within the Plan prior to their maturity for an event other than death, disability, termination, or retirement. This fair value represents guaranteed interest account values adjusted to reflect current market interest rates only to the extent such market rates exceed contract crediting rates. This value represents contributions allocated to the guaranteed interest accounts, plus interest at the contractually guaranteed rate, less funds used to pay Plan benefits and Principal Life’s administrative expenses. The separate account assets include, but are not limited to, contributions invested in domestic and international common stocks, high-quality short-term debt securities, real estate, private market bonds and mortgages, and high-yield fixed-income securities that are slightly below investment grade, all of which are valued at fair value.
The Principal Financial Group, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which consists of common stock of Principal Financial Group, Inc., the ultimate parent of Principal Life, is reported at fair value based on the quoted closing market price of its stock on the last business day of the Plan year.

Page 6 of 26


The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
The Principal Select Savings Stable Value Master Trust (Master Trust) invests in a Short Term Investment Fund (STIF) and the Morley Stable Income Bond Fund (Bond Fund), which is a collective investment trust that invests in investment-grade fixed-income securities. The Bond Fund is maintained by Union Bond & Trust Company, an affiliate of Principal Life. The Master Trust has also entered into a fully benefit-responsive synthetic guaranteed investment contract (synthetic GIC) with Principal Life (the Contract). The STIF, Bond Fund, and Contract together are the holdings of the Stable Value Fund (Fund). The Fund is valued at contract value as reported to the Plan by Morley Financial Services, the investment manager of the Bond Fund and an affiliate of Principal Life.
Because the Contract is fully benefit-responsive, contract value is the relevant measurement attribute for that portion of the net assets available for benefits attributable to the Contract. The contract value represents contributions plus earnings, less participant withdrawals and Contract expenses.
The Contract provides a crediting rate that amortizes portfolio gains and losses over time and accounts for benefit payments to Plan participants at contract value. Under the Contract, Principal Life agrees to pay any deficiency if the investments in the Bond Fund have been exhausted for benefit payments and the contract value is greater than zero. The objective of the Fund is to preserve capital and smooth the returns credited to Plan participants.
As required by Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 962, Plan Accounting – Defined Contribution Pension Plans, the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits present the fair value of the investment in the Master Trust, as well as the adjustment of the investment in the Master Trust from fair value to contract value relating to the synthetic GICs. The Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits is prepared on a contract value basis.
Interest income is recorded as earned. Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Net appreciation includes the Plan’s gains and losses on investments bought and sold as well as held during the year.
Notes Receivable From Participants
The notes receivable from participants are reported at their unpaid principal balance plus any accrued but unpaid interest. Interest income on notes receivable from participants is recorded when earned.
Payment of Benefits
Benefits are recorded when paid.

Page 7 of 26


The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Risks and Uncertainties
The Plan invests in various investment securities. Investment securities are exposed to various risks such as interest rate, market volatility, and credit risks. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect participants’ account balances and the amounts reported in the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes and supplemental schedule. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
2. Description of the Plan
The Plan is a defined contribution plan (401(k) plan) that was established January 1, 1985. The Plan is available to substantially all employees of Principal Life and its subsidiaries (the Company).
Information about the Plan, including eligibility, and benefit provisions is contained in the Summary Plan Description. Copies of the Summary Plan Description are available from the Company’s Benefit Administration Department or the Company’s Intranet. The Plan is subject to the provisions of ERISA.
The Plan Administrator is responsible for the control and administration of the Plan. The Plan Administrator is the Benefit Plans Administration Committee (BPAC). For the purposes of investment and protection of Plan assets, the named fiduciary of the Plan is the Benefit Plans Investment Committee. The Plan is funded through a trust fund which holds group annuity contracts issued by Principal Life. A separate trust holds Principal Financial Group, Inc. common stock that is in the ESOP. The Trustees of the Trust that hold the group annuity contracts are employees of Principal Life. The Trustee of the Trust that holds Principal Financial Group, Inc. common stock that is in the ESOP is Bankers Trust. Principal Life is the recordkeeper of the Plan.



Page 8 of 26


The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


2. Description of the Plan (continued)
Contributions
On January 1, 2006, the Company made several changes to the retirement program. Participants who were age 47 or older with at least ten years of service on December 31, 2005, could elect to retain the prior benefit provisions under the qualified defined benefit retirement plan and the Plan and forgo receipt of the additional benefits offered by amendments to the Plan. The participants who elected to retain the prior benefit provisions are referred to as “Grandfathered Choice Participants.”
Matching contributions for participants other than Grandfathered Choice Participants were increased from 50% to 75% of deferrals, with the maximum matching deferral increasing from 6% to 8% of eligible pay-period compensation.
Vesting
Participants are eligible for immediate entry into the Plan with vesting at 100% after three years. The funds accumulate along with interest and investment return and are available for withdrawal by participants at retirement, termination, or when certain withdrawal specifications are met. The participants may also obtain loans of their vested accrued benefit, subject to certain limitations described in the document governing (the Plan Document). The federal and state income taxes of the participant are deferred (except in the case of Roth deferrals) on the contributions until the funds are withdrawn from the Plan.
Forfeitures
Upon termination of employment, participants forfeit their non-vested balances. Forfeited amounts are used to reduce Company contributions. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, forfeited non-vested account balances totaled $16,718 and $41,073, respectively. In 2014 and 2013, employer contributions were reduced by $1,676,131 and $945,715, respectively, from forfeited non-vested accounts.
Participant Loans
The Plan provides for loans to active participants, which are considered a participant-directed investment of his/her account. The loan is a Plan asset, but only the borrowing participant’s account shares in the interest paid on the loan or bears any expense or loss incurred because of the loan. The rate of interest is 2% higher than the Federal Reserve “Bank Prime Loan” rate at the time of the loan. The rate is set the day a loan is approved. The rate for the loans issued in 2014 and 2013 was 5.25%.

Page 9 of 26


The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


2. Description of the Plan (continued)
Plan Termination
Although it has not expressed any intent to do so, the Company has the right under the Plan to discontinue its contributions at any time and to terminate the Plan subject to the provisions of ERISA. In the event the Plan terminates, affected participants will become fully vested in their accounts.
3. Income Tax Status
The Plan has received a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) dated July 9, 2012, stating that the Plan is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) and, therefore, the related trust is exempt from taxation. Subsequent to this determination by the IRS, the Plan was amended and restated. The Plan is required to operate in conformity with the terms of the Plan Document and the Code to maintain its qualification. BPAC and the Company intend to operate the Plan in conformity with the provisions of the Plan Document and the Code. BPAC and the Company acknowledge that inadvertent errors may occur in the operation of the Plan. If such inadvertent errors occur, BPAC and the Company represent that they will take the necessary steps to bring the Plan’s operations into compliance with the Code, including voluntarily and timely correcting such errors in accordance with procedures established by the IRS.
Plan management is required to evaluate uncertain tax positions taken by the Plan. The financial statement effects of an uncertain tax position are recognized when the position is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, to be sustained upon examination by the IRS. BPAC has analyzed the tax positions taken by the Plan and has concluded that as of December 31, 2014, there are no uncertain positions taken or expected to be taken. The Plan has recognized no interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
The Plan is subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdictions. BPAC believes it is no longer subject to income tax examinations for years prior to 2011.
4. Investments (excluding interest in Master Trust)
Contributions are invested in unallocated guaranteed interest accounts supported by the general account of Principal Life (a pooled account invested primarily in fixed income securities having a range of maturities); in separate accounts of Principal Life, the portfolios of which are primarily invested in domestic and international common stocks, high-quality short-term debt securities, real estate, private market bonds and mortgages, and high-yield fixed-income securities that are slightly below investment grade, as appropriate for each separate account; and the ESOP. Participants elect the investment(s) in which to have their contributions and match invested.

Page 10 of 26


The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


4. Investments (excluding interest in Master Trust) (continued)
The following presents individual investments that represent 5% or more of the Plan’s net assets available for benefits as of the end of the Plan year 2014 and 2013. Principal Life is a party-in-interest with respect to these investments.
 
December 31,
 
2014
2013
 
 
 
Large-Cap Stock Index Separate Account
$
236,253,828

$
203,854,758

U.S. Property Separate Account
152,603,679

125,718,051

Mid-Cap Separate Account
150,871,028

129,597,817

Small-Cap Stock Index Separate Account
123,671,967

124,827,278

Diversified International Separate Account
122,800,022

126,280,759

Lifetime 2030 Separate Account
120,914,092

*

Principal Financial Group, Inc. ESOP
105,742,348

103,314,989


*Less than 5% of the fair value of net assets available for benefits at respective date.
During 2014 and 2013, the Plan’s investments that are related to Principal Life appreciated in value by $119,935,527 and $324,881,642, respectively, as follows:
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
2014
2013
 
 
 
Guaranteed interest accounts
$
56,226

$
(416,411
)
Separate accounts of insurance company
113,888,024

279,123,418

Principal Financial Group, Inc. ESOP
5,991,277

46,174,635

 
$
119,935,527

$
324,881,642



Page 11 of 26


The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (excluding interest in Master Trust)
Valuation Hierarchy
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels.
Level 1 – Fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Our Level 1 assets include the Principal Financial Group, Inc. ESOP.
Level 2– Fair values are based on inputs other than quoted prices within Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly. Our Level 2 assets are separate accounts and are reflected at the net asset value (NAV) price.
Level 3 – Fair values are based on significant unobservable inputs for the asset. Our Level 3 assets are guaranteed interest accounts.
Transfers between fair value hierarchy levels are recognized at the beginning of the reporting period. There were no transfers between levels during 2014 and 2013.
Determination of Fair Value
The following discussion describes the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The techniques utilized in estimating the fair values of financial instruments are reliant on the assumptions used. Care should be exercised in deriving conclusions based on the fair value information of financial instruments presented below.
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about the financial instrument. Such estimates do not consider the tax impact of the realization of unrealized gains or losses. In addition, the disclosed fair value may not be realized in the immediate settlement of the financial instrument. There were no significant changes to the valuation processes during 2014.

Page 12 of 26


The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (excluding interest in Master Trust) (continued)
Guaranteed Interest Accounts
The guaranteed interest accounts cannot be sold to a third party; thus, the only option to exit the guaranteed interest accounts is to withdraw the funds prior to maturity. The fair value of the account is the value paid when funds are withdrawn prior to their maturity. The fair value of the guaranteed interest accounts is reflected in Level 3, and the valuation is based on the applicable interest rate. If the applicable interest rate is greater than the interest rate on the account, the fair value is the contract value reduced by a percentage. This percentage is equal to the difference between the applicable interest rate and the interest rate on the account, multiplied by the number of years (including fractional parts of a year) until the maturity date. If the applicable interest rate is equal to or less than the interest rate on the account, the fair value is equal to the contract value.
Separate Accounts
This category is designed to deliver safety and stability by preserving principal and accumulating earnings. The NAV of each of the separate accounts is calculated in a manner consistent with GAAP for investment companies and is determinative of their fair value and represents the price at which the Plan would be able to initiate a transaction. As of December 31, 2014, all separate accounts are reflected in Level 2. Several of the separate accounts invest in publicly quoted mutual funds or exchange-traded equity securities. Some of the separate accounts also invest in fixed income securities. The fair value of the underlying funds and securities is used to determine the NAV of the separate account, which is not publicly quoted. The fair value of the underlying mutual funds and equity securities are based on quoted prices of identical assets. The fair value of the underlying fixed income securities are based on third-party pricing vendors that utilize observable market information.
One separate account invests in real estate. The fair value of the underlying real estate is estimated using discounted cash flow valuation models that utilize public real estate market data inputs such as transaction prices, market rents, vacancy levels, leasing absorption, market cap rates, and discount rates. In addition, each property is appraised annually by an independent appraiser. The fair value of the separate account is based on NAV and is considered a Level 2 asset.
There are currently no redemption restrictions on these investments.

Page 13 of 26


The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (excluding interest in Master Trust) (continued)
Principal Financial Group, Inc. ESOP
The ESOP is reported at the quoted closing market price of the common stock of Principal Financial Group, Inc. on the last business day of the Plan year and is reflected in Level 1.
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below.
 
As of December 31, 2014
 
Assets Measured at Fair Value
Fair Value Hierarchy Level
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
Guaranteed interest accounts
$
35,395,260

$

$

$
35,395,260

Separate accounts:
 
 
 
 
Fixed-income security
130,534,389


130,534,389


Lifetime balanced asset allocation
373,590,128


373,590,128


Large U.S. equity
447,946,064


447,946,064


Small/mid U.S. equity
350,376,605


350,376,605


International equity
205,252,576


205,252,576


U.S. real estate
152,603,679


152,603,679


Other
13,517,787


13,517,787


Principal Financial Group, Inc. ESOP
105,742,348

105,742,348



Total invested assets, excluding Plan interest in Master Trust
$
1,814,958,836

$
105,742,348

$
1,673,821,228

$
35,395,260

 
As of December 31, 2013
 
Assets Measured at Fair Value
Fair Value Hierarchy Level
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
Guaranteed interest accounts
$
38,820,839

$

$

$
38,820,839

Separate accounts:
 
 
 
 
Fixed-income security
117,975,576


117,975,576


Lifetime balanced asset allocation
288,741,894


288,741,894


Large U.S. equity
388,229,649


388,229,649


Small/mid U.S. equity
382,169,608


382,169,608


International equity
212,227,505


212,227,505


U.S. real estate
125,718,051


125,718,051


Other
13,608,719


13,608,719


Principal Financial Group, Inc. ESOP
103,314,989

103,314,989



Total invested assets, excluding Plan interest in Master Trust
$
1,670,806,830

$
103,314,989

$
1,528,671,002

$
38,820,839



Page 14 of 26


The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (excluding interest in Master Trust) (continued)
Changes in Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
The reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, are as follows:
 
For the year ended December 31, 2014
Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits Relating to Positions Still Held
 

Beginning Asset Balance as of  
January 1, 2014



Interest*


Purchases**










Sales**



Transfers in (Out) of
Level 3


Ending Asset Balance as of December 31, 2014
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guaranteed interest accounts
$
38,820,839

$
440,363

$
10,000,638

$
(13,866,580
)
$   –
$
35,395,260

$
56,226

Total
$
38,820,839

$
440,363

$
10,000,638

$
(13,866,580
)
$
$
35,395,260

$
56,226


 
For the year ended December 31, 2013
Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits Relating to Positions Still Held
 

Beginning Asset Balance as of  
January 1, 2013



Interest*


Purchases**










Sales**



Transfers in (Out) of
Level 3


Ending Asset Balance as of December 31, 2013
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guaranteed interest accounts
$
43,353,909

$
51,906

$
14,374,126

$
(18,959,102
)
$ –
$
38,820,839

$
(416,411
)
Total
$
43,353,909

$
51,906

$
14,374,126

$
(18,959,102
)
$ –
$
38,820,839

$
(416,411
)


*Includes interest and unrealized gains or losses.
**
Includes contributions, transfers from affiliated and unaffiliated plans, transfers to other investments via participant election, benefits paid to participants, and administrative expenses.

Page 15 of 26


The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (excluding interest in Master Trust) (continued)
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
The following table provides quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used for recurring fair value measurements categorized within Level 3.
 
As of December 31, 2014
 
Assets measured at fair value
Valuation technique(s)
Unobservable input description
Input/range of inputs
Assets
 
 
 
 
Guaranteed interest accounts
$
35,395,260

See note (1)
Interest rate on account
0.05% – 4.58%
 
 
 
Applicable interest rate
0.72% – 2.31%
 
 
 
Maturity date
12/31/2014 – 12/31/2020
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
If the applicable interest rate is equal to or less than the interest rate on the account, the fair market value is equal to the contract value.
If the applicable interest rate is greater than the interest rate on the account, the fair market value is the contract value reduced by a percentage. This percentage is equal to the difference between the applicable interest rate and the interest rate on the account, multiplied by the number of years (including fractional parts of a year) until the maturity date.
6. Interest in Principal Select Savings Stable Value Master Trust
A portion of the Plan’s investments are in the Master Trust, which was established for the investment of assets of the Plan and the Company’s other defined contribution plan, The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field. Each participating retirement plan has an undivided interest in the Master Trust. The value of the Plan’s interest in the Master Trust is based on the STIF balance, Bond Fund balance, principal balance of the Contract, plus accrued interest at the stated contract rate, less payments received and contract changes by Principal Life. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Plan’s interest in the net assets of the Master Trust was approximately 88% and 87%, respectively. Investment income and administrative expenses relating to the Master Trust are allocated to the individual plans based upon the Plan’s interest in the Master Trust.
The crediting interest rate is based on a formula agreed upon with Principal Life, but it may not be less than 0%. Such interest rates are reviewed on a monthly basis for resetting.

Page 16 of 26


The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


6. Interest in Principal Select Savings Stable Value Master Trust (continued)
Certain events limit the ability of the Plan to transact at contract value with Principal Life when material events withdrawals are greater than 25% of the Contract as of the start of each contract year. These events include (1) certain termination of employment of a group of participants (including through layoffs or early retirement incentive programs instituted by the Company), (2) a certain spin-off or sale of the Company’s business entity or location, (3) certain adoptions of amendments to the Plan, any change in practice, or any change in participant withdrawal rights under the Plan. BPAC does not believe that the occurrence of any such material event, which would limit the Plan’s ability to transact at contract value, is probable.
The annual average yields earned by the guaranteed investment contract are as follows:
Average yields:
2014
2013
 
 
 
Based on actual earnings
1.05
%
0.82
%
Based on interest rate credited to participants
1.06
%
0.84
%

The net assets, including investments, of the Master Trust are as follows:
 
December 31,
 
2014
2013
 
 
 
STIF
$
4,750,918

$
3,529,858

Bond Fund
80,076,002

84,633,460

Total assets
84,826,920

88,163,318

Payables
(64,748)

(170,647)

Net assets at fair value
84,762,172

87,992,671

Adjustments from fair value to contract value for fully
benefit-responsive investment contract
(23,117)

525,643

Total net assets at contract value

$84,739,055

$
88,518,314

 
 
 
Plan interest in Principal Select Savings Stable Value Master Trust at fair value
$
74,876,505

$
76,889,286

Adjustment from fair value to contract value for a fully benefit-responsive investment contract
(20,421)

459,315

Plan interest in Principal Select Savings Stable Value Master Trust at contract value

$74,856,084

$
77,348,601


Page 17 of 26


The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


6. Interest in Principal Select Savings Stable Value Master Trust (continued)
Investment income for the Master Trust is as follows:
 
For the year ended December 31, 2014
 
 
Interest income
$
893,782

Other income
481

Total investment income
$
894,263


The NAV of each of the investments is calculated in a manner consistent with GAAP for investment companies and is determinative of their fair value. As of December, 31, 2014, the Bond Fund is reflected as Level 2 and the STIF is reflected as Level 1. The Bond Fund generally invests in fixed income securities. When available, the fair value of the fixed income securities is based on quoted prices of identical assets in active markets. When quoted prices are not available, the first priority is to obtain prices from third-party pricing methodologies and to confirm they are utilizing observable market information. The STIF is a money market fund valued using public quotations.
Master Trust assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below.
 
As of December 31, 2014
 
Assets Measured at Fair Value
Fair Value Hierarchy Level
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
STIF
$
4,750,918

$
4,750,918

$

$

Bond Fund
80,076,002


80,076,002


Total invested assets
$
84,826,920

$
4,750,918

$
80,076,002

$


 
As of December 31, 2013
 
Assets Measured at Fair Value
Fair Value Hierarchy Level
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
STIF
$
3,529,858

$
3,529,858

$

$

Bond Fund
84,633,460


84,633,460


Total invested assets
$
88,163,318

$
3,529,858

$
84,633,460

$



Page 18 of 26


The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


6. Interest in Principal Select Savings Stable Value Master Trust (continued)
Within the Master Trust, the Plan holds a wrap contract with an inconsequential fair value for the 2014 and 2013 Plan years.
The Bond Fund and the STIF represented 5% or more of the Master Trust’s net assets at contract value as of December 31, 2014. The Bond Fund represented 5% or more of the Master Trust’s net assets at contract value as of December 31, 2013.
7. Related Party Transactions
In addition to the transactions with parties-in-interest discussed herein, Principal Life provides recordkeeping services to the Plan and receives fees, which are paid through revenue generated by Plan investments, for those services. These transactions are exempt from the prohibited transactions rules of ERISA. The Company may pay other Plan expenses from time to time. As part of the Principal Select Savings Stable Value Fund investment, the Plan purchases a wrap contract from Principal Life. The ESOP received $2,690,784 in dividends from Principal Financial Group, Inc. in 2014.
8. Form 5500
The following table reconciles net assets available for benefits per the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits to the Form 5500:
 
December 31,
 
2014
2013
Net assets available for benefits per the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits
$
1,912,273,989

$
1,769,715,415

Adjustments from contract value to fair value for fully benefit-responsive investment contract
20,421

(459,315)

Net assets available for benefits per the Form 5500
$
1,912,294,410

$
1,769,256,100



Page 19 of 26


The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


8. Form 5500 (continued)
The following table reconciles the Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits to the Form 5500:
 
December 31,
 
2014
 
 
Net change from contract value to fair value for fully benefit-responsive investment contracts
$
479,736

Master Trust investment income
783,421

Net investment loss from Master Trust investment accounts per the Form 5500
$
1,263,157


GAAP requires that the Plan reports interest in fully benefit-responsive contracts at contract value, while the Form 5500 is required to report these investments at fair value.


Page 20 of 26


The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
EIN: 42-0127290 Plan Number: 003
Schedule H, Line 4i – Schedule of Assets
(Held at End of Year)
December 31, 2014

Identity of Issue
Description of Investment
Current Value
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in guaranteed interest accounts
$
35,395,260

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Small-Cap Value II Separate Account
23,748,725

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Large Company Growth Separate Account
72,948,747

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company U.S. Property Separate Account
152,603,679

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Bond and Mortgage Separate Account
93,340,953

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Diversified International Separate Account
122,800,022

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Large-Cap Stock Index Separate Account
236,253,828

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Government and High Quality Bond Separate Account
23,792,658

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Mid-Cap Separate Account
150,871,028



Page 21 of 26




Identity of Issue
Description of Investment
Current Value
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company International Emerging Markets Separate Account
$
82,452,554

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Large Company Value Separate Account
33,330,992

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Inflation Protection Separate Account
13,400,778

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Partner Large-Cap Growth I Separate Account
36,043,731

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime Strategic Income Separate Account
11,882,945

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Principal Financial Group, Inc. Stock Separate Account
13,517,787

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Partner Small-Cap Growth I Separate Account
52,084,885

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Small-Cap Stock Index Separate Account
123,671,967

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Equity Income Separate Account
69,368,766

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2010 Separate Account
11,577,088



Page 22 of 26




Identity of Issue
Description of Investment
Current Value
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2020 Separate Account
$
72,431,147

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2030 Separate Account
120,914,092

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2040 Separate Account
95,284,560

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2050 Separate Account
58,130,579

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2060 Separate Account
3,369,717

 
 
 
Principal Financial Group, Inc.*
2,035,856 shares of Principal Financial Group, Inc. ESOP
105,742,348

 
 
 
Loans to participants*
Notes receivable from participants with varying maturity dates and interest rates ranging from 4.25% to 11.50%
22,454,302

 
 
$
1,837,413,138

 
 
 
*Indicates party-in-interest to the Plan.


Page 23 of 26




SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the administrator of The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 
THE PRINCIPAL SELECT SAVINGS PLAN FOR
 
 
 
EMPLOYEES
 
 
 
by Benefit Plans Administration Committee




Date: June 23, 2015
 
By /s/ Tammy DeHaai            
 
 
       Tammy DeHaai
 
 
       Committee Member



Page 24 of 26




Exhibit Index

The following exhibit is filed herewith:
EXHIBIT
Page
23 - Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
26



Page 25 of 26