Principal® Earns #7 Rank on Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies List

Placement pushes financial services company atop industry peers on 2022 list

DES MOINES, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Principal Financial Group^® was named one of Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies, appearing as number seven – a jump of 59 spots from its 2021 ranking. Principal^® was the highest-ranking financial services company to appear on the list.

“Advancing to number seven on the list is an exciting recognition of our commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices,” said Dan Houston, chairman, president, and CEO. “Creating opportunities for future generations to thrive is at the core of what we do, and we will remain steadfast in ensuring that we have a positive impact on the customers and communities we serve.”

This is Barron’s fifth year producing this list, utilizing Calvert Research and Management to assess the 1,000 largest publicly traded companies. According to Barron’s, the ranking system looks at ESG performance indicators such as workplace diversity, data security, and greenhouse-gas emissions, as well as how the company performs for shareholders, employees, customers, community, and the planet.

“Principal^® is focused on helping our customers feel more financially secure, and one way we do that is through long-term responsible actions. It’s an honor for our team to be recognized for our commitment and progress towards building a more inclusive and sustainable world,” Houston said.

Principal announced measurable ESG commitments in 2021, which include reducing U.S. carbon emissions 40% by 2035, with the intent to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Commitments also include regular diversity and pay equity analysis and doubling the number of diverse small to mid-size businesses Principal supports through its products and services. Principal also issued a $600 million sustainability bond in August to fund eligible green and social initiatives with the bond proceeds.

The company’s latest CSR report and commitment goals are available online. To learn more about the company’s ESG strategy, visit www.principal.com/sustainability.

About Principal Financial Group^®

Principal Financial Gro up^® (Nasdaq: PFG) is a global financial company with 18,500 employees¹ passionate about improving the wealth and well-being of people and businesses. In business for more than 140 years, we’re helping more than 51 million customers¹ plan, insure, invest, and retire, while working to support the communities where we do business, improve our planet, and build a diverse, inclusive workforce. Principal^® is proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies², a member of the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, and a Top 10 “Best Places to Work in Money Management³.” Learn more about Principal and our commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and purpose at principal.com.

1 As of December 31, 2021

2 Ethisphere Institute, 2021

3 Pensions & Investments, 2021

Principal^®, Principal Financial Group^®, and Principal and the logomark design are registered trademarks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a Principal Financial Group company, in the United States and are trademarks and service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., in various countries around the world.

©2022 Principal Financial Services, Inc. Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company®. Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities and Advisory Services offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC and/or independent broker/dealers. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392.​2052652-022022