Document



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, 2017


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 Individual Field

(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 24




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Plan participants and the Benefit Plans Administration Committee Principal Financial Group, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related statement of changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 20 17, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits of the Plan at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the changes in its net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Plan's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Plan in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Plan is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting 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.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedure s included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.


Page 2 of 24




Supplemental Schedule

The accompanying supplemental schedule of assets (held at end of year) as of December 31, 2017, for the year then ended, has been subjected to audit procedures performed in conjunction with the audit of the Plan'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 our 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

We have served as the Plan's auditor since at least 2001, but we are unable to determine the specific year.

Des Moines, Iowa
June 27, 2018



Page 3 of 24




The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Investments at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
Unallocated investment options:
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred income annuity
$
118,917

 
$

Guaranteed interest accounts
 
1,211,315

 
 
1,195,571

Separate accounts
 
186,457,560

 
 
151,013,913

Principal Financial Group, Inc. Employee Stock
 
 
 
 
 
Ownership Plan
 
22,288,605

 
 
20,611,776

Self-directed brokerage account
 
772,925

 
 
20,077

Total invested assets at fair value
 
210,849,322

 
 
172,841,337

Plan interest in Master Trust Investment Account at
      contract value
 
11,125,672

 
 
14,661,726

Total investments
 
221,974,994

 
 
187,503,063

 
 
 
 
 
 
Receivables:
 
 
 
 
 
Contributions receivable from employer
 
178,751

 
 
144

Notes receivable from participants
 
3,019,454

 
 
3,168,520

Total receivables
 
3,198,205

 
 
3,168,664

Net assets available for benefits
$
225,173,199

 
$
190,671,727

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Page 4 of 24




The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field
 
 
 
Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits
 
 
 
 
For the
 
year ended
 
December 31,
 
2017
Additions
 
 
Investment income:
 
 
Interest
$
11,214
Dividends
 
639,067
Net appreciation of investments
 
35,352,293
Interest in Master Trust Investment Account
 
194,683
Total investment income
 
36,197,257
 
 
 
Interest income on notes receivable from participants
 
160,055
 
 
 
Contributions:
 
 
Employer
 
3,206,118
Participants
 
7,870,695
Transfers from affiliated plans, net
 
2,576,717
Total contributions
 
13,653,530
Total additions
 
50,010,842
 
 
 
Deductions
 
 
Benefits paid to participants
 
15,340,296
Administrative expenses
 
169,074
Total deductions
 
15,509,370
Net increase
 
34,501,472
 
 
 
Net assets available for benefits at beginning of year
 
190,671,727
Net assets available for benefits at end of year
$
225,173,199
 
 
 
See accompanying notes.
 
 


Page 5 of 24

The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2017

1. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Accounting

The accounting records of The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field (the Plan) are
maintained on the accrual basis of accounting.

Valuation of Investments and Income Recognition

Investments held by the Plan are stated at fair value, which 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). See Note 4 for further discussion and disclosures related to fair value measurements.

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.

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.


Page 6 of 24

The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Recent Accounting Pronouncement

In February 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued authoritative guidance that requires additional disclosures from master trusts. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and will not have a material impact on the Plan’s financial statements.

2. Description of the Plan

The Plan is a defined contribution 401(k) plan that was established January 1, 1985. The Plan is available to substantially all field management and agents holding a Career Agent Contract from Principal Life Insurance Company or its affiliates (the Company). The Plan Sponsor is Principal Financial Group, Inc. (PFG), the ultimate parent of Principal Life.

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 Principal Life’s Human Resources Benefits Department or the Company’s intranet. The Plan is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (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 that holds group annuity contracts issued by Principal Life. The PFG Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which consists of common stock of PFG, is held in a separate trust. The Trustees of the Trust that hold the group annuity contracts are employees of Principal Life. Bankers Life is the Trustee of the Trust that holds PFG common stock in the ESOP. Delaware Charter Guarantee & Trust Company (DCG), doing business as Principal Trust Company, an affiliate of PFG, is the Directed Trustee of the self-directed brokerage account (SDBA). Principal Life is the recordkeeper of the Plan.

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.


Page 7 of 24

The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

2. Description of the Plan (continued)

Participant Accounts

Each participant’s account is credited with the participant’s contributions and the Company’s matching contributions. The participant’s account also receives an allocation of plan earnings and administrative expenses. Plan earnings are allocated based on the participant’s share of net earnings or losses of their respective elected investment options. Allocations of administrative expenses are based on the participant’s account balances, as defined. The benefit to which a participant is entitled is the benefit that can be provided from the participant’s vested account.

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 governing document (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. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, forfeited non-vested account balances totaled $21,433 and $7,240, respectively. In 2017 and 2016, employer contributions were reduced by $384,908 and $339,853, 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.



Page 8 of 24

The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

2. Description of the Plan (continued)

The loan rates were as follows:
Participant Loan Dates
 
Rates
 
 
 
January 1, 2013 to December 16, 2015
 
5.25%
December 17, 2015 to December 14, 2016
 
5.50%
December 15, 2016 to March 21, 2017
 
5.75%
March 22, 2017 to June 20, 2017
 
6.00%
June 21, 2017 to December 19, 2017
 
6.25%
December 20, 2017 to December 31, 2017
 
6.50%
 
 
 

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 October 12, 2017, 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.

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 relies on the representations of the corporate tax department regarding the tax positions taken by the Plan and has concluded that as of December 31, 2017, 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. Plan management believes the Plan is no longer subject to income tax examinations for years prior to 2014.


Page 9 of 24

The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (excluding interest in Master Trust Investment Account)

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 and the self-directed brokerage account.

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 include separate accounts and are reflected at net asset value (NAV).

Level 3 - Fair values are based on significant unobservable inputs for the asset. Our Level 3 assets include the deferred income annuity and 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 2017 and 2016.

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 2017.

The unallocated investment options consist of a deferred income annuity, guaranteed interest accounts under a guaranteed benefit policy (as defined in section 401(b) of ERISA), and separate accounts (as defined in ERISA section 3(17)) of Principal Life. The deferred income annuity and guaranteed interest accounts are reported at fair value while the separate accounts are reported at NAV as determined by Principal Life. These unallocated investment options are non-benefit-responsive.



Page 10 of 24

The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (excluding interest in Master Trust Investment Account) (continued)

Deferred Income Annuity

The deferred income annuity cannot be sold to a third party; thus, the only option to exit the deferred income annuity is to withdraw or transfer the funds. The fair value for each deferred income annuity surrendered within 90 days from the date of the purchase is the purchase amount of the surrendered portion. The fair value for each deferred income annuity surrendered more than 90 days after the date of the purchase is the lesser of the guaranteed income balance or the commuted value associated with the surrendered portion of the deferred income annuity. The fair value will never be greater than and may be
less than the guaranteed income balance associated with the surrendered portion of the deferred income annuity. The fair value of the deferred income annuity is reflected in Level 3.

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 or transfer the funds prior to maturity for an event other than death, disability, termination, or retirement. The 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 fair value of the guaranteed interest accounts is reflected in Level 3.

Separate Accounts

Separate accounts are designed to deliver safety and stability by preserving principal and accumulating earnings. 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 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. 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. As of December 31, 2017, all separate accounts are reflected in Level 2.

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.


Page 11 of 24

The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (excluding interest in Master Trust Investment Account) (continued)

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.

Principal Financial Group, Inc. ESOP

The ESOP is reported at fair value based on the quoted closing market price of PFG’s stock on the last business day of the Plan year and is reflected in Level 1.

Self-Directed Brokerage Account

Plan participants have access to a limited number of mutual funds through the SDBA. The SDBA is reflected in Level 1.

Page 12 of 24

The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (excluding interest in Master Trust Investment Account) (continued)

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, 2017
 
Assets
 
Fair Value Hierarchy Level
 
measured
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
at fair
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred income annuity
$
118,917
 
$

 
$

 
$
118,917

Guaranteed interest accounts
 
1,211,315
 
 

 
 

 
 
1,211,315

Separate accounts
 
186,457,560
 
 

 
 
186,457,560

 
 

Principal Financial Group, Inc. ESOP
 
22,288,605
 
 
22,288,605

 
 

 
 

Self-directed brokerage account
 
772,925
 
 
772,925

 
 

 
 

Total invested assets, excluding Plan interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
in Master Trust Investment Account
$
210,849,322
 
$
23,061,530

 
$
186,457,560

 
$
1,330,232

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
Assets
 
Fair Value Hierarchy Level
 
measured
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
at fair
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guaranteed interest accounts
$
1,195,571
 
$

 
$

 
$
1,195,571

Separate accounts
 
151,013,913
 
 

 
 
151,013,913

 
 

Principal Financial Group, Inc. ESOP
 
20,611,776
 
 
20,611,776

 
 

 
 

Self-directed brokerage account
 
20,077
 
 
20,077

 
 

 
 

Total invested assets, excluding Plan interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
in Master Trust Investment Account
$
172,841,337
 
$
20,631,853

 
$
151,013,913

 
$
1,195,571




Page 13 of 24

The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (excluding interest in Master Trust Investment Account) (continued)

Changes in Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

The reconciliation for all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, was as follows:

 
For the year ended December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning Asset
Balance as of January 1,
2017
 
 
Interest*
 
 
Purchases**
 
 
Sales**
 
 
Transfers In (Out) of
Level 3
 
 
Ending Asset Balance as of December 31,
2017
 
 
Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits Relating to Positions Still Held
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred income annuity
$

 
$
(10,771)

 
$
130,764
 
$
(1,076)
 
$

 
$
118,917
 
$
(10,771)
Guaranteed interest accounts
 
1,195,571

 
 
9,170

 
 
226,678
 
 
(220,104)
 
 

 
 
1,211,315
 
 
(2,044)
Total
$
1,195,571

 
$
(1,601)

 
$
357,442
 
$
(221,180)
 
$

 
$
1,330,232
 
$
(12,815)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the year ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning Asset
Balance as of January 1,
2016
 
 
Interest*
 
 
Purchases**
 
 
Sales**
 
 
Transfers In (Out) of
Level 3
 
 
Ending Asset Balance as of December 31,
2016
 
 
Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits Relating to Positions Still Held
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guaranteed interest accounts
$
2,089,596
 
$
33,548
 
$
419,237
 
$
(1,346,810)
 
$

 
$
1,195,571
 
$
13,554
Total
$
2,089,596
 
$
33,548
 
$
419,237
 
$
(1,346,810)
 
$

 
$
1,195,571
 
$
13,554

*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 14 of 24

The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

4. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (excluding interest in Master Trust Investment Account) (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, 2017
 
 
 
Assets measured
 
 
Valuation
 
 
Unobservable
 
Input/range of inputs
 
 
 
at fair value
 
 
technique
 
 
input description
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred income annuity
 
$
118,917
 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
 
Long duration interest rate
 
3.00% - 3.97%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortality rate
 
See note (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guaranteed interest
 
 
1,211,315
 
 
See note (2)
 
 
Interest rate on account
 
0.10% – 1.77%
accounts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Applicable interest rate
 
2.24% - 2.77%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12/31/2017 -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maturity date
 
12/31/2023
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Assets measured
 
 
Valuation
 
 
Unobservable
 
Input/range of inputs
 
 
 
at fair value
 
 
technique
 
 
input description
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guaranteed interest
 
$
1,195,571
 
 
See note (2)
 
 
Interest rate on account
 
0.10% - 2.40%
accounts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Applicable interest rate
 
1.31% - 2.59%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12/31/2016 -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maturity date
 
12/31/2022

(1)
This input is based on an industry mortality table and a range does not provide a meaningful presentation.

(2)
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.

5. Interest in Master Trust Investment Account
In 2016, the Principal Select Savings Stable Value Master Trust was liquidated and transferred to the Principal Select Stable Value Separate Account (PSSVSA), which is reported as a Master Trust Investment Account (MTIA). The MTIA was established for the investment of assets of The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees and The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field (the Plans). The Plans gain access to the PSSVSA through a group annuity contract (Contract) issued by Principal Life, an affiliate. Each participating plan has an undivided interest in the PSSVSA. The


Page 15 of 24

The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


5. Interest in Master Trust Investment Account (continued)
PSSVSA is an insurance company separate account that invests in the Morley Stable Income Bond Fund (Bond Fund) and the Principal Liquid Asset Separate Account (PLASA). The Bond Fund is a collective investment trust that invests in investment-grade fixed income securities. The Bond Fund was maintained by Principal Global Investors & Trust Company, an affiliate of PFG. The PSSVSA is valued at contract value as reported to the Plans by Principal Life.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Plan’s interest in the net assets of the MTIA was approximately 9% and 13%, respectively. Investment income and administrative expenses are allocated to the individual plans based upon the Plan’s interest in the MTIA.
The Contract provides a crediting rate that amortizes portfolio gains and losses over time and accounts for benefit payments to the Plans’ participants at the contract value. Under the Contract, Principal Life agrees to pay any deficiency if the investments in the PSSVSA have been exhausted for benefit payments and the contract value is greater than zero. The objective of the PSSVSA is to preserve capital, credit relatively stable returns consistent with its comparatively low risk profile, and provide liquidity for benefit-responsive payments. 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.
Certain events limit the ability of the Plans to transact at contract value with Principal Life when material event withdrawals are made, including (1) certain termination of employment of a group of participants (including through layoffs or early retirement incentive programs instituted by the Company) of 25% or more of the Plan Members in any calendar year, (2) a certain spin-off or sale of the Company’s business entity or location that affect more than 25% of the Plan Members, (3) certain adoptions of amendments to one of the plans, any change in practice, or any change in participant withdrawal rights under one of the plans. The Plans do not believe that the occurrence of any such material event is probable.
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 investments, excluding the fully benefit-responsive investment contract which is presented at contract value. The Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits is prepared on a contract value basis.





Page 16 of 24

The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


5. Interest in Master Trust Investment Account (continued)
The net assets, including investments, of the MTIA was as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
PLASA
 
$
4,824,901

 
$
5,914,788

Bond Fund
 
115,350,473

 
110,325,057

Total assets
 
120,175,374

 
116,239,845

Payables
 
(369,247
)
 
(6,983
)
Total net assets at contract value
 
$
119,806,127

 
$
116,232,862

 
 
 
 
 
Plan interest in the MTIA
 
$
11,125,672

 
$
14,661,726

Investment income for the MTIA was as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
For the year ended
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2017
 
 
 
Interest income
$
2,008,866

Other income
 
1,285

Expenses
 
(176,200)

Total investment income
$
1,833,951


6. 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. Fees were paid by Plan participants. 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 $637,754 in dividends from PFG in 2017.

7. Form 5500
The following table reconciles net assets available for benefits per the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits to the Form 5500:



Page 17 of 24

The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)



7. Form 5500 (continued)
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Net assets available for benefits per the Statements of
 
 
 
Net Assets Available for Benefits
$
225,173,199

 
$
190,671,727

Adjustments from contract value to fair value for fully
 
 
 
benefit-responsive investment contract
(117,057
)
 
(114,300
)
Net assets available for benefits per the Form 5500
$
225,056,142

 
$
190,557,427


The following table reconciles the Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits to the Form 5500:

 
 
December 31,
 
 
2017
Net change from contract value to fair value for fully benefit-responsive
 
 
investment contracts
 
$
(2,761
)
MTIA investment income
 
194,683
Net investment gain from MTIA per the Form 5500
 
$
191,922


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 18 of 24

The Principal Select Savings Plan for Individual Field
EIN: 42-1520346 Plan Number: 004
Schedule H, Line 4i – Schedule of Assets
(Held at End of Year)
December 31, 2017


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Description of
 
Current
Identity of Issuer
 
Investment
 
Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
 
 
 
 
Company*
 
Deposits in deferred income annuity
 
$
118,917

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
 
 
 
 
Company*
 
Deposits in guaranteed interest accounts
 
 
1,211,315

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Small-Cap Value II
 
 
 
Company*
 
Separate Account
 
 
3,699,445

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Large-Cap
 
 
 
Company*
 
Growth Separate Account
 
 
6,565,134

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company U.S. Property
 
 
 
Company*
 
Separate Account
 
 
20,486,942

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Core Plus Bond
 
 
 
Company*
 
Separate Account
 
 
5,804,346

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Diversified
 
 
 
Company*
 
International Separate Account
 
 
13,276,669

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Large-Cap Stock
 
 
 
Company*
 
Index Separate Account
 
 
21,569,190

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Government and
 
 
 
Company*
 
High Quality Bond Separate Account
 
 
2,234,258

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Mid-Cap Separate
 
 
 
Company*
 
Account
 
 
26,300,297

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company International
 
 
 
Company*
 
Emerging Markets Separate Account
 
 
14,135,715

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Page 19 of 24




 
 
Description of
 
Current
Identity of Issuer
 
Investment
 
Value
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Large-Cap
 
 
 
Company*
 
         Value Separate Account
 
$
3,232,758

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Inflation Protection
 
 
 
Company*
 
Separate Account
 
 
1,229,536

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Large-Cap
 
 
 
Company*
 
Growth I Separate Account
 
 
5,915,820

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime Strategic
 
 
 
Company*
 
Income Separate Account
 
 
3,202,376

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Small-Cap
 
 
 
Company*
 
Growth I Separate Account
 
 
7,451,743

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Small-Cap Stock
 
 
 
Company*
 
Index Separate Account
 
 
11,316,245

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Equity Income
 
 
 
Company*
 
Separate Account
 
 
8,133,440

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2010
 
 
 
Company*
 
Separate Account
 
 
1,931,480

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2015
 
 
 
Company*
 
Separate Account
 
 
470,243

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2020
 
 
 
Company*
 
Separate Account
 
 
6,204,127

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2025
 
 
 
Company*
 
Separate Account
 
 
1,251,544

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2030
 
 
 
Company*
 
Separate Account
 
 
8,021,983

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Page 20 of 24




 
 
Description of
 
Current
Identity of Issuer
 
Investment
 
Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2035
 
 
 
Company*
 
Separate Account
 
$
870,600

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2040
 
 
 
Company*
 
Separate Account
 
 
4,158,870

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2045
 
 
 
Company*
 
Separate Account
 
 
672,589

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2050
 
 
 
Company*
 
Separate Account
 
 
4,172,647

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2055
 
 
 
Company*
 
Separate Account
 
 
234,286

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2060
 
 
 
Company*
 
Separate Account
 
 
1,020,852

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Diversified
 
 
 
Company*
 
Real Asset Separate Account
 
 
736,608

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
Deposits in insurance company Blue Chip
 
 
 
Company*
 
Separate Account
 
 
2,157,817

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Financial
 
315,882 shares of Principal Financial Group,
 
 
 
Group, Inc.*
 
Inc. ESOP
 
 
22,288,605

 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance
 
 
 
 
 
Company*
 
Self-directed brokerage account
 
 
772,925

 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans to participants*
 
Notes receivable from participants with varying
 
 
 
 
 
maturity dates and interest rates ranging from
 
 
 
 
 
5.25% to 7.50%
 
 
3,019,454

 
 
 
 
$
213,868,776

 
 
 
 
 
 
*Indicates party-in-interest to the Plan.
 
 
 


Page 21 of 24




SIGNATURE

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

 
THE PRINCIPAL SELECT SAVINGS PLAN FOR
 
INDIVIDUAL FIELD
 
by Benefit Plans Administration Committee

Date: June 27, 2018
By /s/ Jon Couture            
 
    Jon Couture
 
      Committee Chair





Page 22 of 24




Exhibit Index

The following exhibit is filed herewith:
 
Page
23 - Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
24


Page 23 of 24