Principal Financial Group 2012 Annual Report Download - page 4

Dear fellow shareholders:
s I refl ect on 2012, three words come to mind – execute,
execute, execute. We continued to focus on doing what
we do best – helping our clients take action to achieve their
fi nancial dreams. We exercised discipline. We managed risk.
And as a result, we achieved outstanding growth and success.
Understanding our clients. Serving their needs.
Since 1879, the Principal Financial Group has been investing
clients’ hard-earned dollars to help them achieve fi nancial
success and protection for their loved ones. We have always
invested for the long-term – delivering on our promises
through the best and worst of times.
2012 was no exception. Our Investment Management Plus
strategy, supported by strong execution, continued to build
momentum across our businesses and deliver strong fi nancial
results.
• Despite continued macroeconomic pressures, adjusted
total company operating earnings grew 7 percent in 2012.
• Earnings per share rose 12 percent.
• Net income grew 25 percent.
These results – in yet another year of market uncertainty
– underscore the soundness of our strategy, the synergy of
our businesses, the strength of our global partnerships and
the huge opportunities available in exploding middle class
markets.
The most meaningful proof of our performance is in the
stories of real people and businesses whose dreams we’ve
helped achieve.
I hear these stories every day. I talk to fi nancial advisors
who work hard on their clients’ behalf. I read letters from
clients who aspired and achieved. I listen to calls from
baby boomers preparing to retire.
I understand the relief a business owner feels when her
succession plan is in place. And I’m inspired by the millions
of families in emerging markets who fi nally have the
opportunity to dream, to plan and to save.
Larry Zimpleman
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Offi cer
2 SHAREHOLDER LETTER | 2012 YEAR IN REVIEW
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