Principal Financial reports Q3 adjusted EPS $1.78, consensus $2.02

Dan Houston, chairman and CEO of Principal, said, “Strong business fundamentals, continued growth, and positive markets generated strong earnings in the third quarter, and we continue to be confident in our full-year target. Our strategic focus on higher growth markets, combined with our integrated product portfolio and strong distribution relationships, continues to create value and drive growth for customers and shareholders. We returned $416 million to shareholders in the quarter, including $251 million of share repurchases, delivering on our commitment to return excess capital to shareholders, while maintaining our strong capital position.”