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, 2015

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 25



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 25




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, 2015 and 2014, and the related statement of changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2015. 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, 2015 and 2014, and the changes in its net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
The accompanying supplemental schedule of assets (held at end of year) as of December 31, 2015, and for the year then ended, has been subjected 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 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

Des Moines, Iowa
June 24, 2016



Page 3 of 25






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

 
December 31,
 
2015
2014
Assets
 
 
Investments at fair value:
 
 
Unallocated investment options:
 
 
Guaranteed interest accounts
$
32,414,952

$
35,395,260

Separate accounts
1,723,700,371

1,673,821,228

Principal Financial Group, Inc. Employee Stock
Ownership Plan
90,634,768

105,742,348

Collective investment trust
1,214,933


Plan interest in Principal Select Savings Stable Value Master Trust
75,104,665

74,876,505

Total invested assets at fair value
1,923,069,689

1,889,835,341

 
 
 
Receivables:
 
 
Contributions receivable from employer
2,131

1,891

Contributions receivable from participants
409

25

Notes receivable from participants
21,896,623

22,454,302

Other receivables
41,668

2,851

Total receivables
21,940,831

22,459,069

Net assets reflecting investments at fair value
1,945,010,520

1,912,294,410

Adjustments from fair value to contract value for a fully benefit-responsive investment contract
404,127

(20,421
)
Net assets available for benefits
$
1,945,414,647

$
1,912,273,989

 
 
 
See accompanying notes.
 
 




    



Page 4 of 25





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

 
For the
year ended
December 31,
 
2015
Additions
 
Investment income:
 
Interest
$
271,209

Dividends
3,014,756

Net depreciation of investments
(2,330,560
)
Interest in Principal Select Savings Stable Value Master Trust
1,009,066

Total investment income
1,964,471

 
 
Interest income on notes receivable from participants
1,129,298

 
 
Contributions:
 
Employer
42,234,645

Participants
86,762,986

Total contributions
128,997,631

Total additions
132,091,400

 
 
Deductions
 
Benefits paid to participants
97,418,774

Transfers to affiliated and unaffiliated plans, net
1,136,998

Administrative expenses
394,970

Total deductions
98,950,742

Net increase
33,140,658

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

Net assets available for benefits at end of year
$
1,945,414,647

 
 
See accompanying notes.
 




Page 5 of 25


The Principal Select Savings Plan for Employees
Notes to Financial Statements
Year Ended December 31, 2015

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

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 5 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 (depreciation) 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.


Page 6 of 25


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


1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
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.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued authoritative guidance that simplifies the benefit-responsive investment contracts, investment and fair value measurement disclosure requirements. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, 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 employees of Principal Life Insurance Company (Principal Life) and its subsidiaries or affiliates (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 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 Principal Financial Group, Inc. (PFG) Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which consists of common stock of PFG is held in a separate trust. PFG is the ultimate parent of Principal Life. 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. The Trustee of the collective investment trust (CIT) is Delaware Charter Guarantee & Trust Company (DCG) doing business as Principal Trust Company, an affiliate of Principal Life. Principal Life is the recordkeeper of the Plan.


Page 7 of 25


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 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, 2015 and 2014, forfeited non-vested account balances totaled $343,573 and $16,718, respectively. In 2015 and 2014, employer contributions were reduced by $1,389,205 and $1,676,131, respectively, from forfeited non-vested accounts.




Page 8 of 25


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


2. Description of the Plan (continued)
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. Beginning December 17, 2015, the rate for loans issued was 5.50%. The rate for loans prior to December 17, 2015 was 5.25%.
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, 2015, 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. The Plan believes it is no longer subject to income tax examinations for years prior to 2011.


Page 9 of 25


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


4. Investments (Excluding Interest in Master Trust)
The following table presents individual investments that represented 5% or more of the Plan’s net assets available for benefits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. Principal Life and PFG are parties-in-interest with respect to these investments.
 
December 31,
 
2015
2014
 
 
 
Large-Cap Stock Index Separate Account
$
237,779,127

$
236,253,828

U.S. Property Separate Account
187,029,733

152,603,679

Mid-Cap Separate Account
156,344,505

150,871,028

Lifetime 2030 Separate Account
128,624,702

120,914,092

Diversified International Separate Account
125,332,880

122,800,022

Small-Cap Stock Index Separate Account
121,751,065

123,671,967

Lifetime 2040 Separate Account
100,531,034

*

Principal Financial Group, Inc. ESOP
*

105,742,348


* Less than 5% of the fair value of net assets available for benefits as of respective date.

During 2015 and 2014, the Plan’s investments that are related to Principal Life (depreciated) appreciated in value as follows:

 
For the year ended December 31,
 
2015
2014
 
 
 
Guaranteed interest accounts
$
(127,219
)
$
56,226

Separate accounts of insurance company
10,773,422

113,888,024

Principal Financial Group, Inc. ESOP
(12,853,509
)
5,991,277

Collective investment trust
(123,254
)

 
$
(2,330,560
)
$
119,935,527



Page 10 of 25


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 the CIT 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 2015 and 2014.
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 2015.
The unallocated investment options consist of 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 guaranteed interest accounts and separate accounts are reported at fair value as determined by Principal Life. These unallocated investment options are non-benefit-responsive.


Page 11 of 25


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 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, 2015, 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. 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 12 of 25


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 fair value based on the quoted closing market price of its stock on the last business day of the Plan year and is reflected in Level 1.

Collective Investment Trust

The CIT invests in a variety of common stocks, bonds, U.S. government and government agency securities, senior floating rate interests (bank loans) and derivatives. The CIT values securities at market value using the last reported sale price when market quotations are readily available. If no sales are reported securities are valued using the last reported bid price or an evaluated bid price provided by a pricing service. Pricing services use modeling techniques that incorporate security characteristics, market conditions and dealer-supplied valuations to determine an evaluated bid price. When market quotations are not readily available, DCG determines the fair value. The NAV of the CIT 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 CIT. The CIT is reflected in Level 2.




Page 13 of 25


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


5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (excluding interest in Master Trust) (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, 2015
 
Assets Measured at Fair Value
Fair Value Hierarchy Level
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
Guaranteed interest accounts
$
32,414,952

$

$

$
32,414,952

Separate accounts:
 
 
 
 
Fixed-income security
126,232,535


126,232,535


Lifetime balanced asset allocation
391,542,841


391,542,841


Large U.S. equity
454,218,088


454,218,088


Small/mid U.S. equity
354,822,626


354,822,626


International equity
198,886,280


198,886,280


U.S. real estate
187,029,733


187,029,733


Other
10,968,268


10,968,268


Principal Financial Group, Inc. ESOP
90,634,768

90,634,768



Collective investment trust
1,214,933


1,214,933


Total invested assets, excluding Plan interest in Master Trust
$
1,847,965,024

$
90,634,768

$
1,724,915,304

$
32,414,952

 
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



Page 14 of 25


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, 2015 and 2014, are as follows:
 
For the year ended December 31, 2015
Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits Relating to Positions Still Held
 

Beginning Asset Balance as of  
January 1, 2015



Interest*


Purchases**










Sales**



Transfers In (Out) of
Level 3


Ending Asset Balance as of December 31, 2015
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guaranteed interest accounts
$
35,395,260

$
143,990

$
12,457,002

$
(15,581,300
)
$   –
$
32,414,952

$
(127,219
)
Total
$
35,395,260

$
143,990

$
12,457,002

$
(15,581,300
)
$
$
32,414,952

$
(127,219
)

 
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



*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 25


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, 2015
 
Assets measured at fair value
Valuation technique
Unobservable input description
Input/range of inputs
Assets
 
 
 
 
Guaranteed interest accounts
$
32,414,952

See note (1)
Interest rate on account
0.10% – 2.36%
 
 
 
Applicable interest rate
1.10% – 2.43%
 
 
 
Maturity date
12/31/2015 – 12/31/2021
 
 
 
 
 
(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 Principal Select Savings Stable Value Master Trust (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 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. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Plan’s interest in the net assets of the Master Trust was approximately 89% and 88%, 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.


Page 16 of 25


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


6. Interest in Principal Select Savings Stable Value Master Trust (continued)
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. 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.
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.

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. The Plan does not believe that the occurrence of any such material event is probable.
The annual average yields earned by the guaranteed investment contract were as follows:
 
As of December 31,
Average yields:
2015
2014
 
 
 
Based on actual earnings
1.36
%
1.05
%
Based on interest rate credited to participants
1.36
%
1.06
%


Page 17 of 25


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


6. Interest in Principal Select Savings Stable Value Master Trust (continued)

The net assets, including investments, of the Master Trust are as follows:
 
2015
2014
 
 
 
STIF
$
4,056,997

$
4,750,918

Bond Fund
79,994,980

80,076,002

Total assets
84,051,977

84,826,920

Receivables (payables)
231,732

(64,748)

Net assets at fair value
84,283,709

84,762,172

Adjustments from fair value to contract value for fully
benefit-responsive investment contract
453,518

(23,117)

Total net assets at contract value

$84,737,227


$84,739,055

 
 
 
Plan interest in Principal Select Savings Stable Value Master Trust at fair value
$
75,104,665

$
74,876,505

Adjustment from fair value to contract value for a fully benefit-responsive investment contract
404,127

(20,421)

Plan interest in Principal Select Savings Stable Value Master Trust at contract value
$
75,508,792

$
74,856,084


Investment income for the Master Trust is as follows:
 
For the year ended December 31, 2015
 
 
Interest income
$
1,145,613

Other income
550

Total investment income
$
1,146,163



Page 18 of 25


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


6. Interest in Principal Select Savings Stable Value Master Trust (continued)

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, 2015, the Bond Fund was reflected as Level 2 and the STIF was 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 vendors and to ensure we understand their 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, 2015
 
Assets Measured at Fair Value
Fair Value Hierarchy Level
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
STIF
$
4,056,997

$
4,056,997

$

$

Bond Fund
79,994,980


79,994,980


Total invested assets
$
84,051,977

$
4,056,997

$
79,994,980

$


 
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

$


Within the Master Trust, the Plan held a wrap contract with an inconsequential fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

The Bond Fund represented 5% or more of the Master Trust’s net assets at contract value as of December 31, 2015. 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.



Page 19 of 25


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


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 by Plan investments. 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 $3,014,756 in dividends from Principal Financial Group, Inc. in 2015.

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,
 
2015
2014
Net assets available for benefits per the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits
$
1,945,414,647

$
1,912,273,989

Adjustments from contract value to fair value for fully benefit-responsive investment contract
(404,127
)
20,421

Net assets available for benefits per the Form 5500
$
1,945,010,520

$
1,912,294,410


The following table reconciles the Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits to the Form 5500:
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
 
Net change from contract value to fair value for fully benefit-responsive investment contracts
$
(424,548
)
Master Trust investment income
1,009,066

Net investment loss from Master Trust investment accounts per the Form 5500
$
584,518


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 25


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, 2015

Identity of Issuer
Description of Investment
Current Value
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in guaranteed interest accounts
$
32,414,952

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Small-Cap Value II Separate Account
22,811,807

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Large-Cap Growth Separate Account
77,060,498

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company U.S. Property Separate Account
187,029,733

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Core Plus Bond Separate Account
89,966,894

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Diversified International Separate Account
125,332,880

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Large-Cap Stock Index Separate Account
237,779,127

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Government and High Quality Bond Separate Account
23,631,245

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Mid-Cap Separate Account
156,344,505

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company International Emerging Markets Separate Account
73,553,400

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Large-Cap Value Separate Account
32,894,545

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Inflation Protection Separate Account
12,634,396

 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Large-Cap Growth I Separate Account
44,031,729


Page 21 of 25




Identity of Issue
Description of Investment
Current Value
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime Strategic Income Separate Account
11,719,962
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Principal Financial Group, Inc. Stock Separate Account
10,968,268
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Small-Cap Growth I Separate Account
53,915,249
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Small-Cap Stock Index Separate Account
121,751,065
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Equity Income Separate Account
62,452,189
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2010 Separate Account
9,993,946
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2020 Separate Account
70,153,927
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2030 Separate Account
128,624,702
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2040 Separate Account
100,531,034
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2050 Separate Account
65,005,486
 
 
 
Principal Life Insurance Company*
Deposits in insurance company Lifetime 2060 Separate Account
5,513,784
 
 
 
Principal Trust Company*
Common/Collective Trust
Diversified Real Asset Tier 2
1,214,933
 
 
 
Principal Financial Group, Inc.*
2,015,002 shares of Principal Financial Group, Inc. ESOP
90,634,768
 
 
 
Loans to participants*
Notes receivable from participants with varying maturity dates and interest rates ranging from 4.25% to 11.50%
21,896,623
 
 
1,869,861,647
* Indicates party-in-interest to the Plan.
 

Page 22 of 25




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 24, 2016
 
By /s/Elizabeth L. Raymond            
 
 
     Elizabeth L. Raymond
 
 
       Committee Chair



Page 23 of 25




Exhibit Index

The following exhibit is filed herewith:
EXHIBIT
Page
23 - Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
25



Page 24 of 25