About Us: History
History of the Principal Financial Group
In 1879 Edward Temple and colleagues formed Bankers Life Association. Over 125 years later, the little association has grown to become the Principal Financial Group® - an industry leader with approximately 15,000 employees, 16 million customers and more than $215 billion of assets under management. The Principal® is one of the largest employers in Iowa, one of "FORTUNE's 100 Best Companies to Work For" and a FORTUNE 500 Company.
At The Principal, we've expanded our product offering from solely individual life insurance to a wide range of financial products and services including retirement and investment services; life and health insurance; and mortgage banking. And on October 23rd, 2001, we made one of the biggest changes in our company history, we became a public company.
Historic Timeline:
Continuing to Strengthen Our Business
"The acquisition of WM Advisors represents an exceptional strategic fit for The Principal," says Barry Griswell, chairman and CEO. "This transaction adds important scale to one of our key asset accumulation businesses, it further strengthens our global asset management capability and it increases our presence with over 28,000 independent financial advisors who will play an increasingly important role in securing the future for over 76 million baby boomers."
January 2007, the Principal Financial Group acquired WM Advisors, Inc., manager of the WM Group of Funds.
The combined fund platform of both firms extends to advisors and fund shareholders of both organizations one of the most comprehensive fund solutions available, with emphasis on industry-leading lifecycle asset management capabilities.
Additional Benefits of the Merger:
- An excellent fit - The WM Advisors acquisition represents an exceptional strategic fit for The Principal®. It adds important scale to one of our key asset accumulation retail distribution opportunities.
- Increased status - The merger takes Principal Management Corporation (manager and recordkeeper of the Principal Investors Funds) from being the 43rd largest mutual fund company and the fourth largest provider of lifecycle funds in the United States. This status reinforces our position as an industry leader, not just in retirement plan services, but in investment management as well.
- Additional options - With the retail mutual fund share classes, there are several new investment options, including C-shares.
Get details on our company by reading The Principal Company Profile
To obtain a prospectus, download online or call Customer Service at 1.800.222.5852
While this communication may be used to promote or market a transaction or an idea that is discussed in the publication, it is intended to provide general information about the subject matter covered and is provided with the understanding that The Principal® is not rendering legal, accounting, or tax advice. It is not a marketed opinion and may not be used to avoid penalties under the Internal Revenue Code. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other advisors on all matters pertaining to legal, tax, or accounting obligations and requirements. For more information about our funds, including their full names, please see the Principal Funds, Inc. prospectus or call Customer Service at 1.800.222.5852.
A mutual fund's share price and investment return will vary with market conditions, and the principal value of an investment when you sell your shares may be more or less than the original cost.
This Web site was created and is maintained by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. exclusively, and not by the Directors of the funds.
Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc., member of the Principal Financial Group®. Principal Funds Distributor, Principal Shareholder Services, Principal Management Corporation and its affiliates, and Principal Funds, Inc. are collectively referred to as Principal Funds.
Not FDIC or NCUA/NCUSIF insured - May lose value - No bank guarantee - Not a deposit - Not insured by any federal government agency
