Principal® Releases First Sustainable Financing Report Announcing Allocations of $600M Sustainability Bond

By: Principal Financial Group via Business Wire

October 25, 2022 at 08:30 AM EDT

Proceeds support green and social initiatives in alignment with ESG commitments

Principal Financial Group^®has released its first Principal Sustainable Financing Report to highlight the proceeds allocated to eligible green and social assets from the issuance of the company’s $600 million sustainability bond in August 2021. The report details allocation and key performance indicators of the proceeds, which went toward initiatives such as green buildings, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and affordable housing.

The bond is one example of the company’s commitment to advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in its organization and operations – with a client-first focus central to how ESG factors are integrated across investment portfolios.

“Principal has embraced sustainability as a core strategy to help strengthen our business, advance our purpose, and build a more inclusive and resilient global community,” said Deanna Strable, executive vice president and chief financial officer for Principal^®. “The issuance of a sustainability bond and our first annual Sustainable Financing Report is another example of our commitment to positive change in the areas where we believe we can have the greatest impact.”

To govern the process for this sustainability bond and future issues of green, social, and sustainability bonds, Principal created the Principal Sustainable Financing Framework (the “Framework”). According to the Framework, eligible assets may include existing or future investments that meet defined criteria to help advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (U.N. SDGs). A business is only eligible if 90% or more of its revenue is derived from activities and criteria that align with U.N. SDGs. Principal obtained an independent Second-Party Opinion on its Sustainable Financing Framework. For more detail, see the Second-Party Opinion from Sustainalytics.

The sustainability bond was a five-year $600 million funding agreement-backed note (FABN) issued through Principal Life Global Funding II. BNP Paribas Securities Corp. served as the sole sustainability structuring agent and joint book runner with BofA Securities, Inc. and HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. for the sustainability bond, which drew the interest of over 60 investors.

In accordance with the company’s commitment to transparency, Principal reengaged Sustainalytics, a qualified, independent external reviewer, to verify and provide third-party, limited assurance with respect to the management of the Principal Sustainable Financing proceeds and compatibility of the selected Eligible Assets with the Principal Sustainable Financing Framework.

More information about how Principal is striving to advance ESG programs is available at principal.com/sustainability.

Learn more about our corporate responsibility commitments.

About Principal Financial Group^®

Principal Financial Group^® (Nasdaq: PFG) is a global financial company with 18,500 employees¹ passionate about improving the wealth and well-being of people and businesses. In business for more than 140 years, we’re helping more than 54 million customers¹ plan, protect, invest, and retire, while working to support the communities where we do business, and build a diverse, inclusive workforce. Principal^® is proud to be recognized as one of America’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies², a member of the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, and a Top 10 “Best Places to Work in Money Management³.” Learn more about Principal and our commitment to building a better future at principal.com.

¹ As of June 30, 2022

² Barron’s, 2022

³ Pensions & Investments, 2021

Sustainable bond offerings are typically limited to qualified institutional buyers (QIB’s) through applicable underwriter. May not be a suitable investment for QIB’s seeking exposure to green assets.

Principal Global Investors leads global asset management and is a member of the Principal Financial Group^®.

Principal, Principal and symbol design and Principal Financial Group are trademarks and service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a member of the Principal Financial Group^®.

©2022 Principal Financial Services, Inc. Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company®. Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities and Advisory Services offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC and/or independent broker/dealers. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392.