Principal Financial Group, Inc. PFG is well-poised to gain from strategic buyouts, strong retention, higher single premium annuity sales, effective capital deployment, positive net cash flow and financial stability.
Principal Financial’s revenue growth is expected to improve in the long run, riding on higher premiums and other considerations, fees and other revenues, and improved net investment income across its segments.
The Principal International segment is likely to benefit from higher single-premium annuity sales in Chile. The segment’s operating earnings should gain from foreign currency tailwinds.
The Specialty Benefits Insurance business should continue to gain from record sales, strong retention and employment growth. Growth in the business, favorable claims and disciplined expense management should benefit its pre-tax operating earnings.
Strong institutional flows across equities, real estate and specialty fixed income, highlighting the value of diversified distribution through its institutional, retail and retirement channels, are likely to drive positive net cash flow.
Principal Financial’s extensive distribution footprint, strategic buyouts and operational discipline should enhance the assets under management growth.
Principal Financial boasts a strong capital position, with sufficient cash generation capabilities and liquidity. To reflect the business mix and risk profile, PFG lowered the target RBC level from the previous 400% to a range of 375-400%. For 2024, PFG remains well-positioned to deliver on enterprise long-term financial targets, with 9% to 12% growth in earnings per share and 75% to 85% free capital flow conversion.
Capital Deployment
Principal Financial’s wealth distribution through share buybacks and dividend payments looks impressive. Its continuous dividend hikes, aligned with the targeted 40% dividend payout ratio, demonstrate confidence in continued growth and overall performance. The company continues to expect to deliver on the targeted 75-85% free capital flow for 2024.
PFG returned more than $415 million of capital to shareholders in the second quarter of 2024, including $250 million of share repurchases. It remains committed to returning excess capital to shareholders and continues to expect $1.5-$1.8 billion of capital deployment for 2024, including $800 million to $1.1 billion of share repurchases. Based on net income, excluding exited business, the company targets 35-45% share repurchases in 2024.
Risk
However, Principal Financial’s expenses have been increasing since 2013 due to a rise in benefits, claims and settlement expenses, as well as operating expenses. An increase in expenses weighs on its margins. Net margin contracted 280 basis points to 8.1% in the second quarter of 2024.
Other Industry Players
Other players from the finance sector include CME Group Inc. CME, MarketAxess Holdings Inc. MKTX and Virtu Financial, Inc. VIRT.
CME Group’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the last four quarters, the average surprise being 2.67%.
CME Group is well-poised for growth on a strong global presence, compelling product portfolio, focus on over-the-counter clearing services and solid capital position. CME Group’s strength lies in its organic growth. Clearing and transaction fees, which contribute the major share to the top line, continue to benefit from increased volatility that aids trading volumes.
MarketAxess’ earnings surpassed estimates in three of the last four quarters and missed in one, the average surprise being 2.63%.
MarketAxess benefits from increased trading volumes, market share gains across a diversified set of product categories, strategic partnerships and a strong financial position for technology investments.
Virtu Financial’s earnings surpassed estimates in three of the last four quarters and missed in one, the average surprise being 9.87%.
Virtu Financial is well-poised to grow on the back of its diversified business and rising interest and dividends income. The expansion of its Execution Services business poises the company’s top line well for growth in the future, despite fluctuations in market volatility.
Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"
Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.
This top pick is among the most innovative financial firms. With a fast-growing customer base (already 50+ million) and a diverse set of cutting edge solutions, this stock is poised for big gains. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpCME Group Inc. (CME) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Principal Financial Group, Inc. (PFG) : Free Stock Analysis Report
MarketAxess Holdings Inc. (MKTX) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Virtu Financial, Inc. (VIRT) : Free Stock Analysis Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
