Dividend Update and Market Analysis for Principal Financial Group Before Ex-Dividend Date on Sep 4, 2025

Principal Financial Group (PFG) has announced a cash dividend of $0.780 per share, with the ex-dividend date set for Sep 4, 2025. Investors must hold the stock before this date to receive the payment, which will be distributed on Sep 26, 2025. The dividend was officially declared on Jul 25, 2025, marking a slight increase compared to the last dividend of $0.760 per share on Jun 27, 2025. The average of the last 10 dividend payments stands at $0.616, indicating that this upcoming payout is higher than the historical average. This increase reflects the company’s continued commitment to shareholder returns, even as it navigates a mixed operational and market environment.

Recently, Principal Financial Group has garnered attention for both its dividend strategy and broader market developments. Over the past week, PFG shares have risen by 3.62%, driven by strong operating revenue growth of 424.38% year-over-year. However, this optimism is tempered by weak profitability metrics, including a return on equity of 3.66% and a declining diluted EPS of -46.24% YoY. Analysts remain divided, with two "Sell" and two "Neutral" ratings issued in the last 20 days, suggesting a lack of consensus on the stock’s future trajectory. Despite this, institutional investors have shown confidence with inflow ratios above 50%, while retail sentiment remains cautiously bearish.

Since the last update, technical indicators have turned bearish, with a recent MACD and KDJ Death Cross observed on Aug 29, 2025, signaling potential downward pressure. Overbought conditions in RSI and WR further reinforce caution, as these indicators historically correlate with negative returns. Meanwhile, recent news highlights a growing interest from institutional investors, such as OMERS Administration Corp, which significantly increased its stake in the first quarter. Additionally, the insurance industry has received a boost from rising demand for protection products, which could benefit PFG in the long term.

As of late, PFG has outperformed broader market averages in some respects, trading above its 200-day simple moving average and signaling short-term bullish momentum. However, its underperformance relative to the S&P 500 over the past year remains a concern. With a recent technical and fundamental outlook showing conflicting signals, investors are advised to monitor key earnings reports and industry developments closely. The ex-dividend date of Sep 4, 2025, is the final day for investors to purchase shares and qualify for the $0.780 dividend—any purchase after this date will not be eligible for the payout.