40 of the nation’s top 100 ESOPs choose us.1
ESOPs at Principal®
Whether a company is considering an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) or reviewing one already in place, our expertise and holistic approach can make a big difference.
Why we’re different
What sets us apart comes down to three things—our people, breadth of experience, and technology. Put simply, we work in the background taking care of the details to make the entire ESOP easier for everyone involved.
With more plans under our belts than anyone else, we truly excel at supporting ESOPs no matter the company size, structure, or industry.2
What separates us from the competition?
- Expertise and passion of our people
- Breadth of our experience and companies we work with
- Technology to drive engagement and keep data safe
An easier ESOP experience
Our full spectrum of ESOP recordkeeping and administrative services can make life easier for companies and give employee owners a better experience.
ESOP liability forecasting
Web-based repurchase liability projection tool helps companies easily manage ESOP cash flow.
Quick, secure access anywhere, anytime
- Mobile app gives employee owners key account information in the moment on the go
- Convenient access to information that matters for the company and employee owners, 24/7
- Call center allows employee owners to easily get their questions answered by a real person
- Efficient data submission and reporting
An easier ESOP experience
Our full spectrum of ESOP recordkeeping and administrative services can make life easier for companies and give employee owners a better experience.
No cost ESOP liability forecasting
- Web-based repurchase liability projection tool, My PERLS®, helps companies easily manage ESOP cash flow—and at no additional fee
Quick, secure access anywhere, anytime
- Mobile app gives employee owners key account information in the moment on the go
- Convenient access to information that matters for the company and employee owners, 24/7
- Call center allows employee owners to easily get their questions answered by a real person
- Efficient data submission and reporting
Guaranteed data security
- Guaranteed information security for employee owners when there is unauthorized activity that occurs through no fault of their own.3
- Ongoing security measure reviews conducted by an independent auditing firm and a report (SOC2) made available to boost due diligence.
- With the latest anti-fraud technologies including phone validation for call center authentication and online account registration, two-factor authentication for online account access, ACH account verification, automated red flags for disbursements, and more.
Hassle-free elections
Save time and gain confidence with two technology-driven employee owner services—Principal e-DistributionSM and Principal e-DiversificationSM. Both services:
- Make eligibility determination easier
- Provide simple elections and confirmations
- Automate check processing
- Perform tax withholding and 1099R reporting
- Deliver quick reports for the company and trustees
We deliver an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
- Web-based resource to manage ESOP cash flow projections
- Mobile app
- Data security reviewed by an independent third party (SOC2 report)
Tailored employee owner communication and education
- Specialized team that can help deliver customized, results-oriented communication on all things ESOP to enhance employee ownership culture
- Access to a wealth of Principal® Milestones financial wellness resources, including legal document and will preparation, health savings account integration*, and Alexa flash briefing skill to help manage finances beyond just retirement
Comprehensive fiduciary support
Diligent compliance testing support and protection to help manage fiduciary responsibilities
We focus on what we do best—employee stock ownership plan design expertise. This gives you time for what you do best—finances, accounting, legal, and much more. And allows companies to focus on what they care about most—their business.
Meaningful guidance
Our team of experienced ESOP consultants provides proactive consulting to help the ESOP and its benefits meet the ongoing needs of the owner and company.
No matter what stage the ESOP is in—new, existing, or terminating—we've got the experience and processes in place to help.
We understand that an ESOP is a legacy. We'll treat it as one.
- New plans
- Existing plans
We've seen how plan design can determine whether an ESOP and the company are successful. Good news—this is where we excel. Let us help!
Integrated retirement plan services
We get that most ESOP companies offer more than an ESOP as part of their retirement benefits. As a retirement plan leader, we excel like no one else at streamlining the experience for plan sponsors with multiple plans to provide comprehensive, holistic services for a company's entire retirement program—we've got it covered.
Streamlined experience
- Single, secure digital access gives employers convenient access to all retirement plan information
- Ease of knowing who to go to for all plan needs
Simplified communication and reporting
- Total retirement view with consolidated, combined reports and statements
- Combined testing at no additional charge
Coordinated support
- Comprehensive service team for a holistic approach that considers the entire retirement suite
- Single source for data management means information is shared for payroll and compliance one time to one service provider
Synchronized participant experience
- Single website with one secure login gives access to on-demand consolidated statements
- One mobile app that covers it all
- Integrated call center to answer any type of question
Leader in total workplace solutions for 140 years
Total retirement solutions
#1
Employee stock ownership plans4
Top 3
Defined contribution plans5
#1
Defined benefit plans6
#1
Nonqualified plans7
#1 Employee stock ownership plans4
Top 5 Defined contribution plans5
#1 Defined benefit plans6
#1 Nonqualified plans7
More than a retirement plan
Every owner and company looks a little different, but most share four common goals: recruit, retain, reward, and retire.
Through our tailored approach, an ESOP can often address all of these business needs. With a firm plan for the future, an owner gains back time to focus on what matters—helping their company and people grow.
Wondering if an ESOP is a potential fit for your client? Answer 4 simple questions to help you decide.
Let us help you
Contact your Principal representative or our Advisor Support Team by e-mail or phone at 800-952-3343, option 2.
* HSA integration available through the Retirement Wellness Planner for Principal clients with an ESOP and 401(k) plan.
1 100 Largest Majority Employee-Owned Companies, NCEO, November 2022.
2,4 Based on number of employee stock ownership plans, PLANSPONSOR Recordkeeping Survey, July 2022.
3 As of 11/29/2022. Guarantee is subject to change. The guarantee applies to employer sponsored defined benefit, ESOP or defined contribution plans and is effective for unauthorized activity that occurs through no fault of your own. Exclusions to the policy may apply. https://www.principal.com/customer-protection. Custody and trust services are provided by Principal Bank®, Member FDIC, and/or Principal Trust Company®. These services are provided under the trade name Principal® Custody Solutions. Principal Trust Company is a trade name of Delaware Guarantee & Trust Company. Insurance products and plan administrative services provided through Principal Life Insurance Company®. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, Iowa 50392.
5 Based Top 3 defined contribution plan service provider. Based on the number of DC plan participants, PLANSPONSOR Recordkeeping Survey, July 2022.
6 Based on number of plans, PLANSPONSOR DB Administration Survey, May 2021.
7 Based Based on number of plans. Source: 2022 PLANSPONSOR Defined Contribution Plan Recordkeeping Survey, July 2022
Amazon Alexa is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc.
Principal® does not make available products related to health savings accounts.
Your repurchase calculation will be based on the set of assumptions you use within the My PERLS software. Consultants at Principal are available to discuss the results generated by your study and the potential alternatives for addressing repurchase liability issues. You should consult appropriate professionals on all matters related to legal, tax, investment, or accounting obligations and requirements.
Participants should consider the differences in investment options and risks, fees and expenses, tax implications, services, and penalty-free withdrawals. There may be other factors to consider due to their specific needs and situation. Participants may wish to consult their tax or investment advisor or legal counsel.
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