DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 10, 2005 -- The Principal Financial Group(R) announces it has been named to CMP Media LLC's InformationWeek 500, a prestigious listing of the most innovative users of information technology. The company ranked 24th on the list, up from 89th in 2004. This recognition falls on the 50th anniversary of the first use of information technology (IT) at The Principal(R).

"The InformationWeek 500 goes beyond recognizing companies that spend the most on IT or that utilize the flashiest technology. Instead, it recognizes the strategic use of technology that companies can use to move the business forward. At The Principal, we take a results-driven, integrated approach to technology. If there isn't a business reason for developing or implementing a technology, we don't do it," noted Gary Scholten, senior vice president and chief information officer for the Principal Financial Group. "Our IT professionals believe in the fundamental value IT can provide in improving our customers' experience. A key outcome of the business-IT alignment we enjoy at The Principal is our ability to attract and retain great IT talent."

Significant accomplishments that led to The Principal excelling in the survey include the use of the company's project portfolio management process to enhance governance and improve business results. Another is the use of mobile computing technologies, enrollment enhancements and a new online needs analysis tool in support of the company's Principal Retire Secure(SM) and Principal Work Secure(SM) programs. These programs provide employee benefit support in the workplace for owners and employees of small to mid-sized companies.

"The 17th annual InformationWeek 500 celebrates innovation and leading companies who use business technology to build change-embracing cultures, to improve business processes, to increase productivity, to make customers happier and more loyal," said Stephanie Stahl, editor in chief at InformationWeek.

The InformationWeek 500 is the most detailed source of industry-specific IT budget data. The research project gathered in-depth information directly from companies about how they approach and prioritize their IT investments. The research identified and ranked the companies following an extensive online and phone study.

About InformationWeek

InformationWeek is the largest, most influential community of IT buyers and sellers focusing on, driving and setting the agenda for business innovation powered by technology. Every week, InformationWeek touches more than 1 million business technology executives worldwide through its magazine editions, online sites, research platforms, and peer-to-peer events. The InformationWeek Media Network consists of Optimize, Bank Systems & Technology, Insurance & Technology and Wall Street & Technology -- all leading publications in their respective markets - as well as Government Enterprise. InformationWeek is consistently recognized for its commitment to excellence and innovation, and has received several of the industry's top media accolades, including top spots in BtoB Magazine's Media Power 50, Circulation Excellence Awards from Circulation Management Magazine and several awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE).

About CMP Media LLC

CMP Media (http://www.cmp.com) is the leading integrated media solutions company providing "broad and deep" access to the entire technology spectrum -- the builders, sellers and buyers of technology worldwide. The company's comprehensive database of technology decision makers enables marketers to reach targeted audiences throughout the purchase process with publications, web offerings, face-to-face events, consulting and other marketing services that deliver actionable results.

About the Principal Financial Group

The Principal Financial Group(R) (The Principal (R))(1) is a leader in offering businesses, individuals and institutional clients a wide range of financial products and services, including retirement and investment services, life and health insurance, and banking through its diverse family of financial services companies. A member of the Fortune 500, the Principal Financial Group has $187.8 billion in assets under management(2) and serves some 15.2 million customers worldwide from offices in Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America and the United States. Principal Financial Group, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PFG. For more information, visit www.principal.com.

(1) "The Principal Financial Group" and "The Principal" are registered service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a member of the Principal Financial Group.

(2) As of June 30, 2005

The Principal Financial Group, Des Moines
Rhonda Clark-Leyda, 515-247-6634
clark-leyda.Rhonda@principal.com