Registration No. 333-40254

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

Pre-Effective Amendment No.

Post-Effective Amendment No. 20

and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

Amendment No. 245

(Check appropriate box or boxes)

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Exact Name of Registrant)

Principal Life Insurance Company

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Name of Depositor)

The Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(515) 247-4944

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code

Eldwin Nichols

The Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Title of Securities Being Registered: Flexible Variable Annuity Contract with Purchase Payment Credit Rider

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)

____    immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485

_X__    on May 1, 2018 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485

____    60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485

____    on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485

____    75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485

____    on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485

If appropriate, check the following box:

____    This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

Principal Variable Annuity

(Flexible Variable Annuity)

Issued by Principal Life Insurance Company (the “Company”)

This prospectus is dated May 1, 2018

The Company no longer offers this Contract. This Prospectus is only for the use of the current Contract owners.

The individual deferred annuity contract (“Contract”) described in this prospectus is funded with the Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B (“Separate Account”), dollar cost averaging fixed accounts (“DCA Plus Accounts”) and a Fixed Account. The DCA Plus Accounts and the Fixed Account are a part of the General Account of the Company. The assets of the Separate Account Divisions (“divisions”) are invested in the following underlying mutual funds:

AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund — Class A	Invesco Variable Insurance Funds — Series I
• AllianceBernstein Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio	• American Franchise Fund
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.	• Core Equity Fund
• Income & Growth Fund — Class I	• Health Care Fund
• Inflation Protection Fund — Class II	• Mid Cap Growth Fund
• Mid Cap Value Fund — Class II	• Small Cap Equity Fund
• Ultra Fund — Class I	• Technology Fund
• Value Fund — Class II	Janus Henderson Series — Service Shares
American Funds Insurance Series — Class 2	• Flexible Bond Portfolio
• Asset Allocation Fund	• Enterprise Portfolio
• Blue Chip Income and Growth Fund	MFS — Service Class
• Global Small Capitalization Fund	• International Value
• High-Income Bond Fund	• New Discovery Series
• New World Fund	Oppenheimer Main Street — Service Shares
BlackRock Variable Insurance Funds — Class III	• Small Cap Fund/VA
• Global Allocation V.I. Fund	PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust — Advisor Class
• iShares Alternative Strategies V.I.	• Low Duration Portfolio
• iShares Dynamic Allocation V.I.	Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. — Class 1
Columbia VP — Class 2	• Core Plus Bond Account
• Limited Duration Credit Fund	• Diversified Balanced Account(2)
Delaware Variable Insurance Products — Service Class	• Diversified International Account
• Limited Term Diversified Income Series	• Equity Income Account
• Small Cap Value	• Government & High Quality Bond Account
Deutsche Variable Insurance Portfolio — Class B	• Income Account
• Small Mid Cap Value VIP	• International Emerging Markets Account
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products	• LargeCap Growth Account
• Contrafund® Portfolio — Service Class	• LargeCap Growth Account I
• Equity-Income Portfolio — Service Class 2	• LargeCap S&P 500 Index Account
• Government Money Market Portfolio — Initial Class	• LargeCap Value Account
• Growth Portfolio — Service Class	• MidCap Account(3)
• Overseas Portfolio — Service Class 2	• Multi-Asset Income Account(2)
Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust	• Principal Capital Appreciation Account
• Franklin Global Real Estate VIP Fund — Class 2	• Principal LifeTime 2010 Account(2)
• Small Cap Value VIP Fund — Class 2	• Principal LifeTime 2020 Account(2)
• Templeton Global Bond VIP Fund — Class 4	• Principal LifeTime 2030 Account(2)
Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust — Institutional Shares	• Principal LifeTime 2040 Account(2)
• MidCap Value Fund	• Principal LifeTime 2050 Account(2)
• Small Cap Equity Insights Fund	• Principal LifeTime Strategic Income Account(2)
Guggenheim Investments Variable Insurance Funds	• Real Estate Securities Account
• Global Managed Futures Strategy Fund	• Short-Term Income Account
• Long Short Equity Fund	• SmallCap Account
• Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund	• Strategic Asset Management Balanced(2)
• Series F (Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Series)	• Strategic Asset Management Conservative Balanced(2)

Underlying mutual funds (cont.)
Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. — Class 1 (cont.)	TOPS® — Investor Class Shares(1)(2)
• Strategic Asset Management Conservative Growth(2)	• TOPS® Aggressive Growth ETF Portfolio
• Strategic Asset Management Flexible Income(2)	• TOPS® Balanced ETF Portfolio
• Strategic Asset Management Strategic Growth(2)	• TOPS® Conservative ETF Portfolio
Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. — Class 2	• TOPS® Growth ETF Portfolio
• Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Account	• TOPS® Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio
• Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Account	VanEck VIP Global Insurance Trust — S Class
Rydex Variable Insurance	• Global Hard Assets Fund
• Commodities Strategy Fund

⁽¹⁾   Investment option will be available June 11, 2018.

⁽²⁾  This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds. The fund of funds expenses may be higher than other fund types because the expenses of the selected fund include the expenses of the funds it holds.

⁽³⁾  Effective August 16, 2013, the MidCap Account is no longer available to customers with an application signature date on or after August 16, 2013.

This prospectus provides information about the Contract and the Separate Account that you, as owner, should know before investing. It should be read and retained for future reference. Additional information about the Contract is included in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”), dated May 1, 2018, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The SAI is a part of this prospectus. The table of contents of the SAI is at the end of this prospectus. You may obtain a free copy of the SAI by writing or calling:

Principal Flexible Variable Annuity

Principal Financial Group

P. O. Box 9382

Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9382

Telephone: 1-800-852-4450

An investment in the Contract is not a deposit or obligation of any bank and is not insured or guaranteed by any bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

The Contract offered by this prospectus may not be available in all states. This prospectus is not an offer to sell, or solicitation of an offer to buy, the Contract in states in which the offer or solicitation may not be lawfully made. No person is authorized to give any information or to make any representation in connection with this Contract other than those contained in this prospectus.

The Contract is available with or without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider. This rider applies credits to the accumulated value for purchase payments made in contract year one. The amount of the credit may be more than offset by the additional charges associated with it (higher surrender charges, a longer surrender charge period and increased annual expenses). A Contract without this rider will cost less. You should review your own circumstances to determine whether this rider is suitable for you. To assist you in making that determination, we have highlighted in grey boxes those portions of this prospectus pertaining to the rider.

NOTE: We recapture the purchase payment credit if you return the Contract during the examination offer period. You take the risk that the recaptured amount may exceed the then current value of the credit(s). This risk occurs when your investment options have experienced negative investment performance (i.e., have lost value) since the credit was applied. In that situation, you would be worse off than if you had not purchased the credit option.

These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the SEC or any state securities commission nor has the SEC or any state securities commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

This prospectus is valid only when accompanied by the current prospectuses for the underlying mutual funds. These prospectuses should be kept for future reference.

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GLOSSARY	5
SUMMARY OF EXPENSE INFORMATION	7
SUMMARY	9
Investment Limitations	9
Transfers	10
Surrenders	10
Charges and Deductions	10
Annuity Benefit Payments	11
Death Benefit	11
Examination Period (free look)	11
FLEXIBLE VARIABLE ANNUITY	11
THE COMPANY	11
THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT	11
THE UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS	12
THE CONTRACT	13
To Buy a Contract	13
Purchase Payments	13
Right to Examine the Contract (free look)	13
Purchase Payment Credit Rider	14
The Accumulation Period	16
Automatic Portfolio Rebalancing (APR)	18
Telephone and Internet Services	19
Surrenders	20
Death Benefit	21
The Annuity Benefit Payment Period	24
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS	26
Annual Fee	26
Mortality and Expense Risks Charge	26
Charges for Optional Riders	26
Purchase Payment Credit Rider	26
Annual Enhanced Death Benefit Rider	27
Transaction Fee	27
Premium Taxes	27
Surrender Charge	27
Free Surrender Privilege	28
Special Provisions for Group or Sponsored Arrangements	29
FIXED ACCOUNT AND DCA PLUS ACCOUNTS	30
Fixed Account	30
Fixed Account Accumulated Value	30
Fixed Account Transfers, Total and Partial Surrenders	30
Dollar Cost Averaging Plus Program (DCA Plus Program)	31

3

GENERAL PROVISIONS	32
The Contract	32
Delay of Payments	32
Misstatement of Age or Gender	32
Assignment	32
Change of Owner or Annuitant	32
Beneficiary	33
Contract Termination	33
Reinstatement	33
Reports	33
RIGHTS RESERVED BY THE COMPANY	34
Frequent Trading and Market-Timing (Abusive Trading Practices)	34
DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACT	35
PERFORMANCE CALCULATION	35
FEDERAL TAX MATTERS	35
Non-Qualified Contracts	35
Required Distributions for Non-Qualified Contracts	36
IRA, SEP, and SIMPLE-IRA	37
Rollover IRAs	38
Withholding	38
MUTUAL FUND DIVERSIFICATION	38
STATE REGULATION	40
GENERAL INFORMATION	40
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	41
TABLE OF SEPARATE ACCOUNT DIVISIONS	42
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE SAI	56
APPENDIX A - PRINCIPAL VARIABLE ANNUITY EXCHANGE OFFER	57
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION	63

4

GLOSSARY

accumulated value – an amount equal to the DCA Plus Account(s) accumulated value plus the Fixed Account accumulated value plus the Separate Account accumulated value.

anniversary – the same date and month of each year following the contract date.

annuitant – the person, including any joint annuitant, on whose life the annuity benefit payment is based. This person may or may not be the owner.

annuitization date – the date the owner’s accumulated value is applied, under an annuity benefit payment option, to make income payments. (Referred to in the Contract as “Retirement Date.”)

contract date – the date that the Contract is issued and which is used to determine contract years.

contract year – the one-year period beginning on the contract date and ending one day before the contract anniversary and any subsequent one-year period beginning on a contract anniversary (for example, if the contract date is June 5, 2004, the first contract year ends on June 4, 2005, and the first contract anniversary falls on June 5, 2005).

data page – that portion of the Contract which contains the following: owner and annuitant data (names, gender, annuitant age); the contract issue date; maximum annuitization date; contract charges and limits; benefits; and a summary of any optional benefits chosen by the contract owner.

Dollar Cost Averaging Plus (DCA Plus) Account – an account which earns guaranteed interest for a specific amount of time. (Referred to in the Contract as “Fixed DCA Account.”)

Dollar Cost Averaging Plus (DCA Plus) Accumulated value – the amount of your accumulated value which is in the DCA Plus Account(s).

Dollar Cost Averaging Plus (DCA Plus) Program – a program through which purchase payments are transferred from a DCA Plus Account to the divisions and/or the Fixed Account over a specified period of time. (Referred to in the Contract as “Fixed DCA Account.”)

Fixed Account – an account which earns guaranteed interest.

Fixed Account accumulated value – the amount of your accumulated value which is in the Fixed Account.

Investment Options – the DCA Plus Accounts, Fixed Account and Separate Account divisions.

joint annuitant – one of the annuitants on whose life the annuity benefit payment is based. Any reference to the death of the annuitant means the death of the first annuitant to die.

joint owner – an owner who has an undivided interest with right of survivorship in this Contract with another owner. Any reference to the death of the owner means the death of the first owner to die.

non-qualified contract – a Contract which does not qualify for favorable tax treatment as a Qualified Plan, Individual Retirement Annuity, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, Simple-IRA or Tax Sheltered Annuity.

notice – any form of communication received by us, at the home office, either in writing or another form approved by us in advance.

Your notices may be mailed to us at:

Principal Life Insurance Company

P.O. Box 9382

Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9382

5

owner – the person, including joint owner, who owns all the rights and privileges of this Contract. For the Principal Variable Annuity Exchange offer, owner refers to the original owner.

purchase payments – the gross amount you contributed to the Contract.

qualified plans – retirement plans which receive favorable tax treatment under Section 401 or 403(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Separate Account division (division(s)) – a part of the Separate Account which invests in shares of a mutual fund. (Referred to in the marketing materials as “sub-accounts.”)

Separate Account division accumulated value – the amount of your accumulated value in all divisions.

surrender charge – the charge deducted upon certain partial surrenders or a total surrender(s) of the Contract before the annuitization date.

surrender value – accumulated value less any applicable surrender charge, annual fee, transaction fee and any premium or other taxes.

transfer – moving all or a portion of your accumulated value to or among one investment option or another. Simultaneous transfers are considered to be one transfer for purposes of calculating the transfer fee, if any.

underlying mutual fund – a registered open-end investment company, or a series or portfolio thereof, in which a division invests.

unit – the accounting measure used to calculate the value of a division prior to the annuitization date.

unit value – a measure used to determine the value of an investment in a division.

valuation date – each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open.

valuation period – the period of time from one determination of the value of a unit of a division to the next. Each valuation period begins at the close of normal trading on the NYSE, generally 4:00 p.m. E.T. (3:00 p.m. C.T.) on each valuation date and ends at the close of normal trading of the NYSE on the next valuation date.

we, our, us –Principal Life Insurance Company. We are also referred to throughout this prospectus as the Company.

you, your – the owner of this Contract, including any joint owner.

6

SUMMARY OF EXPENSE INFORMATION

The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you will pay when buying, owning and surrendering the Contract. The expenses for a Contract with the Purchase Payment Credit Rider are higher than the expenses for the Contract without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider.

The following table describes the fees and expenses that you will pay at the time that you buy the Contract, surrender the Contract or transfer cash value between investment options.

Contract owner transaction expenses
Sales charge imposed on purchase payments (as a percentage of purchase payments)	•none
Maximum surrender charge (as a percentage of amount surrendered)(1)	•6%
Maximum surrender charge for Contracts with the Purchase Payment Credit Rider (as a percentage of amount surrendered)(2)	•8%
Transaction Fee for each unscheduled partial surrender •guaranteed maximum •current	•The lesser of $25 or 2% of each unscheduled partial surrender after the 12th in a contract year •zero
Transaction Fee(3) for each unscheduled transfer •guaranteed maximum •current	•The lesser of $30 or 2% of each unscheduled transfer after the first in a contract year •zero
State Premium Taxes (vary by state) •guaranteed maximum •current	•35% of premiums paid •zero

⁽¹⁾ Surrender charge without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider (as a percentage of amounts surrendered):

Table of surrender charges without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Number of completed contract years since each purchase payment was made	Surrender charge applied to all purchase payments received in that contract year
0 (year of purchase payment)	6%
1	6%
2	6%
3	5%
4	4%
5	3%
6	2%
7 and later	0%

7

⁽²⁾ Surrender charge with the Purchase Payment Credit Rider (as a percentage of amounts surrendered):

Table of surrender charges with the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Number of completed contract years since each purchase payment was made	Surrender charge applied to all purchase payments received in that contract year
0 (year of purchase payment)	8%
1	8%
2	8%
3	8%
4	7%
5	6%
6	5%
7	4%
8	3%
9 and later	0%

⁽³⁾ Please note that in addition to the fees shown, the Separate Account and or sponsors of the underlying mutual funds may adopt requirements pursuant to rules and or regulations adopted by federal and or state regulators which require us to collect additional transfer fees and or impose restrictions on transfers.

The following table describes the fees and expenses that you will pay periodically during the time that you own the Contract, not including underlying mutual fund fees and expenses.

Periodic Expenses
Annual Fee (waived for Contracts with accumulated value of $30,000 or more)	the lesser of $30 or 2% of the accumulated value
Separate Account Annual Expenses (as a percentage of average separate account accumulated value)
•    guaranteed maximum       Mortality and Expense Risks Charge       Administration Charge       Total Separate Account Annual Expense	1.25% 0.15% 1.40%
•    current       Mortality and Expense Risks Charge       Administration Charge   Total Separate Account Annual Expense	1.25% 0.05%  1.30%
Optional Riders
Annual Enhanced Death Benefit rider •    guaranteed maximum •    current	•    0.05% of average quarterly accumulated value •    0.05% of average quarterly accumulated value
Purchase Payment Credit rider •guaranteed maximum •current	•    an annual charge of 0.60% of accumulated value in the divisions deducted daily •    an annual charge of 0.60% of accumulated value in the divisions deducted daily

This table shows the minimum and maximum total operating expenses, charged by the underlying mutual funds, that you may pay periodically during the time that you own the contract. More detail concerning the fees and expenses of each underlying mutual fund is contained in its prospectus.

Minimum and Maximum Annual Underlying Mutual Fund Operating Expenses as of December 31, 2017
	Minimum	Maximum
Total annual underlying mutual fund operating expenses (expenses that are deducted from underlying mutual fund assets, including management fees, distribution and or service (12b-1) fees and other expenses)	0.25%	3.15%

The annual fees and expenses charged by each underlying mutual fund are shown in each fund’s current prospectus.

8

Example

The example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the contract with the cost of investing in other variable annuity contracts. These costs include contract owner transaction expenses, contract fees, separate account annual expenses, and underlying mutual fund fees and expenses. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be as shown below.

Contract with Purchase Payment Credit Rider.

This example reflects the maximum charges imposed if you were to purchase the Contract with the Purchase Payment Credit Rider. This example reflects the maximum and minimum annual underlying mutual fund operating expenses as of December 31, 2017 (without voluntary waiver of fees by the underlying funds, if any). This example assumes:

• a $10,000 investment in the Contract for the time periods indicated;

• a 5% return each year;

• an annual contract fee of $30 (expressed as a percentage of the average accumulated value); and

• the Purchase Payment Credit Rider was added to the Contract at issue and the Purchase Payment Credit Rider surrender charge schedule is applied. Because the purchase payment credit can not be added to the accumulated value in these examples, the Purchase Payment Credit Rider charges included below are not representative of the actual costs.

	If you surrender your contract at the end of the applicable time period				If you do not surrender your contract				If you fully annuitize your contract at the end of the applicable time period
	1 Yr.	3 Yrs.	5 Yrs.	10 Yrs.	1 Yr.	3 Yrs.	5 Yrs.	10 Yrs.	1 Yr.	3 Yrs.	5 Yrs.	10 Yrs.
Maximum Total Underlying Mutual Fund Operating Expenses (3.15%)	$1,226	$2,234	$3,150	$4,917	$507	$1,518	$2,525	$4,917	$507	$1,518	$2,525	$4,917
Minimum Total Underlying Mutual Fund Operating Expenses (0.25%)	$964	$1,472	$1,873	$2,368	$222	$685	$1,173	$2,368	$222	$685	$1,173	$2,368

SUMMARY

This prospectus describes an individual flexible premium variable annuity offered by the Company. The Contract is designed to provide individuals with retirement benefits, including:

• Individual Retirement Annuities (“IRAs”), Simplified Employee Pension plans (“SEPs”) and Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (“SIMPLE”) IRAs adopted according to Section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code (see FEDERALTAX MATTERS — IRA, SEP and SIMPLE — IRA and Rollover IRAs); and

• non-qualified retirement programs.

The Contract does not provide any additional tax deferral if you purchase it to fund an IRA or other investment vehicle that already provides tax deferral.

This is a brief summary of the Contract’s features. More detailed information follows later in this prospectus.

Investment Limitations

• The initial purchase payment must be $2,500 or more for non-qualified retirement programs.

• The initial purchase payment must be $1,000 for all other contracts.

• Each subsequent purchase payment must be at least $100.

• If you are a member of a retirement plan covering three or more persons and purchase payments are made through an automatic investment program, then the initial and subsequent purchase payments for the Contract must average at least $100 and not be less than $50.

You may allocate your net purchase payments to the investment options.

• A complete list of the divisions may be found in the TABLEOF SEPARATE ACCOUNT DIVISIONS. Each division invests in shares of an underlying mutual fund. More detailed information about the underlying mutual funds may be found in the current prospectus for each underlying mutual fund.

• The investment options also include the Fixed Account and the DCA Plus Accounts.

9

Transfers (See Division Transfers and Fixed Account Transfers, Total andPartial Surrenders for additional restrictions.)

This section does not apply to transfers under the DCA Plus Program (see ScheduledDCA Plus Transfers and Unscheduled DCA Plus Transfers).

During the accumulation period:

• a dollar amount or percentage of transfer must be specified;

• a transfer may occur on a scheduled or unscheduled basis;

• transfers to the Fixed Account are not permitted if a transfer has been made from the Fixed Account to a division within six months; and

• transfers into DCA Plus Accounts are not permitted.

During the annuity benefit payment period, transfers are not permitted (no transfers once annuity payments have begun).

Surrenders (See Surrenders and Fixed Account Transfers, Total and PartialSurrenders and DCA Plus Surrenders)

During the accumulation period:

• a dollar amount must be specified;

• surrendered amounts may be subject to a surrender charge:

• for Contracts without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider, the maximum surrender charge is 6% of the amount surrendered.

• for Contracts with the Purchase Payment Credit Rider, the maximum surrender charge is 8% of the amount surrendered.

• total surrenders may be subject to an annual Contract fee;

• during a contract year, partial surrenders less than the Contract’s earnings or 10% of purchase payments are not subject to a surrender charge; and

• withdrawals before age 59 ½ may involve an income tax penalty (see FEDERAL TAX MATTERS).

Principal Variable Annuity Exchange Offer(“exchange offer”)

Original ownersof an eligible Principal Variable Annuity (Flexible Variable Annuity) contract may elect to exchange their Principal Variable Annuity (Flexible Variable Annuity) contract (“old contract”) for a new Principal Lifetime Income Solutions II Variable Annuity^SM contract (“new contract”) subject to the exchange offer terms and conditions. To determine if it is in your best interest to participate in the exchange offer, we recommend that you consult with your tax advisor and financial professional before electing to participate in the exchange offer.

You are eligible to participate in the exchange offer when:

•your old contract is not subject to any surrender charges; and

•the exchange offer is available in your state.

Currently, there is no closing date for the exchange offer. We reserve the right, however, to modify the exchange offer commencement date and to modify or terminate the exchange offer upon reasonable written notice to you.

See Appendix A for further details about the exchange offer.

NOTE: There is no longer an exchange offer that allows you to purchase the Principal Investment Plus Variable Annuity^SM.

Charges and Deductions

• There is no sales charge imposed on purchase payments.

• A contingent deferred surrender charge is imposed on certain total or partial surrenders.

• An annual mortality and expense risks charge equal to 1.25% of amounts in the Separate Account divisions is imposed daily.

• Optional riders are available at an additional charge (see CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS).

• The Daily Separate Account administration charge is currently 0.05%, but we reserve the right to assess a charge not to exceed 0.15% of Separate Account division value(s) annually.

• Contracts with an accumulated value of less than $30,000 are subject to an annual fee of the lesser of $30 or 2% of the accumulated value. Currently we do not charge the annual fee if your accumulated value is $30,000 or more. If you own more than one Variable Annuity Contract with us, then all the Contracts you own or jointly own may be aggregated on each Contract’s anniversary, to determine if the $30,000 minimum has been met and whether that contract will be charged.

10

• Certain states and local governments impose a premium tax. The Company reserves the right to deduct the amount of the tax from purchase payments or accumulated value.

Annuity Benefit Payments

• You may choose from several fixed annuity benefit payment options which start on your selected annuitization date.

• Annuity benefit payments are made to the owner (or beneficiary depending on the annuity benefit payment option selected). You should carefully consider the tax implications of each annuity benefit payment option (see Annuity Benefit Payment Options and FEDERAL TAXMATTERS).

• Your Contract refers to annuity benefit payments as “retirement benefit” payments.

Death Benefit

• If the annuitant or owner dies before the annuitization date, then a death benefit is payable to the beneficiary of the Contract.

• The death benefit may be paid as either a single payment or under an annuity benefit payment option (see DeathBenefit).

• If the annuitant dies on or after the annuitization date, then the beneficiary will receive only any continuing annuity benefit payments which may be provided by the annuity benefit payment option in effect.

Examination Period (free look)

• You may return the Contract during the examination period which is generally 10 days from the date you receive the Contract. The examination period may be longer in certain states.

• We return all purchase payments if required by state law. Otherwise, we return accumulated value

• We retain the full amount of any purchase payment credit.

FLEXIBLE VARIABLE ANNUITY

The Flexible Variable Annuity is significantly different from a fixed annuity. As the owner of a variable annuity, you assume the risk of investment gain or loss (as to amounts in the divisions) rather than the insurance company. The Separate Account accumulated value under a variable annuity is not guaranteed and varies with the investment performance of the underlying mutual funds.

Based on your investment objectives, you direct the allocation of purchase payments and accumulated values. There can be no assurance that your investment objectives will be achieved.

THE COMPANY

The Company is a stock life insurance company with authority to transact life and annuity business in all states of the United States and the District of Columbia. Our home office is located at: Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392. We are a wholly owned subsidiary of Principal Financial Services, Inc., which in turn, is a wholly owned direct subsidiary of Principal Financial Group, Inc., a publicly-traded company.

On June 24,1879, we were incorporated under Iowa law as a mutual assessment life insurance company named Bankers Life Association. We became a legal reserve life insurance company and changed our name to Bankers Life Company in 1911. In 1986, we changed our name to Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company. In 1998, we became Principal Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary stock life insurance company of Principal Mutual Holding Company, as part of a reorganization into a mutual insurance holding company structure. In 2001, Principal Mutual Holding Company converted to a stock company through a process called demutualization, resulting in our current organizational structure.

THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B was established under Iowa law on January 12, 1970, and was registered as a unit investment trust with the SEC on July 17, 1970. This registration does not involve SEC supervision of the investments or investment policies of the Separate Account. We do not guarantee the investment results of the Separate Account. There is no assurance that the value of your Contract will equal the total of the payments you make to us.

11

The Separate Account is not affected by the rate of return of our General Account or by the investment performance of any of our other assets. Any income, gain, or loss (whether or not realized) from the assets of the Separate Account are credited to or charged against the Separate Account without regard to our other income, gains, or losses. Obligations arising from the Contract, including the promise to make annuity benefit payments, are general corporate obligations of the Company. Assets of the Separate Account attributed to the reserves and other liabilities under the Contract may not be charged with liabilities arising from any of our other businesses.

The Separate Account is divided into divisions. The assets of each division invest in a corresponding underlying mutual fund. New divisions may be added and made available. Divisions may also be eliminated from the Separate Account following SEC approval.

THE UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS

The underlying mutual funds are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as open-end investment management companies. The underlying mutual funds provide the investment vehicles for the Separate Account. Full descriptions of the underlying mutual funds, the investment objectives, policies and restrictions, charges and expenses and other operational information are contained in the accompanying prospectuses (which should be read carefully before investing) and the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). You may request additional copies of these documentswithout charge from your registered representative or by calling us at1-800-852-4450.

We purchase and sell shares of the underlying mutual fund for the Separate Account at their net asset value. Shares represent interests in the underlying mutual fund available for investment by the Separate Account. Each underlying mutual fund corresponds to one of the divisions. The assets of each division are separate from the others. A division’s performance has no effect on the investment performance of any other division.

The underlying mutual funds are NOT available to the general public directly. The underlying mutual funds are available only as investment options in variable life insurance policies or variable annuity contracts issued by life insurance companies and qualified plans. Some of the underlying mutual funds have been established by investment advisers that manage publicly traded mutual funds having similar names and investment objectives. While some of the underlying mutual funds may be similar to, and may in fact be modeled after publicly traded mutual funds, you should understand that the underlying mutual funds are not otherwise directly related to any publicly traded mutual fund. Consequently, the investment performance of any underlying mutual fund may differ substantially from the investment performance of a publicly traded mutual fund.

The Table of Separate Account Divisions later in this prospectus contains a brief summary of the investment objectives and a listing of the advisor and, if applicable, sub-advisor for each division.

Deletion or Substitution of Divisions

We reserve the right, within the law, to make additions, deletions and substitutions for the divisions. We will make no such substitution or deletion without first notifying you and obtaining approval of the appropriate insurance regulatory authorities and the SEC (to the extent required by 1940 Act).

If the shares of a division are no longer available for investment or if, in the judgment of our management, investment in a division becomes inappropriate for the purposes of our contract, we may eliminate the shares of a division and substitute shares of another division of the Trust or another open-end registered investment company. Substitution may be made with respect to both existing investments and the investment of future premium payments.

If we eliminate divisions, you may change allocation percentages and transfer any value in an affected division to another division(s) without charge. You may exercise this exchange privilege until the later of 60 days after a) the effective date of the additions, deletions and/or substitutions of the change, or b) the date you receive notice of the options available. You may only exercise this right if you have any value in the affected division(s).

We also reserve the right to establish additional divisions, each of which would invest in a separate underlying mutual fund with a specified investment objective.

Voting Rights

We vote shares of the underlying mutual funds owned by the Separate Account according to the instructions of owners.

We will notify you of shareholder meetings of the mutual funds underlying the divisions in which you hold units. We will send you proxy materials and instructions for you to provide voting instructions to us. We will arrange for the handling and tallying of proxies received from you and other owners. If you give no voting instructions, we will vote those shares in the same proportion as shares for which we received instructions.

12

We determine the number of fund shares that you may instruct us to vote by allocating one vote for each $100 of accumulated contract value in the division. Fractional votes are allocated for amounts less than $100. We determine the number of underlying fund shares you may instruct us to vote as of the record date established by the mutual fund for its shareholder meeting. In the event that applicable law changes or we are required by regulators to disregard voting instructions, we may decide to vote the shares of the underlying mutual funds in our own right.

NOTE: Because there is no required minimum number of votes, a small number of votes can have a disproportionate effect.

THE CONTRACT

The following descriptions are based on provisions of the Contract offered by this prospectus. You should refer to the actual Contract and the terms and limitations of any qualified plan which is to be funded by the Contract. Qualified plans are subject to several requirements and limitations which may affect the terms of any particular Contract or the advisability of taking certain action permitted by the Contract.

To Buy a Contract

If you want to buy a Contract, you must submit an application and make an initial purchase payment. If you are buying the Contract to fund a SIMPLE-IRA or SEP, an initial purchase payment is not required at the time you send in the application. If the application is complete and the Contract applied for is suitable, the Contract is issued. If the completed application is received in proper order, the initial purchase payment is credited within two valuation days after the later of receipt of the application or receipt of the initial purchase payment at our home office. If the initial purchase payment is not credited within five valuation days, it is refunded unless we have received your permission to retain the purchase payment until we receive the information necessary to issue the Contract.

The date the Contract is issued is the contract date. The contract date is the date used to determine contract years, regardless of when the Contract is delivered.

Tax-qualified retirement arrangements, such as IRAs, SEPs, and SIMPLE-IRAs, are tax-deferred. You derive no additional benefit from the tax deferral feature of the annuity. Consequently, an annuity should be used to fund an IRA, or other tax qualified retirement arrangement to benefit from the annuity’s features other than tax deferral. These features may include guaranteed lifetime income, death benefits without surrender charges, guaranteed caps on fees, and the ability to transfer among investment options without sales or withdrawal charges.

Purchase Payments

• The initial purchase payment must be at least $2,500 for non-qualified retirement programs.

• All other initial purchase payments must be at least $1,000.

• If you are making purchase payments through a payroll deduction plan or through a bank account (or similar financial institution) under an automated investment program, then your initial and subsequent purchase payments must be at least $100.

• All purchase payments are subject to a surrender charge period that begins in the contract year each purchase payment is received.

• Payments may be made via personal or financial institution check (for example, a bank or cashier’s check). We reserve the right to refuse any payment that we feel presents a fraud or money laundering risk. Examples of the types of payments we will not accept are cash, money orders, starter checks, travelers checks, credit card checks, and foreign checks.

• Subsequent purchase payments must be at least $100 and can be made until the annuitization date.

• If you are a member of a retirement plan covering three or more persons, then the initial and subsequent purchase payments for the Contract must average at least $100 and cannot be less than $50.

• The total of all purchase payments may not be greater than $2,000,000 without our prior approval.

• In New Jersey after the first contract year, purchase payments cannot exceed $100,000 per contract year.

Right to Examine the Contract (free look)

It is important to us that you are satisfied with the purchase of your Contract. Under state law, you have the right to return the Contract for any reason during the examination offer period (a “free look”). The examination offer period is the later of 10 days after the Contract is delivered to you, or such later date as specified by applicable state law.

13

Although we currently allocate your initial purchase payments to the investment options you have selected, we reserve the right to allocate initial purchase payments to the Money Market Division during the examination offer period. In addition, we are required to allocate initial purchase payments to the Money Market Division if the contract is issued in California and the owner is age 60 or older. After the examination offer period expires, your accumulated value will be converted into units of the divisions according to your allocation instructions. The units allocated will be based on the unit value next determined for each division.

NOTE: All references to the Money Market Division in this prospectus will mean the Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Division.

If you properly exercise your free look, we will rescind the Contract and we will pay you a refund of your current accumulated value plus any premium tax charge deducted, less any applicable federal and state income tax withholding and depending on the state in which the Contract was issued, any applicable fees and charges. The amount returned to you may be higher or lower than the purchase payment(s) applied during the examination offer period. Some states require us to return to you the amount of your purchase payment(s); if so, we will return the greater of your purchase payments or your current accumulated value plus any premium tax charge deducted, less any applicable federal and state income tax withholding and depending upon the state in which the Contract was issued, any applicable fees and charges.

NOTE: Please note that we recapture the purchase payment credit if you decide to return the Contract during the examination offer period. We recover the full amount of the purchase payment credit and you could receive less than your initial purchase payment.

If you are purchasing this Contract to fund an IRA, SIMPLE-IRA, or SEP-IRA and you return it on or before the seventh day of the examination offer period, we will return the greater of:

• the total purchase payment(s) made; or

• your accumulated value plus any premium tax charge deducted, less any applicable federal and state income tax withholding and depending upon the state in which the Contract was issued, any applicable fees and charges.

You may obtain more specific information regarding the free look from your registered representative or by calling us at 1-800-852-4450.

Purchase Payment Credit Rider

The Purchase Payment Credit Rider applies credits to the accumulated value for purchase payments made in contract year one. This rider may not be available in all states and may be subject to additional restrictions. Some rider provisions may vary from state to state. We may withdraw or prospectively restrict the availability of this rider at any time. For information regarding availability of this rider, you may contact your registered representative or call us at 1-800-852-4450.

This rider can only be elected at the time the Contract is issued. Once this rider is elected, it cannot be terminated.

If you elect this rider, the following provisions apply to the Contract:

• We will apply a credit of 5% of the purchase payment to your accumulated value for each purchase payment received during your first contract year on the date each purchase payment is applied to the Contract. For example, if you make a purchase payment of $10,000 in your first contract year, a credit amount of $500 will be added to your accumulated value (5% x $10,000).

• No credit(s) are applied to your accumulated value for purchase payments made after the first contract year.

• The credit is allocated among the investment options according to your then current purchase payment allocations.

• If you decide to return your Contract during the examination offer period, we recapture the credit(s) from your investment options according to your surrender allocation percentages (if surrender allocation percentages are not specified, we use your purchase payment allocation percentages). The amount we recapture could be more than the current value of the credit(s). If the investment options have experienced negative investment performance you bear the loss for the difference between the original value of the credit(s) (the amount recaptured) and the current (lower) value of the credit(s).

• Credits are considered earnings under the Contract, not purchase payments.

• All purchase payments are subject to the 9-year surrender charge table (see CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS — Surrender Charge).

• The Purchase Payment Credit Rider can not be cancelled and the associated 9-year surrender charge period cannot be changed.

• You can not participate in the DCA Plus Program.

14

If you elect the Purchase Payment Credit Rider, your unit values will be lower than if you did not elect the rider. The difference reflects the annual charge for the Purchase Payment Credit Rider. In order to stop assessing the annual charge for the Purchase Payment Credit Rider, there will be a one time adjustment to the number of units in each division at the completion of the eighth contract year. The unit value used to calculate your accumulated value will increase at that time to reflect there is no longer an annual charge for the Purchase Payment Credit Rider. Therefore, to maintain your accumulated value, the number of units in each division will decrease. The following example is provided to assist you in understanding the one time adjustment at the completion of the eighth contract year.

	Sample Division Unit Value	Number of Units in Sample Division	Accumulated Value
Prior to the one time adjustment	25.560446	1,611.0709110	$41,179.69
After the one time adjustment	26.659024	1,544.6811189	$41,179.69

You should carefully examine the Purchase Payment Credit Rider to decide if this rider is suitable for you as there are circumstances under which you would be worse off for having received the credit. In making this determination, you should consider the following factors:

• the length of time you plan to own your Contract (this rider increases the amount and duration of the surrender charges, see CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS — Surrender Charge);

• the amount and timing of your purchase payment(s). Any purchase payments made after the first contract year will be assessed higher Separate Account charges although no credit is applied to those purchase payments; and

• the higher Separate Account charges have a negative impact on investment performance.

The charges used to recoup our cost for the purchase payment credit(s) include the surrender charge and the Purchase Payment Credit Rider charge. The current charge for the rider is 0.60% of the average daily net assets of the annuitization date.

The following tables demonstrate hypothetical surrender values for Contracts with and without this rider but do not show the impact of partial surrenders. The tables are based on:

• a $25,000 initial purchase payment and no additional purchase payments;

• the deduction of total Separate Account annual expenses:

•Contracts with the Purchase Payment Credit Rider:

•2.00% annually for the first eight contract years

•1.40% annually after the first eight contract years

•Contracts without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider:

•1.40% annually for all contract years.

• the deduction of the arithmetic average of the underlying mutual fund expenses as of December 31, 2017;

• 0%, 5% and 10% annual rates of return before charges; and

• payment of the $30 annual contract fee (while the Contract’s value is less than $30,000).

0% Annual Return			5% Annual Return		10% Annual Return
Contract Year	Surrender Value without Purchase Payment Credit Rider	Surrender Value with Purchase Payment Credit Rider	Surrender Value without Purchase Payment Credit Rider	Surrender Value with Purchase Payment Credit Rider	Surrender Value without Purchase Payment Credit Rider	Surrender Value with Purchase Payment Credit Rider
1	$23,072.74	$23,613.25	$24,247.74	$24,820.75	$25,422.74	$26,074.19
2	$22,508.97	$22,898.14	$24,861.40	$25,301.22	$27,416.32	$28,057.23
3	$21,958.37	$22,204.03	$25,491.41	$25,816.96	$29,632.34	$30,180.35
4	$21,621.92	$21,530.30	$26,397.02	$26,360.99	$32,268.19	$32,453.43
5	$21,286.86	$21,076.10	$27,353.42	$27,166.24	$35,086.89	$35,137.08
6	$20,953.28	$20,627.30	$28,328.64	$27,982.95	$38,102.44	$37,992.63
7	$20,621.29	$20,183.94	$29,323.17	$28,841.36	$41,329.92	$41,032.22
8	$20,470.67	$19,746.07	$30,617.54	$29,712.32	$45,035.59	$44,268.86
9	$19,962.39	$19,432.82	$31,433.06	$30,780.36	$48,486.93	$47,988.08
10	$19,465.99	$19,460.25	$32,270.30	$32,370.20	$52,202.77	$52,473.16
15	$17,152.61	$17,147.51	$36,803.16	$36,917.08	$75,515.76	$75,906.91
20	$15,097.14	$15,092.61	$41,972.72	$42,102.65	$109,240.00	$109,805.83

15

The higher the rate of return, the more advantageous the Purchase Payment Credit Rider becomes. However, Contracts with the Purchase Payment Credit Rider are subject to both a greater surrender charge and a longer surrender charge period than Contracts issued without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider. If you surrender your Contract with the Purchase Payment Credit Rider while subject to a surrender charge, your surrender value may be less than the surrender value of a Contract without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider.

The Accumulation Period

The Value of Your Contract

The value of your Contract is the total of the Separate Account accumulated value plus the DCA Plus Account(s) accumulated value plus the Fixed Account accumulated value. The DCA Plus Accounts and Fixed Account are described in the section titled FIXED ACCOUNT AND DCA PLUS ACCOUNTS.

There is no guaranteed minimum Separate Account accumulated value. Its value reflects the investment experience of the divisions that you choose. It also reflects your purchase payments, partial surrenders, surrender charges and the Contract expenses deducted from the Separate Account.

The Separate Account accumulated value changes from day to day. To the extent the accumulated value is allocated to the Separate Account, you bear the investment risk. At the end of any valuation period, your Contract’s value in a division is:

•the number of units you have in a division multiplied by

•the value of a unit in the division.

The number of units is the total of units purchased by allocations to the division from:

•your initial purchase payment;

•subsequent purchase payments;

•purchase payment credits; and

•transfers from another division, a DCA Plus Account or the Fixed Account.

minus units sold:

•for partial surrenders from the division;

•as part of a transfer to another division or the Fixed Account; and

•to pay contract charges and fees.

Unit values are calculated each valuation date at the close of normal trading of the NYSE. To calculate the unit value of a division, the unit value from the previous valuation date is multiplied by the division’s net investment factor for the current valuation period. The number of units does not change due to a change in unit value.

The net investment factor measures the performance of each division. The net investment factor for a valuation period is [(a) plus (b) divided by (c)] minus d where:

a = the share price (net asset value) of the underlying mutual fund at the end of the valuation period;

b = the per share amount of any dividend* (or other distribution) made by the mutual fund during the valuation period;

c = the share price (net asset value) of the underlying mutual fund at the end of the previous valuation period; and

d = the total Separate Account annual expenses.

* When an investment owned by an underlying mutual fund pays a dividend, the dividend increases the net asset value of a share of the underlying mutual fund as of the date the dividend is recorded. As the net asset value of a share of an underlying mutual fund increases, the unit value of the corresponding division also reflects an increase. Payment of a dividend under these circumstances does not increase the number of units you own in the division.

The Separate Account charges are calculated by dividing the annual amount of the charge by 365 and multiplying by the number of days in the valuation period.

16

Purchase Payments

• On your application, you direct how your purchase payments will be allocated to the Investment Options.

• Allocations may be in percentages.

• Percentages must be in whole numbers and total 100%.

• Subsequent purchase payments are allocated according to your future purchase payment allocation instructions.

• Changes to the allocation instructions are made without charge.

•A change is effective on the next valuation period after we receive your new instructions.

•You can change the current allocations and future allocation instructions by:

•mailing your instructions to us;

•calling us at 1-800-852-4450 (if telephone privileges apply);

•faxing your instructions to us at 1-866-894-2087; or

•visiting www.principal.com.

• Changes to purchase payment allocations do not automatically result in the transfer of any existing investment option accumulated values. You must provide specific instructions to transfer existing accumulated values.

• Purchase payments are credited on the basis of unit value next determined after we receive a purchase payment.

• If no purchase payments are made during two consecutive calendar years and the accumulated value is less than $2,000, we reserve the right to terminate the Contract (see GENERAL INFORMATION – Reservation of Rights).

Division Transfers

•You may request an unscheduled transfer or set up a scheduled transfer by:

•mailing your instructions to us;

•calling us at 1-800-852-4450 (if telephone privileges apply);

•faxing your instructions to us at 1-866-894-2087; or

•visiting www.principal.com.

•You must specify the dollar amount or percentage to transfer from each division.

•The minimum amount is the lesser of $100 or the value of your division.

• In states where allowed, we reserve the right to reject transfer instructions from someone providing them for multiple Contracts for which he or she is not the owner.

You may not make a transfer to the Fixed Account if:

•a transfer has been made from the Fixed Account to a division within six months; or

• following the transfer, the Fixed Account value would be greater than $1,000,000 (without our prior approval).

Unscheduled Transfers

• You may make unscheduled division transfers from one division to another division or to the Fixed Account by:

•mailing your instructions to us;

•calling us at 1-800-852-4450 (if telephone privileges apply);

•faxing your instructions to us at 1-866-894-2087; or

•visiting www.principal.com.

• Transfers are not permitted into DCA Plus Accounts.

• The transfer is made, and values determined, as of the end of the valuation period in which we receive your request.

• We reserve the right to impose a fee of the lesser of $30 or 2% of each unscheduled transfer after the first unscheduled transfer in a contract year.

Limitations on Unscheduled Transfers. We reserve the right to reject excessive exchanges or purchases if the trade would disrupt the management of the Separate Account, any division of the Separate Account or any underlying mutual fund. In addition, we may suspend or modify transfer privileges in our sole discretion at any time to prevent market timing efforts that could disadvantage other owners. These modifications could include, but not be limited to:

• requiring a minimum time period between each transfer;

• imposing a transfer fee;

• limiting the dollar amount that an owner may transfer at any one time; or

• not accepting transfer requests from someone providing requests for multiple Contracts for which he or she is not the owner.

17

Scheduled Transfers (Dollar Cost Averaging)

• You may elect to have transfers made on a scheduled basis.

• There is no charge for scheduled transfers and no charge for participating in the scheduled transfer program.

• You must specify the dollar amount of the transfer.

• You select the transfer date (other than the 29th, 30th or 31st) and the transfer period (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually).

• If the selected date is not a valuation date, the transfer is completed on the next valuation date.

• Transfers are not permitted into DCA Plus Accounts.

• If you want to stop a scheduled transfer, then you must provide us notice prior to the date of the scheduled transfer.

• Transfers continue until your value in the division is zero or we receive notice to stop them.

• We reserve the right to limit the number of divisions from which simultaneous transfers are made. In no event will it ever be less than two.

Scheduled transfers are designed to reduce the risks that result from market fluctuations. They do this by spreading out the allocation of your purchase payments to investment options over a longer period of time. This allows you to reduce the risk of investing most of your purchase payments at a time when market prices are high. The results of this strategy depend on market trends and are not guaranteed.

Example:

Month	Amount Invested	Share Price	Shares Purchased
January	$100	$25.00	4
February	$100	$20.00	5
March	$100	$20.00	5
April	$100	$10.00	10
May	$100	$25.00	4
June	$100	$20.00	5
Total	$600	$120.00	33

In the example above, the average share price is $20.00 (total of share prices ($120.00) divided by number of purchases (6)). The average share cost is $18.18 (amount invested ($600.00) divided by number of shares purchased (33)).

Automatic Portfolio Rebalancing (APR)

• APR allows you to maintain a specific percentage of your Separate Account accumulated value in specified divisions over time.

• You may elect APR at any time.

• APR is not available for values in the Fixed Account or the DCA Plus Accounts.

• APR is not available if you have arranged scheduled transfers from the same division.

• APR will not begin until the examination period has expired.

• There is no charge for APR transfers.

• APR can be done on the frequency you specify:

•quarterly (on a calendar year or contract year basis); or

•semi-annually or annually (on a contract year basis).

• You may rebalance by:

•mailing your instructions to us,

•calling us at 1-800-852-4450 (if telephone privileges apply);

•faxing your instructions to us at 1-866-894-2087; or

•visiting www.principal.com.

Divisions are rebalanced at the end of the valuation period during which we receive your request.

Example: You elect APR to maintain your Separate Account accumulated value with 50% in the LargeCap Value Division and 50% in the Bond & Mortgage Securities Division. At the end of the specified period, 60% of the values accumulated value is in the LargeCap Value Division, with the remaining 40% in the Bond & Mortgage Securities Division. By rebalancing, units from the LargeCap Value Division are sold and applied to the Bond & Mortgage Securities Division so that 50% of the Separate Account accumulated value is once again in each Division.

18

Telephone and Internet Services

If you elect telephone services or you elect internet services and satisfy our internet service requirements (which are designed to ensure compliance with federal UETA and E-SIGN laws), instructions for the following transactions may be given to us via the telephone or internet:

•make purchase payment allocation changes;

•set up Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) scheduled transfers;

•make transfers; and

•make changes to APR.

Neither the Company nor the Separate Account is responsible for the authenticity of telephone service or internet transaction requests. We reserve the right to refuse telephone service or internet transaction requests. You are liable for a loss resulting from a fraudulent telephone or internet order that we reasonably believe is genuine. We follow procedures in an attempt to assure genuine telephone service or internet transactions. If these procedures are not followed, we may be liable for loss caused by unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. The procedures may include recording telephone service transactions, requesting personal identification (name, address, security phrase, password, daytime telephone number, social security number and/or birth date) and sending written confirmation to your address of record.

Instructions received via our telephone services and/or the internet are binding on both owners if the Contract is jointly owned.

If the Contract is owned by a business entity or a trust, an authorized individual (with the proper password) may use telephone and/or internet services. Instructions provided by the authorized individual are binding on the owner.

We reserve the right to modify or terminate telephone service or internet transaction procedures at any time. Whenever reasonably feasible, we will provide you with prior notice if we modify or terminate telephone service or internet services. In some instances, it may not be reasonably feasible to provide prior notice if we modify or terminate telephone service or internet transaction procedures; however, any modification or termination will apply to all Contract owners in a non-discriminatory fashion.

Telephone Services

Telephone services are available to you. Telephone services may be declined on the application or at any later date by providing us with written notice. You may also elect telephone authorization for your registered representative by providing us written notice.

If you elect telephone privileges, instructions

• may be given by calling us at 1-800-852-4450 while we are open for business (generally, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time on any day that the NYSE is open).

• are effective the day they are received if we receive the instructions in good order before the close of normal trading of the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time).

• are effective the next valuation day if we receive the instructions when we are not open for business and/or after the NYSE closes its normal trading.

Internet

Internet services are available to you if you register for a secure login on the Principal Financial Group web site, www.principal.com. You may also elect internet authorization for your registered representative by providing us written notice.

If you register for internet privileges, instructions

• are effective the day they are received if we receive the instructions in good order before the close of normal trading of the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time).

• are effective the next valuation day if we receive the instructions when we are not open for business and/or after the NYSE closes its normal trading.

19

Surrenders

You may surrender your Contract by providing us notice. Surrenders result in the redemption of units and your receipt of the value of the redeemed units minus any applicable fees and surrender charges. The values are determined as of the end of the valuation period in which we receive your request. Surrenders from the Separate Account are generally paid within seven days of the effective date of the request for surrender (or earlier if required by law). However, certain delays in payment are permitted (see Delay of Payments). Surrenders before age 59 ½ may involve an income tax penalty (see FEDERAL TAX MATTERS).

You may specify surrender allocation percentages with each partial surrender request. If you don’t provide us with specific percentages, we will use your purchase payment allocation percentages for the partial surrender. Surrenders may be subject to a surrender charge (see Surrender Charge).

Surrender requests may be sent to us at:

Principal Life Insurance Company

P O Box 9382

Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9382

Total Surrender

• You may surrender the Contract at any time before the annuitization date.

• You receive the cash surrender value at the end of the valuation period during which we receive your surrender request.

• The cash surrender value is your accumulated value minus any applicable surrender charges and fee(s) (contract fee and or prorated share of the charge(s) for optional rider(s)).

• The written consent of all collateral assignees and irrevocable beneficiaries must be obtained prior to surrender.

• We reserve the right to require you to return the Contract.

Unscheduled Partial Surrender

• Prior to the annuitization date and during the lifetime of the Annuitant, you may surrender a portion of your accumulated value by sending us a written request.

• You must specify the dollar amount of the surrender (which must be at least $100).

• The unscheduled partial surrender is effective at the end of the unscheduled partial valuation period during which we receive your written request for the unscheduled partial surrender.

• The unscheduled partial surrender is deducted from your Investment Options according to the surrender allocation percentages you specify.

• If surrender allocation percentages are not specified, we use your purchase payment allocation percentages.

• We surrender units from your investment options to equal the dollar amount of the unscheduled partial surrender request plus any applicable surrender charge and fee.

• The accumulated value after the unscheduled partial surrender must be equal to or greater than $5,000 (we reserve the right to change the minimum remaining accumulated value but it will not be greater than $10,000).

Scheduled Partial Surrender

• You may elect scheduled partial surrenders from any of the investment options on a scheduled basis by sending us written notice.

• Your accumulated value must be at least $5,000 when the scheduled partial surrenders begin.

• You may specify monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually and choose a surrender date (other than the 29th, 30th or 31st).

• If the selected date is not a valuation date, the scheduled partial surrender is completed on the next valuation date.

• All scheduled partial surrenders occurring on the Contract anniversary are reflected in the values for the prior year.

• We surrender units from your investment options to equal the dollar amount of the scheduled partial surrender request plus any applicable surrender charge.

• The scheduled partial surrenders continue until your value in the division is zero or we receive written notice to stop the scheduled partial surrenders.

20

Death Benefit

The following table illustrates the various situations and the resulting death benefit payment if you die before the annuitization date.

If you die and . . .	And . . .	Then . . .
You are the sole owner	Your spouse is not named as a primary beneficiary	The beneficiary(ies) receives the death benefit under the Contract. If a beneficiary dies before you, on your death we will make equal payments to the surviving beneficiaries unless you provided us with other written instructions. If no beneficiary(ies) survives you, the death benefit is paid to your estate in a single payment. Upon your death, only your beneficiary(ies’) right to the death benefit will continue; all other rights and benefits under the Contract will terminate.
You are the sole owner	Your spouse is named as a primary beneficiary	Your spouse may either a. elect to continue the Contract; or b. receive the death benefit under the Contract. All other beneficiaries receive the death benefit under the Contract. If a beneficiary dies before you, on your death we will make equal payments to the surviving beneficiaries unless you provided us with other written instructions. If no beneficiary(ies) survives you, the death benefit is paid to your estate in a single payment. Unless your spouse elects to continue the Contract, only your spouse’s and any other beneficiary(ies’) right to the death benefit will continue; all other rights and benefits under the Contract will terminate.
You are a joint owner	The surviving joint owner is not your spouse	The surviving owner receives the death benefit under the Contract. Upon your death, only the surviving owner’s right to the death benefit will continue; all other rights and benefits under the Contract will terminate.
You are a joint owner	The surviving joint owner is your spouse	Your spouse may either a. elect to continue the Contract; or b. receive the death benefit under the Contract. Unless the surviving spouse owner elects to continue the Contract, upon your death, only your spouse’s right to the death benefit will continue; all other rights and benefits under the rider and the Contract will terminate.

21

If . . .	And . . .	Then . . .
The annuitant dies	The owner is not a natural person	The beneficiary(ies) receives the death benefit under the Contract. If a beneficiary dies before the annuitant, on the annuitant’s death we will make equal payments to the surviving beneficiaries unless the owner provided us with other written instructions. If no beneficiary(ies) survives the annuitant, the death benefit is paid to the owner. Upon the annuitant’s death, only the beneficiary(ies’) right to the death benefit will continue; all other rights and benefits under the Contract will terminate.

Before the annuitization date, you may give us written instructions for payment under a death benefit option. If we do not receive your instructions, the death benefit is paid according to instructions from the beneficiary(ies). The beneficiary(ies) may elect to apply the death benefit under an annuity benefit payment option or receive the death benefit as a single payment. Generally, unless the beneficiary(ies) elects otherwise, we pay the death benefit in a single payment, subject to proof of your death.

No surrender charge applies when a death benefit is paid.

Standard Death Benefit – for Contracts issued prior to November 23, 2003 (and all contracts issued in Louisiana, Oregon, and South Carolina)

The amount of the standard death benefit is the greatest of a, b or c, where:

a = the accumulated value on the date we receive proof of death and all required documents;

b = the total of purchase payments minus any partial surrenders (and any applicable fees and surrender charges) made prior to the date we receive proof of death and all required documents; and

c = the highest accumulated value on any contract anniversary that is wholly divisible by seven (for example, contract anniversaries 7, 14, 21, 28, etc.) plus any purchase payments since that contract anniversary and minus any partial surrenders (and any applicable surrender charges and fees) made after that contract anniversary.

Standard Death Benefit - for Contracts issued on or after November 23, 2003 (except contracts issued in Louisiana, Oregon, and South Carolina)

The amount of the standard death benefit is the greatest of a, b or c, where:

a = the accumulated value on the date we receive proof of death and all required documents;

b = is the total of purchase payments minus an adjustment* for each partial surrender (and any applicable fees and surrender charges) made prior to the date we receive proof of death and all required documents; and

c = is the highest accumulated value on any contract anniversary that is wholly divisible by seven (for example, contract anniversaries 7, 14, 21, 28, etc.) plus any purchase payments since that contract anniversary and minus an adjustment* for each partial surrender (and any applicable fees and surrender charges) made after that contract anniversary.

* The adjustment for each partial surrender is equal to ((i) divided by (ii)) multiplied by the amounts determined in (b) or (c) above immediately prior to the partial surrender, where:

•(i)    is the amount of the partial surrender (and any applicable fees and surrender charges); and

•(ii)    is the accumulated value immediately before the partial surrender.

Annual Enhanced Death Benefit Rider

This is an optional death benefit rider. The rider provides you with the greater of the annual enhanced death benefit or the standard death benefit. The rider can only be purchased at the time the Contract is issued. Once the rider is terminated, it cannot be reinstated (except in Florida). The rider charge is discussed in the section CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS — Charges for Optional Riders.

22

For Contracts issued prior to November 23, 2003 and all contracts issued in New Jersey and Washington

Prior to the annuitization date and prior to the lock-in date (the later of five years after the rider effective date or the contract anniversary following the original owner’s or original annuitant’s 75th birthday), the annual enhanced death benefit is the greatest of (a) or (b) or (c) where:

• (a) is the standard death benefit;

• (b) is the annual increasing death benefit, based on purchase payments (accumulated at 5% annually) minus any partial surrender (and any applicable fees and charges) (accumulated at 5% annually) until the lock-in date; or

• (c) is the highest accumulated value on any prior contract anniversary, plus purchase payments and minus the amount of each partial surrender (and any applicable fees and charges) made after that contract anniversary and prior to the lock-in date.

NOTE: For Contracts issued in New York prior to November 23, 2003, the annual enhanced death benefit is the greater of (a) or (c).

Lock-in Feature -  At the later of five years after the rider effective date or the contract anniversary following the original owner’s or original annuitant’s 75th birthday (the “lock-in date”), the death benefit amount is locked-in. After the lock-in date, the death benefit increases by purchase payments (subject to applicable restrictions) made after the lock-in date and decreases by the amount of each partial surrender (and any applicable fees and surrender charges) made after the lock-in date. After the lock-in date, once the standard death benefit equals the annual enhanced death benefit, the annual enhanced death benefit and any associated charges terminate. The standard death benefit then applies.

For Contracts issued on or after November 23, 2003 (except for contracts issued in New Jersey and Washington)

Prior to the annuitization date and prior to the lock-in date (the later of five years after the rider effective date or the contract anniversary following the original owner’s or original annuitant’s 75th birthday), the annual enhanced death benefit is the greatest of (a) or (b) or (c) where:

• (a) is the standard death benefit;

• (b) is the annual increasing death benefit, based on purchase payments (accumulated at 5% annually) minus the proportionate withdrawal amount* of each partial surrender (and any applicable fees and surrender charges) (accumulated at 5% annually) until the lock-in date; or

• (c) is the highest accumulated value on any prior contract anniversary, plus purchase payments and minus the proportionate withdrawal amount* of each partial surrender (and any applicable fees and surrender charges) made after that contract anniversary and prior to the lock-in date.

NOTE: For Contracts issued in New York on or after November 23, 2003, the annual enhanced death benefit is the greater of (a) or (c).

* The proportionate withdrawal amount is equal to ((i) divided by (ii)) multiplied by the amounts determined in (b) or (c) above immediately prior to the partial surrender, where:

(i)    is the amount of the partial surrender (and any applicable fees and surrender charges); and

(ii)    is the accumulated value immediately before the partial surrender.

Lock-In Feature - At the later of five years after the rider effective date or the contract anniversary following the original owner’s or original annuitant’s 75th birthday (the “lock-in date”), the death benefit amount is locked-in. After the lock-in date, the death benefit increases by purchase payments (subject to applicable restrictions) made after the lock-in date and decreases by the adjusted proportionate withdrawal amount of each partial surrender (and any applicable fees and surrender charges). After the lock-in date, once the standard death benefit equals the annual enhanced death benefit, the annual enhanced death benefit and any associated charge terminate. The standard death benefit then applies.

Payment of Death Benefit

The death benefit is usually paid within five business days of our receiving all documents (including proof of death) that we require to process the claim. Payment is made according to benefit instructions provided by you. Some states require this payment to be made in less than five business days. Under certain circumstances, this payment may be delayed (see Delay of Payments). We pay interest (as required by state law) on the death benefit from the date we receive all required documents until payment is made or until the death benefit is applied under an annuity benefit payment option.

NOTE: Proof of death includes: a certified copy of a death certificate; a certified copy of a court order; a written statement by a medical doctor; or other proof satisfactory to us.

23

The accumulated value remains invested in the divisions until the valuation period during which we receive the required documents. If more than one beneficiary is named, each beneficiary’s portion of the death benefit remains invested in the divisions until the valuation period during which we receive the required documents for that beneficiary. After payment of all of the death benefit, the Contract is terminated.

The Annuity Benefit Payment Period

Annuitization Date

You may specify an annuitization date in your application. You may change the annuitization date with our prior approval. The request must be in writing. You may not select an annuitization date later than the maximum annuitization date found on the data page. If you do not specify an annuitization date, the annuitization date is the maximum annuitization date shown on the data page.

You may annuitize your Contract at any time by electing to receive payments under an annuity benefit payment option. If the accumulated value on the annuitization date is less than $2,000.00 or if the amount applied under an annuity benefit payment option is less than the minimum requirement, we may pay out the entire amount in a single payment. The contract would then be canceled. You may select when you want the annuity benefit payments to begin (within the period that begins the business day following our receipt of your instruction and ends one year after our receipt of your instructions).

Once annuity benefit payments begin under the annuity benefit payment option you choose, the option may not be changed. In addition, once annuity benefit payments begin, you may not surrender or otherwise liquidate or commute any of your accumulated value that has been annuitized.

Depending on the type of annuity benefit payment option selected, annuity benefit payments that are initiated either before or after the annuitization date may be subject to penalty taxes (see FEDERAL TAX MATTERS). You should consider this carefully when you select or change the annuity benefit payment commencement date.

Annuity Benefit Payment Options

We offer fixed annuity benefit payments only. No surrender charge is imposed on any portion of your accumulated value that has been annuitized.

You may choose from several fixed annuity benefit payment options. Annuity benefit payments will be made on the frequency you choose. You may elect to have your annuity benefit payments made on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. The dollar amount of the annuity benefit payments is specified for the entire payment period according to the annuity benefit payment option selected. There is no right to take a total surrender after the annuitization date.

The amount of the fixed annuity benefit payment depends on:

• the amount of accumulated value applied to the annuity benefit payment option;

• the annuity benefit payment option selected; and

• the age and gender of the annuitant and joint annuitant, if any (unless the Fixed Period Income benefit payment option is selected).

Annuity benefit payments are determined in accordance with annuity tables and other provisions contained in the Contract. The annuity benefit payments tables contained in this Contract are based on the 1983 Table A Mortality Table. These tables are guaranteed for the life of the Contract. The amount of the initial annuity benefit payment is determined by applying the accumulated value as of the date of the application to the annuity table for the annuitant’s annuity option, gender, and age.

Annuity benefit payments generally are higher for male annuitants than for female annuitants with an otherwise identical Contract. This is because statistically females have longer life expectancies than males. In certain states, this difference may not be taken into consideration in fixing the annuity benefit payment amount. Additionally, Contracts with no gender distinctions are made available for certain employer-sponsored plans because, under most such plans, gender discrimination is prohibited by law.

You may select an annuity benefit payment option by written request only. Your selection of an annuity benefit payment option may not be changed after annuity benefit payments begin. You may change your selection of an annuity benefit payment option (for which no annuity benefit payments have been made) by sending us a written request prior to the annuitization date. We must receive your written request on or before the annuitization date. If you fail to elect an annuity benefit payment option, we will automatically apply:

• for Contracts with one annuitant – Life Income with annuity benefit payments guaranteed for a period of 10 years.

• for Contracts with joint annuitants – Joint and Full Survivor Life Income with annuity benefit payments guaranteed for a period of 10 years.

24

The available annuity benefit payment options include:

• Fixed Period Income - Level payments are made for a fixed period. You may select a range from 5 to 30 years (state variations may apply). If the annuitant dies before the selected period expires, payments continue to you or the person(s) you designate until the end of the period. Payments stop after all guaranteed payments are made.

• Life Income - Level payments are made during the annuitant’s lifetime only. NOTE:There is no death benefit value remaining or further payments when the annuitant dies. If you defer the first payment date, it is possible that you would receive no payments if the annuitant dies before the first payment date.

• Life Income with Period Certain - Level payments continue during the annuitant’s lifetime with a guaranteed payment period of 5 to 30 years. If the annuitant dies before all of the guaranteed payments have been made, the guaranteed payments continue to you or the person(s) you designate until the end of the guaranteed payment period.

• Joint and Survivor -Payments continue as long as either the annuitant or the joint annuitant is alive. You may also choose an option that lowers the amount of income after the death of a joint annuitant. It is possible that you would only receive one payment under this option if both annuitants die before the second payment is due. If you defer the first payment date, it is possible that you would receive no payments if both annuitants die before the first payment date. NOTE:There is no death benefit value remaining or future payments after both annuitants have died.

• Joint and Survivor with Period Certain -Payments continue as long as either the annuitant or the joint annuitant is alive with a guaranteed payment period of 5 to 30 years. You may choose an option that lowers the amount of income after the death of a joint annuitant. If both annuitants die before all guaranteed payments have been made, the guaranteed payments continue to you or the person(s) you designate until the end of the guaranteed payment period.

• Joint and Two-thirds Survivor Life Income -Payments continue as long as either the annuitant or the joint annuitant is alive. If either the annuitant or joint annuitant dies, payments continue to the survivor at two-thirds the original amount. Payments stop when both the annuitant and joint annuitant have died. It is possible that only one payment is made under this option if both annuitants die before the second payment is due. If you defer the first payment date, it is possible that you would receive no payments if both annuitants die before the first payment date. NOTE:There is no death benefit value remaining or future payments after both annuitants have died.

Other annuity benefit payment options may be available.

Supplementary Contract

When you annuitize your Contract’s accumulated value, we issue a supplementary fixed annuity contract that provides an annuity benefit payment based on the amount you have annuitized and the annuity benefit payment option that you have selected. The date of the first annuity benefit payment under the supplementary contract is the effective date of that supplementary contract unless you select a date for the first annuity benefit payment that is later than the supplementary contract effective date. The first annuity benefit payment must be made within one year of the supplementary contract effective date.

Tax Considerations Regarding Annuity Benefit Payment Options

If you own one or more tax qualified annuity contracts, you may avoid tax penalties if payments from at least one of your tax qualified contracts begin no later than April 1 following the calendar year in which you turn age 70 ½. The required minimum distribution payment must be in equal (or substantially equal) amounts over your life or over the joint lives of you and your designated beneficiary. These required minimum distribution payments must be made at least once a year. Tax penalties may apply at your death on certain excess accumulations. You should confer with your tax advisor about any potential tax penalties before you select an annuity benefit payment option or take other distributions from the Contract.

Additional rules apply to distributions under non-qualified contracts (see RequiredDistributions for Non-Qualified Contracts).

Death of Annuitant (during the annuity benefit payment period)

If the annuitant dies during the annuity benefit payment period, remaining annuity benefit payments are made to the owner throughout the guarantee period, if any, or for the life of any joint annuitant, if any. If the owner is the annuitant, remaining annuity benefit payments are made to the contingent owner. In all cases the person entitled to receive payments also receives any rights and privileges under the annuity benefit payment option.

25

CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS

Certain charges are deducted under the Contract. If the charge is not sufficient to cover our costs, we bear the loss. If the benefit is more than our costs, the excess is profit to the Company. Other than the Annual Fee and Premium Taxes (which we do not expect to generate a profit), we expect a profit from the fees and charges listed below.

In addition to the charges under the Contract, there are also deductions from and expenses paid out of the assets of the underlying mutual funds which are described in the underlying mutual funds’ prospectuses.

Annual Fee

Contracts with an accumulated value of less than $30,000 are subject to an annual Contract fee of the lesser of $30 or 2% of the accumulated value. Currently, we do not charge the annual fee if your accumulated value is $30,000 or more. If you own more than one variable annuity contract with us, all the Contracts you own or jointly own are aggregated, on each Contract’s anniversary, to determine if the $30,000 minimum has been met and whether that Contract will be charged. The fee is deducted from the investment option that has the greatest value. The fee is deducted on each Contract anniversary and upon total surrender of the Contract. The fee assists in covering administration costs, primarily costs to establish and maintain the records which relate to the Contract.

Mortality and Expense Risks Charge

We assess each division with a daily charge for mortality and expense risks. The annual rate of the charge is 1.25% of the average daily net assets of the Separate Account. We agree not to increase this charge for the duration of the Contract. This charge is assessed only prior to the annuitization date. This charge is assessed daily when the value of a unit is calculated.

We have a mortality risk in that we guarantee payment of a death benefit in a single payment or under an annuity benefit payment option. No surrender charge is imposed on a death benefit payment which gives us an additional mortality risk.

The expense risk that we assume is that the actual expenses incurred in issuing and administering the Contract exceed the Contract limits on administrative charges.

If the mortality and expense risks charge is not enough to cover the costs, we bear the loss. If the amount of mortality and expense risks charge deducted is more than our costs, the excess is profit to the Company.

Separate Administration Charge

We assess each division with a daily Separate Account administration charge. The annual rate of the charge is 0.05% of the average daily net assets of the Separate Account divisions. This charge only is assessed prior to the annuitization date. This charge is assessed daily, at the time the value of a unit is calculated. We reserve the right to increase this administration charge up to an annual rate of 0.15% of the average daily net assets of the Separate Account divisions.

The administration charge is intended to cover our costs for administration of the Contract that are not covered in the mortality and expense risks charge above. If the administration charge is not enough to cover our costs, we bear the loss. If the administration charge is more than our costs, the excess is profit to the Company.

Charges for Optional Riders

Subject to certain conditions, you may add one or more of the following optional riders to your Contract. Detailed information concerning the optional riders may be obtained from your registered representative or by calling us at 1-800-852-4450.

Purchase Payment Credit Rider. The current annual charge for the rider is 0.60% of the average daily net assets of the Separate Account divisions. If you elect the Purchase Payment Credit Rider, the rider charge is assessed until completion of your 8th contract year (and only prior to the annuitization date) even if the credit(s) have been recovered. After the 8th Contract anniversary, your Contract accumulated value is moved to units in your chosen divisions that do not include this rider charge. This move of division units will not affect your accumulated value. It will, however, result in a smaller number of division units but those units will have a higher unit value. We will notify you when the division units move because of discontinuation of the rider charge.

The rider charge is intended to cover our cost for the credit(s).

26

Annual Enhanced Death Benefit Rider

The annual charge for the rider is 0.20% of the accumulated value (0.15% in New York). The charge is equal to 0.05% (0.0375% in New York) of the average accumulated value during the calendar quarter. The charge is deducted through the redemption of units from the accumulated value in the same proportion as the surrender allocation percentages. If the rider is purchased after the beginning of a quarter, the charge is prorated according to the number of days it is in effect during the quarter. Upon termination of the rider or upon death, you will be charged based on the number of days the rider is in effect during the quarter.

The rider charge is intended to reimburse us for the cost of the potentially greater death benefit provided by this rider.

Transaction Fee

We reserve the right to charge a transaction fee of the lesser of $25 or 2% of each unscheduled partial surrender after the 12th unscheduled partial surrender in a contract year. The transaction fee would be deducted from the accumulated value remaining in the investment option(s) from which the amount is surrendered, on a pro rata basis.

We also reserve the right to charge a transaction fee of the lesser of $30 or 2% of each unscheduled transfer after the first unscheduled transfer in a contract year. The transfer fee would be deducted from the investment option(s) from which the amount is transferred, on a pro rata basis.

Premium Taxes

We reserve the right to deduct an amount to cover any premium taxes imposed by states or other jurisdictions. Any deduction is made from either a purchase payment when we receive it, or from the accumulated value when you request a surrender or you request application of the accumulated value under an annuity benefit payment option. Premium taxes range from 0% in most states to as high as 3.50%.

Surrender Charge

No sales charge is collected or deducted when purchase payments are applied under the Contract. A surrender charge is assessed on certain total or partial surrenders. The amounts we receive from the surrender charge are used to cover some of the expenses of the sale of the Contract (commissions and other promotional or distribution expenses). If the surrender charge collected is not enough to cover the actual costs of distribution, the costs are paid from the Company’s General Account assets which includes profit, if any, from the mortality and expense risks charge.

The surrender charge for any total or partial surrender is a percentage of the purchase payments surrendered which were received by us during the contract years prior to the surrender. The applicable percentage which is applied to the sum of the purchase payments paid during each contract year is determined by the following tables. The amount of the purchase payment credit, if any, is not included in the sum of the purchase payments made.

Surrender Charge without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider (as a percentage of amounts surrendered)

Number of completed contract years since each purchase payment was made	Surrender charge applied to all purchase payments received in that contract year
0 (year of purchase payment)*	6%
1	6%
2	6%
3	5%
4	4%
5	3%
6	2%
7 and later	0%

27

Surrender Charge with the Purchase Payment Credit Rider (as a percentage of amounts surrendered)

Number of completed contract years since each purchase payment was made	Surrender charge applied to all purchase payments received in that contract year
0 (year of purchase payment)*	8%
1	8%
2	8%
3	8%
4	7%
5	6%
6	5%
7	4%
8	3%
9 and later	0%

* Each purchase payment begins in year 0 for purposes of calculating the percentage applied to that purchase payment. However, purchase payments are added together by contract year for purposes of determining the applicable surrender charge. If your contract year begins April 1 and ends March 31 the following year, then all purchase payments received during that period are considered to have been made in that contract year.

For purposes of calculating surrender charges, we assume that surrenders and transfers are made in the following order:

• first from purchase payments no longer subject to a surrender charge;

• then from the free surrender privilege (first from the earnings, then from the oldest purchase payments (first-in, first-out)) described below; and

• then from purchase payments subject to a surrender charge on a first-in, first-out basis.

A surrender charge is not imposed in states where it is prohibited, including:

• New Jersey – no surrender charge for total surrender on or after the later of the annuitant’s 64th birthday or 4 years after the contract date.

• Washington – no surrender charge for total surrender on or after the later of the annuitant’s 70th birthday or 10 years after the contract date.

NOTE: Partial surrenders may be subject to both the surrender charge and the transaction fee, if any.

Free Surrender Privilege

The free surrender privilege is an amount normally subject to a surrender charge that may be surrendered without a charge. The free surrender privilege is the greater of:

• earnings in the Contract (earnings = accumulated value less unsurrendered purchase payments as of the surrender date); or

• 10% of the purchase payments, decreased by any partial surrenders since the last contract anniversary.

Any amount not taken under the free surrender privilege in a contract year is not added to the amount available under the free surrender privilege for any following contract year(s).

Unscheduled partial surrenders of the free surrender privilege may be subject to the transaction fee described above.

Waiver of Surrender Charge

The surrender charge does not apply to:

• amounts applied under an annuity benefit payment option; or

• payment of any death benefit, however, the surrender charge does apply to purchase payments made by a surviving spouse after an owner’s death; or

• amounts distributed to satisfy the minimum distribution requirement of Section 401(a)9 of the Internal Revenue Code provided that the amount surrendered does not exceed the minimum distribution amount which would have been calculated based on the value of this Contract alone; or

• an amount transferred from a Contract used to fund an IRA to another annuity contract issued by the Company to fund an IRA of the participant’s spouse when the distribution is made pursuant to a divorce decree.

28

Waiver of Surrender Charge Rider

This Waiver of Surrender Charge Rider waives the surrender charge on surrenders made after the first contract anniversary if the original owner or original annuitant has a critical need. This rider is automatically made a part of the Contract at issue. There is no charge for this rider. This rider may not be available in all states or through all broker dealers and may be subject to additional restrictions. Some rider provisions may vary from state to state. We may withdraw or prospectively restrict the availability of this rider at any time. For more information regarding availability or features of this rider, you may contact your registered representative or call us at 1-800-852-4450.

Waiver of the surrender charge is available for critical need if the following conditions are met:

• the original owner or original annuitant has a critical need (NOTE: A change of ownership will terminate this rider; once terminated the rider may not be reinstated); and

• the critical need did not exist before the contract date.

• For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

• critical need – limited to an owner’s or annuitant’s confinement to a health care facility, terminal illness diagnosis or total and permanent disability. If the critical need is confinement to a health care facility, the confinement must continue for at least 60 consecutive days after the contract date and the surrender must occur within 90 days of the confinement’s end.

• health care facility – a licensed hospital or inpatient nursing facility providing daily medical treatment and keeping daily medical records for each patient (not primarily providing just residency or retirement care). This does not include a facility primarily providing drug or alcohol treatment, or a facility owned or operated by the owner, annuitant or a member of their immediate families.

• terminal illness – sickness or injury that results in the owner’s or annuitant’s life expectancy being 12 months or less from the date notice to receive a distribution from the Contract is received by the Company. In Texas and New Jersey, terminal illness is not included in the criteria for critical need.

• total and permanent disability – a disability that occurs after the contract date but before the original owner or annuitant reaches age 65 and qualifies to receive social security disability benefits. In New York, a different definition of total and permanent disability applies. In Oregon, total and permanent disability is not included in the criteria for critical need.

NOTE: The Waiver of Surrender Charge Rider is not available in Massachusetts.

Special Provisions for Group or Sponsored Arrangements

Where permitted by state law, Contracts may be purchased under group or sponsored arrangements as well as on an individual basis.

Group Arrangement – program under which a trustee, employer or similar entity purchases Contracts covering a group of individuals on a group basis.

Sponsored Arrangement – program under which an employer permits group solicitation of its employees or an association permits group solicitation of its members for the purchase of Contracts on an individual basis.

The charges and deductions described above may be reduced or eliminated for Contracts issued in connection with group or sponsored arrangements. The rules in effect at the time the application is approved will determine if reductions apply. Reductions may include but are not limited to sales of Contracts without, or with reduced, mortality and expense risks charges, annual fees or surrender charges.

Eligibility for and the amount of these reductions are determined by a number of factors, including the number of individuals in the group, the amount of expected purchase payments, total assets under management for the Contract owner, the relationship among the group’s members, the purpose for which the Contract is being purchased, the expected persistency of the Contract, and any other circumstances which, in our opinion are rationally related to the expected reduction in expenses. Reductions reflect the reduced sales efforts and administrative costs resulting from these arrangements. We may modify the criteria for and the amount of the reduction in the future. Modifications will not unfairly discriminate against any person, including affected Contract owners and other contract owners with contracts funded by the Separate Account.

29

FIXED ACCOUNT AND DCA PLUS ACCOUNTS

This prospectus is intended to serve as a disclosure document only for the Contract as it relates to the Separate Account. It only contains selected information regarding the Fixed Account and DCA Plus Accounts. Assets in the Fixed Account and DCA Plus Accounts are held in the General Account of the Company.

The General Account is the assets of the Company other than those allocated to any of the Company’s Separate Accounts. Subject to applicable law, the Company has sole discretion over the assets in the General Account. Because of exemptive and exclusionary provisions, interests in the Fixed Account and DCA Plus Accounts are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and the General Account is not registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fixed Account and DCA Plus Accounts are not subject to these Acts. The staff of the SEC does not review the prospectus disclosures relating to the Fixed Account or DCA Plus Accounts. However, these disclosures are subject to certain generally applicable provisions of the federal securities laws relating to the accuracy and completeness of statements made in the prospectus. Separate Account expenses are not assessed against any Fixed Account or DCA Plus Account values. More information concerning the Fixed Account and DCA Plus Accounts is available from your registered representative or by calling us at 1-800-852-4450.

Fixed Account

The Company guarantees that purchase payments allocated and amounts transferred to the Fixed Account earn interest at a guaranteed interest rate. In no event will the guaranteed interest rate be less than 3% compounded annually.

Each purchase payment allocated or amount transferred to the Fixed Account earns interest at the guaranteed rate in effect on the date it is received or transferred. This rate applies to each purchase payment or amount transferred through the end of the contract year.

Each contract anniversary, we declare a renewal interest rate that applies to the Fixed Account value in existence at that time. This rate applies until the end of the contract year. Interest is earned daily and compounded annually at the end of each contract year. Once credited, the interest is guaranteed and becomes part of the Fixed Account accumulated value from which deductions for fees and charges may be made.

Fixed Account Accumulated Value

Your Fixed Account accumulated value on any valuation date is equal to:

•purchase payments allocated to the Fixed Account;

•plus any transfers to the Fixed Account from the Separate Account and DCA Plus Accounts;

•plus interest credited to the Fixed Account;

•minus any surrenders or applicable surrender charges from the Fixed Account;

•minus any transfers to the Separate Account.

Fixed Account Transfers, Total and Partial Surrenders

Transfers and surrenders from the Fixed Account are subject to certain limitations. In addition, surrenders from the Fixed Account may be subject to a charge (see Surrender Charge).

You may transfer amounts from the Fixed Account to the divisions before the annuitization date and as provided below. The transfer is effective on the valuation date following our receiving your instructions. You may transfer amounts on either a scheduled or unscheduled basis by:

•mailing your instructions to us;

•calling us at 1-800-852-4450 (if telephone privileges apply);

•faxing your instructions to us at 1-866-894-2087; or

•visiting www.principal.com

You may not make both scheduled and unscheduled Fixed Account transfers in the same contract year.

Unscheduled Fixed Account Transfers

The minimum transfer amount is $100 (or entire Fixed Account accumulated value if less than $100). Once per contract year, within the 30 days following the contract anniversary date, you can:

• transfer an amount not to exceed 25% of your Fixed Account accumulated value; or

• transfer up to 100% of your Fixed Account accumulated value if:

•your Fixed Account accumulated value is less than $1,000; or

•(a) minus (b) is greater than 1% where:

•(a) is the weighted average of your Fixed Account interest rates for the preceding contract year; and

•(b) is the renewal interest rate for the Fixed Account.

We will inform you if the renewal interest rate falls to that level.

30

Scheduled Fixed Account Transfers (Fixed Account Dollar Cost Averaging)

You may make scheduled transfers on a monthly basis from the Fixed Account to the Separate Account as follows:

• Transfers occur on a date you specify (other than the 29th, 30th or 31st of any month).

• If the selected date is not a valuation date, the transfer is completed on the next valuation date.

• Scheduled transfers are only available if the Fixed Account accumulated value is $5,000 or more at the time the scheduled transfers begin.

• Scheduled monthly transfers of a specified dollar amount will continue until the Fixed Account accumulated value is zero or until you notify us to discontinue the transfers. This specified dollar amount cannot exceed 2% of your Fixed Account accumulated value.

• The minimum transfer amount is $100.

• If the Fixed Account accumulated value is less than $100 at the time of transfer, then the entire Fixed Account accumulated value will be transferred.

• If you stop the transfers, you may not start them again without our prior approval.

Dollar Cost Averaging Plus Program (DCA Plus Program)

Purchase payments allocated to the DCA Plus Accounts earn a guaranteed interest rate. A portion of your DCA Plus Account accumulated value is periodically transferred (on the 28th of each month) to divisions and/or to the Fixed Account. If the 28th is not a valuation date, then the transfer occurs on the next valuation date. The transfers are allocated according to your DCA Plus allocation instructions. Transfers into a DCA Plus Account are not permitted.

If you elect the Purchase Payment Credit rider, you may not participate in the DCA Plus Program.

DCA Plus Purchase Payments

You may enroll in the DCA Plus program by allocating a minimum purchase payment of $1,000 into a DCA Plus Account and selecting divisions and or the Fixed Account into which transfers will be made. Subsequent purchase payments of at least $1,000 are permitted. You can change your DCA Plus allocation instructions during the transfer period. Automatic portfolio rebalancing does not apply to DCA Plus Accounts.

DCA Plus purchase payments receive the fixed rate of return in effect on the date each purchase payment is received by us. The rate of return remains in effect for the remainder of the 6-month or 12-month DCA Plus transfer program.

Selecting a DCA Plus Account

DCA Plus Accounts are available in either a 6-month transfer program or a 12-month transfer program. The 6-month transfer program and the 12-month transfer program generally will have different credited interest rates. You may enroll in both a 6-month and 12-month DCA Plus program. However, you may only participate in one 6-month and one 12-month DCA Plus program at a time. Under the 6-month transfer program, all purchase payments and accrued interest must be transferred from the DCA Plus Account to the selected divisions and/or Fixed Account in no more than 6 months. Under the 12-month transfer program, all payments and accrued interest must be transferred to the selected divisions and or Fixed Account in no more than 12 months.

We will transfer an amount each month which is equal to your DCA Plus Account value divided by the number of months remaining in your transfer program. For example, if four scheduled transfers remain in the six-month transfer program and the DCA Plus Account accumulated value is $4,000, the transfer amount would be $1,000 ($4,000 / 4).

Scheduled DCA Plus Transfers

Transfers are made from DCA Plus Accounts to divisions and the Fixed Account according to your allocation instructions. The transfers begin after we receive your purchase payment and completed enrollment instructions. Transfers occur on the 28th of the month and continue until your entire DCA Plus Account accumulated value is transferred.

Unscheduled DCA Plus Transfers

You may make unscheduled transfers from DCA Plus Accounts to divisions and or the Fixed Account. A transfer is made, and values determined, as of the end of the valuation period in which we receive your request.

DCA Plus Surrenders

You may make scheduled or unscheduled surrenders from DCA Plus Accounts. Purchase payments earn interest according to the corresponding rate until the surrender date. Surrenders are subject to any applicable surrender charge.

31

GENERAL PROVISIONS

The Contract

The entire Contract is made up of the Contract, amendments, riders and endorsements and data page. Only our corporate officers can agree to change or waive any provisions of a Contract. Any change or waiver must be in writing and signed by an officer of the Company.

Delay of Payments

Surrendered amounts are generally disbursed within seven calendar days after we receive your instruction for a surrender in a form acceptable to us. This period may be shorter where required by law. However, payment of any amount upon total or partial surrender, death, annuitization of accumulated value or the transfer to or from a division may be deferred during any period when the right to sell mutual fund shares is suspended as permitted under provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (as amended).

The right to sell shares may be suspended during any period when:

• trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the SEC or when the NYSE is closed for other than weekends and holidays; or

• an emergency exists, as determined by the SEC, as a result of which:

•disposal by a mutual fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable;

•it is not reasonably practicable for a mutual fund to fairly determine the value of its net assets; or

•the SEC permits suspension for the protection of security holders.

If payments are delayed the transaction will be processed on the first valuation date following the expiration of the permitted delay unless we receive your written instructions to cancel your surrender, annuitization, or transfer. Your written instruction must be received in the home office prior to the expiration of the permitted delay. The transaction will be completed within seven business days.

In addition, we reserve the right to defer payment of that portion of your accumulated value that is attributable to a premium payment made by check for a reasonable period of time (not to exceed 15 business days) to allow the check to clear the banking system.

Misstatement of Age or Gender

If the age or, where applicable, gender of the annuitant has been misstated, we adjust the annuity benefit payment under your Contract to reflect the amount that would have been payable at the correct age and gender. If we make any overpayment because of incorrect information about age or gender, or any error or miscalculation, we deduct the overpayment from the next payment or payments due. Underpayments are added to the next payment.

Assignment

If your Contract is part of your qualified plan, IRA, SEP, or SIMPLE-IRA, you may not assign ownership.

You may assign ownership of your non-qualified Contract. Each assignment is subject to any payments made or action taken by the Company prior to our notification of the assignment. We assume no responsibility for the validity of any assignment. An assignment or pledge of a Contract may have adverse tax consequences.

An assignment must be made in writing and filed with us at the home office. The irrevocable beneficiary(ies), if any, must authorize any assignment in writing. Your rights, as well as those of the annuitant and beneficiary, are subject to any assignment on file with us. Any amount paid to an assignee is treated as a partial surrender and is paid in a single payment.

The Company may refuse any assignment or transfer at any time on a non-discriminatory basis and may refuse any assignment where it believes such assignment may cause the development of a trading market.

Change of Owner or Annuitant

If your Contract is part of your qualified plan, IRA, SEP, or SIMPLE-IRA you may not change either the owner or the annuitant.

You may change your non-qualified Contract ownership and/or annuitant designation at any time. Your request must be in writing and approved by us. After approval, the change is effective as of the date you signed the request for change. If ownership is changed, then the waiver of the surrender charge for surrenders made because of critical need of the owner is not available. We reserve the right to require that you send us the Contract so that we can record the change.

32

If an annuitant who is not an owner dies while the Contract is in force, a new annuitant may be named unless the owner is a corporation, trust or other entity.

Beneficiary

While this Contract is in force, you have the right to name or change a beneficiary. This may be done as part of the application process or by sending us a written request. Unless you have named an irrevocable beneficiary, you may change your beneficiary designation by sending us notice.

Contract Termination

We reserve the right to terminate the Contract and make a single payment (without imposing any charges) to you if your accumulated value at the end of the accumulation period is less than $2,000. Before the Contract is terminated, we will send you a notice to increase the accumulated value to $2,000 within 60 days. Termination of the Contract will not unfairly discriminate against any owner.

Reinstatement

Reinstatement is only available for full surrender of your Contract. You cannot reinstate a partial surrender or partial annuitization; if you return either of these amounts, they will be considered new premium payments.

If you have requested to replace this Contract with an annuity contract from another company and want to reinstate this Contract, the following apply:

• we reinstate the Contract effective on the original surrender date;

• if you had the Purchase Payment Credit Rider on the original Contract, the 9-year surrender charge period applies to the reinstated Contract. The remaining surrender charge period, if any, is calculated based on the number of years since the original contract date;

• we apply the amount received from the other company (“reinstatement amount”) and the amount of the surrender charge you paid when you surrendered the Contract ;

• these amounts are priced on the valuation date the money from the other company is received by us;

• commissions are not paid on the reinstatement amounts; and

• new data page is sent to your address of record.

If you have any of the optional riders, rider fees will apply for the period between the date you requested termination and the date your contract was reinstated.

If you have any of the optional riders, rider benefits will be adjusted when the amount originally surrendered differs from the reinstatement amount.

Reports

We will mail to you a statement, along with any reports required by state law, of your current accumulated value at least once per year prior to the annuitization date. After the annuitization date, any reports will be mailed to the person receiving the annuity benefit payments.

Quarterly statements reflect purchases and surrenders occurring during the quarter as well as the balance of units owned and accumulated values.

Important Information About Customer Identification Procedures

To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When you open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to verify your identity. We may also ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying documents.

If concerns arise with verification of your identification, no transactions will be permitted while we attempt to reconcile the concerns. If we are unable to verify your identity within 30 days of our receipt of your initial purchase payment, the account(s) will be closed and redeemed in accordance with normal redemption procedures.

We do not knowingly sell annuities that are for the benefit of a business/organization that is illegal under Federal and/or State law (such as a marijuana clinic), or a person who owns or receives income from such an entity or whose source of funds is illegal.

33

RIGHTS RESERVED BY THE COMPANY

We reserve the right to make certain changes if, in our judgment, they best serve the interests of you and the annuitant or are appropriate in carrying out the purpose of the Contract. Any changes will be made only to the extent and in the manner permitted by applicable laws. Also, when required by law, we will obtain your approval of the changes and approval from any appropriate regulatory authority. Approvals may not be required in all cases. Examples of the changes the Company may make include:

• transfer assets in any division to another division or to the Fixed Account;

• add, combine or eliminate a division(s);

• substitute the units of a division for the units of another division:

• if units of a division are no longer available for investment; or

• if in our judgment, investment in a division becomes inappropriate considering the purposes of the Separate Account.

Frequent Trading and Market-Timing (Abusive Trading Practices)

This Contract is not designed for frequent trading or market timing activity of the divisions. If you intend to trade frequently and/or use market timing investment strategies, you should not purchase this Contract. The Company does not accommodate market timing.

We consider frequent trading and market timing activities to be abusive trading practices because they:

• Disrupt the management of the underlying mutual funds by:

• forcing the fund to hold short-term (liquid) assets rather than investing for long term growth, which results in lost investment opportunities for the fund;

• causing unplanned portfolio turnover;

• Hurt the portfolio performance of the underlying mutual funds; and

• Increase expenses of the underlying mutual fund and separate account due to:

•increased broker-dealer commissions; and

•increased recordkeeping and related costs.

If we are not able to identify such abusive trading practices, the abuses described above will negatively impact the Contract and cause investors to suffer the harms described.

We have adopted policies and procedures to help us identify and prevent abusive trading practices. In addition, the underlying mutual funds monitor trading activity to identify and take action against abuses. While our policies and procedures are designed to identify and protect against abusive trading practices, there can be no certainty that we will identify and prevent abusive trading in all instances. When we do identify abusive trading, we will apply our policies and procedures in a fair and uniform manner.

If we, or an underlying mutual fund that is a division with the Contract, deem abusive trading practices to be occurring, we will take action that may include, but is not limited to:

• Rejecting transfer instructions from a Contract owner or other person authorized by the owner to direct transfers;

• Restricting submission of transfer requests by, for example, allowing transfer requests to be submitted by 1st class U.S. mail only and disallowing requests made via the internet, by facsimile, by overnight courier or by telephone;

• Limiting the number of unscheduled transfers during a Contract year to no more than 12;

• Prohibiting you from requesting a transfer among the divisions for a minimum of thirty days where there is evidence of at least one round-trip transaction (exchange or redemption of shares that were purchased within 30 days of the exchange/redemption) by you; and

• Taking such other action as directed by the underlying mutual fund.

We will support the underlying mutual funds’ right to accept, reject or restrict, without prior written notice, any transfer requests into a fund.

In some instances, a transfer may be completed prior to a determination of abusive trading. In those instances, we will reverse the transfer (within two business days of the transfer) and return the Contract to the investment option holdings it had prior to the transfer. We will give you notice in writing in this instance.

34

DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACT

The Company has appointed Principal Securities, Inc. ("PSI") formerly Princor Financial Services Corporation (Des Moines, Iowa 50392-0200), a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and affiliate of the Company, as the distributor and principal underwriter of the Contract. PSI is paid 6.5% of purchase payments by the Company for the distribution of the Contract. PSI also may receive 12b-1 fees in connection with purchases and sales of mutual funds underlying the Contracts. The 12b-1 fees for the underlying mutual funds are shown in this Contract prospectus in Summary of Expense, Annual Underlying Mutual Fund Expenses.

Applications for the Contracts were solicited by registered representatives of PSI or such other broker-dealers as have entered into selling agreements with PSI. Such registered representatives act as appointed agents of the Company under applicable state insurance law and must be licensed to sell variable insurance products.

PERFORMANCE CALCULATION

The Separate Account may publish advertisements containing information (including graphs, charts, tables and examples) about the hypothetical performance of its divisions for this Contract as if the Contract had been issued on or after the date the underlying mutual fund in which the division invests was first offered. The hypothetical performance from the date of the inception of the underlying mutual fund in which the division invests is calculated by reducing the actual performance of the underlying mutual fund by the fees and charges of this Contract as if it had been in existence.

The yield and total return figures described below vary depending upon market conditions, composition of the underlying mutual fund’s portfolios and operating expenses. These factors and possible differences in the methods used in calculating yield and total return should be considered when comparing the Separate Account performance figures to performance figures published for other investment vehicles. The Separate Account may also quote rankings, yields or returns as published by independent statistical services or publishers and information regarding performance of certain market indices. Any performance data quoted for the Separate Account represents only historical performance and is not intended to indicate future performance. For further information on how the Separate Account calculates yield and total return figures, see the SAI.

From time to time the Separate Account advertises its Money Market Division’s “yield” and “effective yield” for these Contracts. Both yield figures are based on historical earnings and are not intended to indicate future performance. The “yield” of the division refers to the income generated by an investment in the division over a 7-day period (which period is stated in the advertisement). This income is then “annualized.” That is, the amount of income generated by the investment during that week is assumed to be generated each week over a 52-week period and is shown as a percentage of the investment. The “effective yield” is calculated similarly but, when annualized, the income earned by an investment in the division is assumed to be reinvested. The “effective yield” is slightly higher than the “yield” because of the compounding effect of the assumed reinvestment.

The Separate Account also advertises the average annual total return of its various divisions. The average annual total return for any of the divisions is computed by calculating the average annual compounded rate of return over the stated period that would equate an initial $1,000 investment to the ending redeemable accumulated value.

FEDERAL TAX MATTERS

The following description is a general summary of the tax rules, primarily related to federal income taxes, which in our opinion are currently in effect. These rules are based on laws, regulations and interpretations which are subject to change at any time. This summary is not comprehensive and is not intended as tax advice. Federal estate and gift tax considerations, as well as state and local taxes, may also be material. You should consult a tax advisor about the tax implications of taking action under a Contract or related retirement plan.

Taxation of Non-Qualified Contracts

Non-Qualified Contracts

Section 72 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) governs the income taxation of annuities in general.

• Purchase payments made under non-qualified Contracts are not excludable or deductible from your gross income or any other person’s gross income.

• An increase in the accumulated value of a non-qualified Contract owned by a natural person resulting from the investment performance of the Separate Account or interest credited to the DCA Plus Accounts and the Fixed Account is generally not taxable until paid out as surrender proceeds, death benefit proceeds, or otherwise.

35

• Generally, owners who are non-natural persons are immediately taxed on any increase in the accumulated value unless the non-natural person is acting as an agent for a natural person.

The following discussion applies generally to Contracts owned by natural persons.

• Surrenders or partial surrenders are taxed as ordinary income to the extent of the accumulated income or gain under the Contract.

• The value of the Contract pledged or assigned is taxed as ordinary income to the same extent as a partial surrender.

• Annuity benefit payments:

• The basic rule for taxing annuity benefit payments is that part of each annuity benefit payment is considered a nontaxable return of the investment in the contract and part is considered taxable income. An “exclusion ratio” is applied to each annuity benefit payment to determine how much of the payment is excludable from gross income. The remainder of the annuity benefit payment is includable in gross income for the year received.

• The “investment in the contract” is generally the total of the purchase payments made less any tax-free return of premiums.

• After the investment in the Contract is paid out, the full amount of any annuity benefit payment is taxable.

For purposes of determining the amount of taxable income resulting from distributions, all Contracts and other annuity contracts issued by us or our affiliates to the same owner within the same calendar year are treated as if they are a single contract.

Transfer of ownership may have tax consequences to the owner. Please consult with your tax advisor before changing ownership of your Contract.

Required Distributions for Non-Qualified Contracts

In order for a non-qualified Contract to be treated as an annuity contract for federal income tax purposes, the Code requires:

• If the person receiving payments dies on or after the annuitization date but prior to the time the entire interest in the Contract has been distributed, the remaining portion of the interest is distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution being used as of the date of that person’s death.

• If you die prior to the annuitization date, the entire interest in the Contract will be distributed:

• within five years after the date of your death; or

• as annuity benefit payments (or similar periodic payments) which begin within one year of your death and which are made over the life of your designated beneficiary or over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of that beneficiary.

Generally, unless the beneficiary elects otherwise, the above requirements are satisfied prior to the annuitization date by paying the death benefit in a single payment, subject to proof of your death. The beneficiary may elect, by written request, to receive an annuity benefit payment option instead of a single payment.

If your designated beneficiary is your surviving spouse, the Contract may be continued with your spouse deemed to be the new owner for purposes of the Code. Where the owner or other person receiving payments is not a natural person, the required distributions provided for in the Code apply upon the death of the annuitant.

Early Distribution Penalty

• If you take a premature distribution from the Contract, you may incur an income tax penalty, unless the distribution is:

• made on or after you reach age 59½;

• made to a beneficiary on or after your death;

• made upon your disability as defined in the Internal Revenue Code;

• part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments for the life or life expectancy of you or you and your designated beneficiary;

• made under an immediate annuity contract; or

• allocable to contributions made prior to August 14, 1982.

Tax-Free Exchanges

Under Section 1035 of the Code, the exchange of one annuity contract for another is not a taxable transaction if the same owner is on each contract in the exchange, but may be reportable to the IRS.

36

Net Investment Income Tax Change for 2013

The Net Investment Income tax is imposed at a rate of 3.8% on net investment income for higher tax bracket individuals.

As part of the Health Care and Reconciliation Act of 2010, this tax increase may apply to individuals' net investment income with an Adjustable Gross Income over $200,000 (single filers) or $250,000 for married couples filing jointly. The tax applies to income from interest, dividends, annuities, royalties and rents not obtained in a normal trade of business. The tax may also apply to certain trusts and estates with net investment income.

Income from annuities that are part of a qualified retirement plan (as described in the following section) are not treated as investment income for the purpose of this new tax and thus are not subject to the new 3.8% rate but may be includible for purposes of determining whether the applicable Net Investment Income Tax income limits are exceeded.

Taxation of Qualified Contracts

Tax-Qualified Contracts: IRA, SEP, and SIMPLE-IRA

The Contract may be used to fund IRAs, SEPs, and SIMPLE-IRAs.

• IRA — An Individual Retirement Annuity (IRA) is a retirement savings annuity. Contributions grow tax deferred.

• SEP-IRA — SEP stands for Simplified Employee Pension and is a form of IRA. A SEP allows you, as an employer, to provide retirement benefits for your employees by contributing to their IRAs.

• SIMPLE-IRA — SIMPLE stands for Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees. A SIMPLE-IRA allows employees to save for retirement by deferring salary on a pre-tax basis and receiving predetermined company contributions.

The tax rules applicable to owners, annuitants and other payees vary according to the type of plan and the terms and conditions of the plan itself. In general, purchase payments made under a retirement program recognized under the Code are excluded from the participant’s gross income for tax purposes prior to the annuity benefit payment date (subject to applicable state law). The portion, if any, of any purchase payment made that is not excluded from their gross income is their investment in the Contract. Aggregate deferrals under all plans at the employee’s option may be subject to limitations.

Tax-qualified retirement arrangements, such as IRAs, SEPs, and SIMPLE-IRAs, aretax-deferred. You derive no additional benefit from the tax deferral feature of theannuity. Consequently, an annuity should be used to fund an IRA, or other tax qualified retirement arrangement to benefit from the annuity’s features other than tax deferral. These features may include guaranteed lifetime income, death benefits without surrender charges, guaranteed caps on fees, and the ability to transfer among investment options without sales or withdrawal charges.

The tax implications of these plans are further discussed in the SAI under the heading Taxation Under Certain Retirement Plans. Check with your tax advisor for the rules which apply to your specific situation.

Premature Distributions : There is a 10% penalty tax under the Code on the taxable portion of a “premature distribution” from IRAs, IRA rollovers, SEP-IRAs and SIMPLE-IRAs. The tax penalty is increased to 25% in the case of distributions from SIMPLE-IRAs during the first two years of participation in the SIMPLE IRA. Generally, an amount is a “premature distribution” unless the distribution is:

• made on or after you reach age 59½;

• made to a beneficiary on or after your death;

• made upon your disability as defined in the Internal Revenue Code;

• part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments for the life or life expectancy of you or you and your designated beneficiary;

• made to pay certain deductible medical expenses;

• for health insurance premiums while unemployed;

• for first home purchases (up to $10,000);

• for qualified higher education expenses;

• for qualified disaster tax relief distributions;

• for qualified reservist distributions; or

• for amounts levied by the IRS directly against your IRA.

For more information regarding premature distributions, please reference IRS Publication 590-B and consult your tax advisor.

37

Rollover IRAs

If you receive a lump-sum distribution from a qualified retirement plan, tax-sheltered annuity or governmental 457(b) plan, you may maintain the tax-deferred status of the distribution by rolling it over into an eligible retirement plan or IRA. You can accomplish this by electing a direct rollover from the plan, or you can receive the distribution and roll it over into an eligible retirement plan or IRA within 60 days. However, if you do not elect a direct rollover from the plan, the plan is required to withhold 20% of the distribution. This amount is sent to the IRS as income tax withholding to be credited against your taxes. Amounts received prior to age 59½ and not rolled over may be subject to an additional 10% penalty tax. You may roll over amounts from a qualified plan directly to a Roth IRA. As part of this rollover, previously taxed deferred funds from the qualified plan are converted to after-tax funds under a Roth IRA. Generally, the entire rollover is taxable (unless it includes after-tax dollars) and is included in gross income in the year of the rollover/conversion. For more information, please consult your tax advisor.

In addition, not more frequently than once every twelve months, an owner may execute one tax-free indirect rollover from one IRA to another, subject to the 60-day limitation. The once-per-year limitation on rollovers does not apply to direct transfers of funds between IRA providers or to Roth IRA conversions. For more information, please consult your tax advisor.

Roth IRAs

The Contract may be purchased to fund a Roth IRA. Contributions to a Roth IRA are not deductible from taxable income. Subject to certain limitations, a traditional IRA, SIMPLE-IRA or SEP-IRA may be converted into a Roth IRA or a distribution from such an arrangement may be rolled over to a Roth IRA. However, a conversion or a rollover to a Roth IRA is not excludable from gross income. If certain conditions are met, qualified distributions from a Roth IRA are tax-free. For more information, please contact your tax advisor.

Required Minimum Distributions for IRAs

The Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) regulations dictate when individuals must start taking payments from their IRA. Generally speaking, RMDs for IRAs must begin no later than April 1 following the close of the calendar year in which you turn 70½. Thereafter, the RMD is required no later than December 31 of each calendar year.

The RMD rules apply to traditional IRAs, as well as SEP-IRAs and SIMPLE-IRAs, during the lifetime and after the death of IRA owners. They do not, however, apply to Roth IRAs during the lifetime of the Roth IRA owner. If an individual owns more than one IRA, the RMD amount must be determined for each, but the actual distribution can be satisfied from a combination of one or more of the owner’s IRAs. Roth IRAs may not be aggregated with other IRAs, but may be aggregated with other Roth IRAs.

Failure to comply with the RMD rules can result in tax penalty of 50% on the amount by which the RMD in any year exceeds the amount actually distributed in that year.

Withholding

Annuity benefit payments and other amounts received under the Contract are subject to income tax withholding unless the recipient elects not to have taxes withheld. The amounts withheld vary among recipients depending on the tax status of the individual and the type of payments from which taxes are withheld.

Notwithstanding the recipient’s election, withholding may be required on payments delivered outside the United States. Moreover, special withholding rules may require us to disregard the recipient’s election if the recipient fails to supply us with a taxpayer identification number (social security number for individuals), or if the Internal Revenue Service notifies us that the taxpayer identification number provided by the recipient is incorrect.

MUTUAL FUND DIVERSIFICATION

The United States Treasury Department has adopted regulations under Section 817(h) of the Internal Revenue Code which establish standards of diversification for the investments underlying the Contracts. Under this Internal Revenue Code Section, Separate Account investments must be adequately diversified in order for the increase in the value of non-qualified Contracts to receive tax-deferred treatment. In order to be adequately diversified, the portfolio of each underlying mutual fund must, as of the end of each calendar quarter or within 30 days thereafter, have no more than 55% of its assets invested in any one investment, 70% in any two investments, 80% in any three investments and 90% in any four investments. Failure of an underlying mutual fund to meet the diversification requirements could result in tax liability to non-qualified Contract holders.

38

The investment opportunities of the underlying mutual funds could conceivably be limited by adhering to the above diversification requirements. This would affect all owners, including owners of Contracts for whom diversification is not a requirement for tax-deferred treatment.

39

STATE REGULATION

The Company is subject to the laws of the State of Iowa governing insurance companies and to regulation by the Insurance Department of the State of Iowa. An annual statement in a prescribed form must be filed by March 1 in each year covering our operations for the preceding year and our financial condition on December 31 of the prior year. Our books and assets are subject to examination by the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Iowa, or the Commissioner’s representatives, at all times. A full examination of our operations is conducted periodically by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Iowa law and regulations also prescribe permissible investments, but this does not involve supervision of the investment management or policy of the Company.

In addition, we are subject to the insurance laws and regulations of other states and jurisdictions where we are licensed to operate. Generally, the insurance departments of these states and jurisdictions apply the laws of the state of domicile in determining the field of permissible investments.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Reservation of Rights

The Company reserves the right to:

• increase the minimum amount for each purchase payment to not more than $1,000; and

• terminate a Contract and send you the accumulated value if no purchase payments are made during two consecutive calendar years and the accumulated value (or total purchase payments less partial surrenders and applicable surrender charges) is less than $2,000. The Company will first notify you of its intent to exercise this right and give you 60 days to increase the accumulated value to at least $2,000.

Legal Matters

Legal matters applicable to the issue and sale of the Contracts, including our right to issue Contracts under Iowa Insurance Law, have been passed upon by Karen Shaff, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.

Legal Proceedings

There are no legal proceedings pending to which Separate Account B is a party or which would materially affect Separate Account B.

Other Variable Annuity Contracts

The Company currently offers other variable annuity contracts that participate in Separate Account B. In the future, we may designate additional group or individual variable annuity contracts as participating in Separate Account B.

Householding

To avoid sending duplicate copies of materials to owners, only one copy of the prospectus and annual and semi-annual reports for the funds will be mailed to owners having the same name and address on our records. The consolidation of these mailings, called householding, benefits us through reduced mailing expense. If you want to receive multiple copies of these materials, you may call us at 1-800-852-4450. You may also notify us in writing. Individual copies of prospectuses and reports will be sent to you within thirty (30) days after we receive your request to stop householding.

Payments to Financial Intermediaries

The Company pays compensation to broker-dealers, financial institutions, and other parties (“Financial Intermediaries”) for the sale of the Contract according to schedules in the sales agreements and other agreements reached between the Company and the Financial Intermediaries. Such compensation generally consists of commissions on purchase payments made on the Contract. The Company and or its affiliates may also pay other amounts (“Additional Payments”) that include, but are not limited to, marketing allowances, expense reimbursements, and educational payments. These Additional Payments are designed to provide incentives for the sale of the Contracts as well as other products sold by the Company and may influence the Financial Intermediaries or their registered representatives to recommend the purchase of this Contract over competing annuity contracts or other investment options. You may ask your registered representative about these differing and divergent interests, how your registered representative is personally compensated, and how your registered representative’s broker-dealer is compensated for soliciting applications for the Contract.

40

We and/or our affiliates provide services to and/or funding vehicles for benefit and retirement plans. We and our affiliates may pay a bonus or other consideration or incentive to brokers or dealers:

• if a participant in such a benefit or retirement plan purchases a product with the assistance of a registered representative of an affiliate of ours;

• if a participant in such a retirement plan establishes a rollover individual retirement account with the assistance of a registered representative of an affiliate of ours;

• if the broker or dealer sold the funding vehicle the benefit or retirement plan utilizes; or

• based on the broker’s or dealer’s relationship to the benefit or retirement plan.

The broker or dealer may pay to its financial professionals some or all of the amounts we pay to the broker or dealer.

Service Arrangements and Compensation

The Company has entered into agreements with the distributors, advisers, and/or the affiliates of some of the mutual funds underlying the Contract and receives compensation for providing certain services including, but not limited to, distribution and operational support services, to the underlying mutual fund. Fees for these services are paid periodically (typically, quarterly or monthly) based on the average daily net asset value of shares of each fund held by the Separate Account and purchased at the Contract owners’ instructions. Because the Company receives such fees, it may be subject to competing interests in making these funds available as investment options under the Contract. The Company takes into consideration the anticipated payments from underlying mutual funds when it determines the charges assessed under the Contract. Without these payments, charges under the Contract are expected to be higher.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The financial statements of Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B and the consolidated financial statements of Principal Life Insurance Company are included in the SAI. Those statements have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, 801 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, for the periods indicated in their reports which also appear in the SAI.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The consolidated financial statements of Principal Life Insurance Company which are included in the SAI should be considered only as they relate to our ability to meet our obligations under the Contract. They do not relate to investment performance of the assets held in the Separate Account.

41

TABLE OF SEPARATE ACCOUNT DIVISIONS

The following is a brief summary of the investment objectives of each division. There is no guarantee that the objectives will be met.

AllianceBernstein Small/Mid Cap Value Division
Invests in:	AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio – Class A
Investment Advisor:	AllianceBernstein L.P.
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term growth of capital.

American Century VP Income & Growth Division
Invests in:	American Century VP Income & Growth Fund – Class I
Investment Advisor:	American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks capital growth by investing in common stocks. Income is a secondary objective.

American Century VP Inflation Protection Division
Invests in:	American Century VP Inflation Protection Fund – Class II
Investment Advisor:	American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term total return using a strategy that seeks to protect against U.S. inflation.

American Century VP Mid Cap Value Division
Invests in:	American Century VP Mid Cap Value Fund – Class II
Investment Advisor:	American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term capital growth. Income is a secondary objective.

American Century VP Ultra Division
Invests in:	American Century VP Ultra Fund – Class I
Investment Advisor:	American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term capital growth.

American Century VP Value Division
Invests in:	American Century VP Value Fund – Class II
Investment Advisor:	American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term capital growth. Income is a secondary objective.

42

American Funds Insurance Series Asset Allocation Fund Division
Invests in:	American Funds Insurance Series Asset Allocation Fund – Class 2
Investment Advisor:	Capital Research and Management Company
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide you a high total return (including income and capital gains) consistent with preservation of capital over the long term.

American Funds Insurance Series Blue Chip Income and Growth Division
Invests in:	American Funds Insurance Series Blue Chip Income and Growth Fund – Class 2
Investment Advisor:	Capital Research and Management Company
Investment Objective:	seeks to produce income exceeding the average yield on U.S. stocks generally and to provide an opportunity for growth of principal consistent with sound common stock investing.

American Funds Insurance Series Global Small Capitalization Division
Invests in:	American Funds Insurance Series Global Small Capitalization Fund – Class 2
Investment Advisor:	Capital Research and Management Company
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term growth of capital.

American Funds Insurance Series High-Income Bond Division
Invests in:	American Funds Insurance Series High-Income Bond Fund – Class 2
Investment Advisor:	Capital Research and Management Company
Investment Objective:	seeks high level of current income. Its secondary investment objective is capital appreciation.

American Funds Insurance Series New World Division
Invests in:	American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund – Class 2
Investment Advisor:	Capital Research and Management Company
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term capital appreciation.

BlackRock Global Allocation Division
Invests in:	BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Fund – Class III
Investment Advisor:	BlackRock Investment Management, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks high total investment return.

43

BlackRock iShares Alternative Strategies Division
Invests in:	BlackRock iShares Alternative Strategies V.I. – Class III
Investment Advisor:	BlackRock Advisors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks to achieve long term growth of capital and risk adjusted returns.

BlackRock iShares Dynamic Allocation Division
Invests in:	BlackRock iShares Dynamic Allocation V.I. – Class III
Investment Advisor:	BlackRock Advisors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide total return.

Columbia Limited Duration Credit Division
Invests in:	Columbia VP Limited Duration Credit Fund – Class 2
Investment Advisor:	Columbia Management Investment Advisors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide shareholders with a level of current income consistent with preservation of capital.

Delaware Limited Term Diversified Income Division
Invests in:	Delaware VIP Limited Term Diversified Income Series – Service Class
Investment Advisor:	Delaware Management Company
Investment Objective:	seeks maximum return consistent with reasonable risk.

Delaware Small Cap Value Division
Invests in:	Delaware VIP Small Cap Value Series – Service Class
Investment Advisor:	Delaware Management Company
Investment Objective:	seeks capital appreciation.

Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value Division
Invests in:	Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value VIP – Class B
Investment Advisor:	Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term capital appreciation.

44

Fidelity VIP Contrafund® Division
Invests in:	Fidelity VIP Contrafund® Portfolio – Service Class
Investment Advisor:	Fidelity Management & Research Company
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Division
Invests in:	Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio – Service Class 2
Investment Advisor:	Fidelity Management & Research Company
Investment Objective:	seeks reasonable income. The fund will also consider the potential for capital appreciation. The fund’s goal is to achieve a yield which exceeds the composite yield on the securities comprising the Standard & Poor’s 500(SM) Index (S&P 500®).

Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Division
Invests in:	Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Portfolio – Initial Class
Investment Advisor:	Fidelity Management & Research Company
Investment Objective:	seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity.

Fidelity VIP Growth Division
Invests in:	Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio – Service Class
Investment Advisor:	Fidelity Management & Research Company
Investment Objective:	seeks to achieve capital appreciation.

Fidelity VIP Overseas Division
Invests in:	Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio – Service Class 2
Investment Advisor:	Fidelity Management & Research Company
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term growth of capital.

Franklin Global Real Estate VIP Division
Invests in:	Franklin Templeton VIP Trust – Franklin Global Real Estate VIP Fund – Class 2
Investment Advisor:	Franklin Templeton Institutional LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks high total return.

45

Franklin Small Cap Value VIP Division
Invests in:	Franklin Templeton VIP Trust – Franklin Small Cap Value VIP Fund – Class 2
Investment Advisor:	Franklin Advisers Services, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term total return.

Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value Division
Invests in:	Goldman Sachs VIT – Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value Fund – Institutional Shares
Investment Advisor:	Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights Division
Invests in:	Goldman Sachs VIT – Goldman Sachs Small Cap Equity Insights Fund – Institutional Shares
Investment Advisor:	Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term growth of capital.

Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Division
Invests in:	Guggenheim Investments VIF – Series F (Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Series)
Investment Advisor:	Guggenheim Partners Investment Management LLC d/b/a Guggenheim Investments
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide a high level of current income while maximizing total return.

Guggenheim Investments Global Managed Futures Strategy Division
Invests in:	Guggenheim Investments VIF Global Managed Futures Strategy Fund
Investment Advisor:	Security Investors, LLC, which operates under the name of Guggenheim Investments
Investment Objective:	seeks to generate positive returns over time.

Guggenheim Investments Long Short Equity Division
Invests in:	Guggenheim Investments VIF Long Short Equity Fund
Investment Advisor:	Security Investors, LLC, which operates under the name of Guggenheim Investments
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term capital appreciation.

46

Guggenheim Investments Multi-Hedge Strategies Division
Invests in:	Guggenheim Investments VIF Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund
Investment Advisor:	Security Investors, LLC, which operates under the name of Guggenheim Investments
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term capital appreciation with less risk than traditional equity funds.

Invesco American Franchise Division
Invests in:	Invesco V.I. American Franchise Fund – Series I Shares
Investment Advisor:	Invesco Advisors, Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks capital growth.

Invesco Core Equity Division
Invests in:	Invesco V.I. Core Equity Fund – Series I Shares
Investment Advisor:	Invesco Advisors, Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term growth of capital.

Invesco Health Care Division (f.k.a. Invesco Global Health Care Division)
Invests in:	Invesco V.I. Health Care Fund – Series I Shares
Investment Advisor:	Invesco Advisors, Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term capital growth.

Invesco Mid Cap Growth Division
Invests in:	Invesco V.I. Mid Cap Growth Fund – Series I Shares
Investment Advisor:	Invesco Advisors, Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks capital growth.

Invesco Small Cap Equity Division
Invests in:	Invesco V.I. Small Cap Equity Fund – Series I Shares
Investment Advisor:	Invesco Advisors, Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term growth of capital.

47

Invesco Technology Division
Invests in:	Invesco V.I. Technology Fund – Series I Shares
Investment Advisor:	Invesco Advisors, Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term capital growth.

Janus Henderson Enterprise Division
Invests in:	Janus Henderson Enterprise Portfolio – Service Shares
Investment Advisor:	Janus Capital Management LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term growth of capital.

Janus Henderson Flexible Bond Division
Invests in:	Janus Henderson Flexible Bond Portfolio – Service Shares
Investment Advisor:	Janus Capital Management LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks to obtain maximum total return, consistent with preservation of capital.

MFS International Value Division
Invests in:	MFS® International Value Portfolio – Service Class
Investment Advisor:	Massachusetts Financial Services Company
Investment Objective:	seeks capital appreciation.

MFS New Discovery Division
Invests in:	MFS® New Discovery Series – Service Class
Investment Advisor:	Massachusetts Financial Services Company
Investment Objective:	seeks capital appreciation.

Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap Division
Invests in:	Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap Fund®/VA – Service Shares
Investment Advisor:	Oppenheimer Funds, Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks capital appreciation.

48

PIMCO Low Duration Division
Invests in:	PIMCO VIT Low Duration Portfolio – Advisor Class
Investment Advisor:	Pacific Investment Management Company LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks maximum total real return, consistent with preservation of capital and prudent investment management.

Core Plus Bond Division
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Core Plus Bond Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide current income and, as a secondary objective, capital appreciation.

Diversified Balanced Division (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds.)
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Diversified Balanced Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide as high a level of total return (consisting of reinvested income and capital appreciation) as is consistent with reasonable risk.

Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Division (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds.)
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Account – Class 2
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide as high a level of total return (consisting of reinvested income and capital appreciation) as is consistent with reasonable risk, with an emphasis on managing volatility.

Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Division (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds.)
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Account – Class 2
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation, with an emphasis on managing volatility.

Diversified International Division
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Diversified International Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term growth of capital.

49

Equity Income Division
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Equity Income Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide a relatively high level of current income and long-term growth of income and capital.

Government & High Quality Bond Division
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Government & High Quality Bond Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide a high level of current income consistent with safety and liquidity.

Income Division
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Income Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Edge Asset Management
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide a high level of current income consistent with preservation of capital.

International Emerging Markets Division
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds International Emerging Markets Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term growth of capital.

LargeCap Growth Division
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds LargeCap Growth Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Columbus Circle Investors through a sub-advisory agreement with Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term growth of capital.

LargeCap Growth I Division
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds LargeCap Growth Account I – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and Brown Advisory LLC through a sub-advisory agreement with Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term growth of capital.

50

LargeCap S&P 500 Index Division
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds LargeCap S&P 500 Index Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term growth of capital.

LargeCap Value Division
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds LargeCap Value Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term growth of capital.

MidCap Division (no longer available to new investors with an application signature dated on or after 08/16/2013)
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds MidCap Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term growth of capital.

Multi-Asset Income Division (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds.)
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Multi-Asset Income Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks current income.

Principal Capital Appreciation Division
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Principal Capital Appreciation Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide long-term growth capital.

Principal LifeTime 2010 Division (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds.)
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Principal LifeTime 2010 Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks a total return consisting of long-term growth of capital and current income.

51

Principal LifeTime 2020 Division (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds.)
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Principal LifeTime 2020 Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks a total return consisting of long-term growth of capital and current income.

Principal LifeTime 2030 Division (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds.)
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Principal LifeTime 2030 Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks a total return consisting of long-term growth of capital and current income.

Principal LifeTime 2040 Division (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds.)
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Principal LifeTime 2040 Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks a total return consisting of long-term growth of capital and current income.

Principal LifeTime 2050 Division (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds.)
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Principal LifeTime 2050 Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks a total return consisting of long-term growth of capital and current income.

Principal LifeTime Strategic Income Division (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds.)
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Principal LifeTime Strategic Income Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks current income, and as a secondary objective, capital appreciation.

Real Estate Securities Division
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Real Estate Securities Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Real Estate Investors, LLC through a sub-advisory agreement with Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks to generate a total return.

52

Short-Term Income Division
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Short-Term Income Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide as high a level of current income as is consistent with prudent investment management and stability of principal.

SmallCap Division
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds SmallCap Account – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term growth of capital.

SAM Balanced Division (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds.)
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Strategic Asset Management Portfolios – Balanced Portfolio – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide a high level of total return (consisting of reinvested income and capital appreciation), as is consistent with reasonable risk. In general, relative to the other Portfolios, the Balanced Portfolio should offer investors the potential for a medium level of income and medium level of capital growth, while exposing them to a medium level of principal risk.

SAM Conservative Balanced Division (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds.)
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Strategic Asset Management Portfolios – Conservative Balanced Portfolio – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide a high level of total return (consisting of reinvestment of income and capital appreciation), consistent with a moderate degree of principal risk. In general, relative to the other Portfolios, the Conservative Balanced Portfolio should offer investors the potential for a medium to high level of income and a medium to low level of capital growth, while exposing them to a medium to low level of principal risk.

SAM Conservative Growth Division (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds.)
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Strategic Asset Management Portfolios – Conservative Growth Portfolio – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation. In general, relative to the other Portfolios, the Conservative Growth Portfolio should offer investors the potential for a low to medium level of income and a medium to high level of capital growth, while exposing them to a medium to high level of principal risk.

53

SAM Flexible Income Division (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds.)
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Strategic Asset Management Portfolios – Flexible Income Portfolio – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide a high level of total return (consisting of reinvestment of income with some capital appreciation). In general, relative to the other Portfolios, the Flexible Income Portfolio should offer investors the potential for a high level of income and a low level of capital growth, while exposing them to a low level of principal risk.

SAM Strategic Growth Division (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds.)
Invests in:	Principal Variable Contracts Funds Strategic Asset Management Portfolios – Strategic Growth Portfolio – Class 1
Investment Advisor:	Principal Global Investors, LLC
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation. In general, relative to the other Portfolios, the Strategic Growth Portfolio should offer investors the potential for a high level of capital growth, and a corresponding level of principal risk.

Rydex Commodities Strategy Division
Invests in:	Rydex VI Commodities Strategy Fund
Investment Advisor:	Security Investors, LLC, which operates under the name of Guggenheim Investments
Investment Objective:	seeks to provide investment results that correlate, before fees and expenses, to the performance of a benchmark for commodities.

Templeton Global Bond VIP Division
Invests in:	Franklin Templeton VIP Trust – Templeton Global Bond VIP Fund – Class 4
Investment Advisor:	Franklin Advisors, Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks high current income, consistent with preservation of capital. Capital appreciation is a secondary consideration.

TOPS® Aggressive Growth ETF Division (This fund is available beginning 06/11/2018) (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds)
Invests in:	TOPS® Aggressive Growth ETF Portfolio – Investor Class Shares
Investment Advisor:	Milliman Financial Risk Management, LLC through a sub-advisory agreement with ValMark Advisors, Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks capital appreciation.

54

TOPS® Balanced ETF Division (This fund is available beginning 06/11/2018) (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds)
Invests in:	TOPS® Balanced ETF Portfolio – Investor Class Shares
Investment Advisor:	Milliman Financial Risk Management, LLC through a sub-advisory agreement with ValMark Advisors, Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks income and capital appreciation.

TOPS® Conservative ETF Division (This fund is available beginning 06/11/2018) (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds)
Invests in:	TOPS® Conservative ETF Portfolio – Investor Class Shares
Investment Advisor:	Milliman Financial Risk Management, LLC through a sub-advisory agreement with ValMark Advisors, Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks to preserve capital and provide moderate income and moderate capital appreciation.

TOPS® Growth ETF Division (This fund is available beginning 06/11/2018) (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds)
Invests in:	TOPS® Growth ETF Portfolio – Investor Class Shares
Investment Advisor:	Milliman Financial Risk Management, LLC through a sub-advisory agreement with ValMark Advisors, Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks capital appreciation.

TOPS® Moderate Growth ETF Division (This fund is available beginning 06/11/2018) (This underlying mutual fund is a fund of funds)
Invests in:	TOPS® Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio – Investor Class Shares
Investment Advisor:	Milliman Financial Risk Management, LLC through a sub-advisory agreement with ValMark Advisors, Inc.
Investment Objective:	seeks capital appreciation.

VanEck VIP Global Hard Assets Division
Invests in:	VanEck VIP Global Hard Assets Fund – Class S Shares
Investment Advisor:	Van Eck Associates Corporation
Investment Objective:	seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in "hard asset" securities. Income is a secondary consideration.

55

Registration Statement

This prospectus (Part A of the registration statement) omits some information contained in the Statement of Additional Information (Part B of the registration statement) and Part C of the registration statement which the Company has filed with the SEC. The SAI is hereby incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You may request a free copy of the SAI by contacting your registered representative or calling us at 1-800-852-4450.

Information about the Contract (including the Statement of Additional Information and Part C of the registration statement) can be reviewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the public reference room may be obtained by calling the Commission at 202-551-8090. Reports and other information about the Contract are available on the Commission’s internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.

The registration number for the Flexible Variable Annuity Contract is 33-74232.

The registration number for the Flexible Variable Annuity Contract with the Purchase Payment Credit Rider is 333-40254.

Customer Inquiries

Your questions should be directed to: Principal Flexible Variable Annuity, Principal Financial Group, P.O. Box 9382, Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9382, 1-800-852-4450.

TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE SAI

The table of contents for the Statement of Additional Information is provided below.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
	Page
GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY	3
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM	3
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER	3
CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE DATA	3
TAXATION UNDER CERTAIN RETIREMENT PLANS	11
Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	16
Financial Statements	20
Principal Life Insurance Company
Report of Independent Auditors	157
Consolidated Financial Statements	158

To obtain a copy of the Statement of Additional Information, free of charge, write or telephone:

Principal Securities, Inc.

a company of

the Principal Financial Group

Des Moines, IA 50392-2080

Telephone: 1-800-852-4450

56

APPENDIX A – PRINCIPAL VARIABLE ANNUITY EXCHANGE OFFER

Principal Variable Annuity Exchange Offer(“exchange offer”)

Original owners of an eligible Principal Variable Annuity (Flexible Variable Annuity) contract (“old contract”) may elect to exchange their old contract for a new Principal Lifetime Income Solutions II Variable Annuity^SM contract ("new contract") subject to the exchange offer terms and conditions. To determine if it is in your best interest to participate in the exchange offer, we recommend that you consult with your tax advisor and financial professional before electing to participate in the exchange offer.

You are eligible to participate in the exchange offer when:

• Your old contract is not subject to any surrender charges; and

• Available in your state.

Exchange Offer Terms and Conditions

• You must qualify for and elect either the Target Income Protector, Flexible Income Protector, or Flexible Income Protector Plus rider. To qualify for one of these GMWB riders, you (or the annuitant if the original owner is a non-natural person) must be between the ages of 45 and 80.

NOTE: There is no longer an exchange offer that allows you to purchase the Principal Investment Plus Variable Annuity^SM.

• You must receive a current prospectus for the new contract.

• You must complete all required exchange offer forms.

• If we approve your application to participate in the exchange offer, you are directing that all of your investment options under your old contract be terminated. The resulting amount will be transferred to your new contract and allocated as you direct. Election of the Target Income Protector, Flexible Income Protector, or Flexible Income Protector Plus rider results in restriction of your Contract investment options to the more limited GMWB investment options (review the Principal Lifetime Income Solutions II Variable Annuity ^SM prospectus in its entirety for full details).

• The amount being exchanged to the new contract cannot be allocated to the DCA Plus accounts.

• Any new premium payments (excluding the amount transferred under this exchange offer) you make to the new contract are subject to surrender charges.

• At Contract issue, the death benefit under your new contract will be the greater of the death benefit under your old contract on the exchange date or the death benefit under the new contract.

• We reserve the right to require you to return your old contract to us. Upon issuing you a new contract, your old contract will terminate.

• The exchange offer is not available for partial exchanges.

• Only one old contract can be exchanged for one new contract.

Exchange Offer Duration

Currently, there is no closing date for the exchange offer. We reserve the right, however, to modify the exchange offer commencement date and to modify or terminate the exchange offer upon reasonable written notice to you.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

An exchange may or may not be in your best interest.

The features and benefits, investment options, and charges and deductions of the new contract differ from those of your old contract. For your convenience, we have provided the following chart with a side-by-side summary comparison of the features and costs of your old contract and the new contract available under the exchange offer.

There may be additional differences important for you to consider prior to making an exchange. You should carefully review the Principal Lifetime Income Solutions II Variable Annuity^SM prospectus and compare it to the old contract prospectus before deciding to make an exchange. To obtain a prospectus, please contact us at 1-800-852-4450.

57

Summary Comparison* of Principal Variable Annuity and

Principal Lifetime Income Solutions II Variable Annuity^SM with GMWB Rider

To participate in the exchange offer you must elect either the Target Income Protector, Flexible Income Protector, or Flexible Income Protector Plus rider.

A. Features	Principal Variable Annuity	Principal Lifetime Income Solutions II Variable AnnuitySM
GMWB Rider(s)	Not available	Target Income Protector Flexible Income Protector Flexible Income Protector Plus
GMWB investment options Target Income Protector -OR- Flexible Income Protector -OR- Flexible Income Protector Plus	Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable	Diversified Balanced Volatility Control Account Diversified Growth Volatility Control Account Diversified Income Account Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Portfolio Diversified Balanced Account Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Account Diversified Growth Account Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Account Diversified Income Account Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Portfolio Diversified Balanced Account Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Account Diversified Growth Account Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Account Diversified Income Account Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Portfolio
Fixed Rate Options (including 2 dollar-cost averaging options)	1 year - Fixed Account 6 month - DCA Plus account 12 month - DCA Plus account	6 month - DCA Plus account*** 12 month - DCA Plus account***
Automatic Portfolio Rebalancing	Quarterly, Semi-Annually, Annually	Calendar Quarterly (required with GMWB riders)
No. of Free Division Transfers/ contract year	12	1

58

B. Annuitization	Principal Variable Annuity	Principal Lifetime Income Solutions II Variable AnnuitySM
Annuity Benefit Payments First Available	Any time	Any time on/after the first Contract anniversary
Annuity Benefit Payments	Fixed annuity benefit payments	Same
Annuity Mortality Table	1983a Annuity Mortality Table	2012 Individual Annuity Mortality Period Life Table Mortality Table
Annuity Benefit Payment Options	Fixed period; life income; life income with fixed period; custom options	Life income; life income with guaranteed period; custom options

C. Death Benefit	Principal Variable Annuity	Principal Lifetime Income Solutions II Variable AnnuitySM
Death Benefit	An amount equal to the greatest of (i) total premium payments less surrenders, or (ii) Contract value, or (iii) 7 year Step-Up For partial surrenders from old contracts prior to November 23, 2003, the death benefit is reduced by the amount of each withdrawal. For partial surrenders from old contracts issued on or after November 23, 2003, the death benefit is reduced proportionately for each withdrawal.	An amount equal to the greatest of (i) total premium payments less surrenders, or (ii) Contract value, or (iii) 7 year Step-Up For partial surrenders, withdrawals that are not For Life excess withdrawals will reduce the GMWB Death Benefit by the amount of withdrawal. Any For Life excess withdrawal amounts reduce the GMWB Death Benefit proportionately. See the Death Benefit section in this appendix for more details.
Optional Enhanced Death Benefit Rider	Available	Not available
Payable	1st owner or annuitant to die	1st owner to die

59

D. Fees and Charges	Principal Variable Annuity	Principal Lifetime Income Solutions II Variable AnnuitySM
Annual Fee (waived for Contracts with accumulated value of $30,000 or more)	Lesser of $30 or 2% of Contract accumulated value	Same
Mortality and Expense Risks Charge**	Maximum: 1.25% Current: 1.25%	Maximum: 1.50% Current: 1.25%
Administration Charge** (on an annual basis)	Maximum: 0.15% Current: 0.05%	Maximum: 0.50% Current: 0.15%
Available Underlying Mutual Fund Expenses****	Maximum Annual: 3.15% Minimum Annual: 0.25%	Maximum Annual: 0.64% Minimum Annual: 0.51%
Target Income Protector Rider Charge - Taken as % of average quarterly For Life withdrawal benefit base. -OR- Flexible Income Protector Rider Charge - Taken as % of average quarterly For Life withdrawal benefit base. -OR- Flexible Income Protector Plus Rider Charge - Taken as % of average quarterly For Life withdrawal benefit base.	Not available Not available Not available	Maximum Annual: 2.00% Current Annual: 1.25% Maximum Annual: 2.00% Current Annual: 0.85% Maximum Annual: 2.00% Current Annual: 1.25% NOTE: The charges above apply for applications signed from May 1, 2018 through May 31, 2018. The GMWB charges may be different than those listed above for applications signed after May 31, 2018.

60

E. Transaction Charges	Principal Variable Annuity	Principal Lifetime Income Solutions II Variable AnnuitySM
Surrender Charge Period and % of amount surrendered (applies only to new premium payments)	7 years (6,6,6,5,4,3,2) 9 years (8,8,8,8,7,6,5,4,3) if you elected the Purchase Payment Credit Rider	7 years (6,6,6,5,4,3,2) Premium Payment Credit Rider not available
Unscheduled Partial Surrender	Maximum: lesser of $25 or 2% of each unscheduled partial surrender after the 1st in a contract year. Current: $0/0%	Maximum: lesser of $25 or 2% of each unscheduled partial surrender after the 12th in a contract year. Current $0/0%
Unscheduled Transfers	Maximum: lesser of $30 or 2% of each unscheduled transfer after the 12th in a contract year. Current: $0/0%	Maximum: lesser of $25 or 2% of each unscheduled transfer after the 1st in a contract year. Current: $0/0%

* Does not reflect state variations.

** Charges taken daily as a percentage of the average daily Separate Account division value.

*** Only available for new premium payments. The DCA Plus Accounts are not available for the amount being exchanged.

**** For the new contract, only maximum and minimum charges for the GMWB investment options are reflected.

Charges and Expenses

The new contract and your old contract have different annual expenses, different transaction charges, and different investment options that may result in different underlying mutual fund expenses.

Surrender Charges

Under the exchange offer, surrender charges will not apply on any amounts transferred from the old contract to the new contract. Surrender charges under the new contract will only apply to new contract premium payments.

Death Benefit

The death benefit in the new contract will be calculated as specified in the prospectus for the new contract. At the time of the exchange, the death benefit from the old contract will be transferred to the new contract and will be adjusted for new premium payments made and withdrawals taken under the new contract.

Upon your death, we will pay the greater of the new contract death benefit or the old contract death benefit adjusted as described above.

GMWB Rider

The new contract offers GMWB riders (Target Income Protector, Flexible Income Protector, or Flexible Income Protector Plus) not available under the old contract. A GMWB rider allows you to take certain guaranteed annual withdrawals, regardless of your Contract accumulated value.

Your Contract can only have one GMWB rider. You must qualify for the Target Income Protector, Flexible Income Protector, or Flexible Income Protector Plus rider when you purchase the new contract.

The Target Income Protector, Flexible Income Protector, or Flexible Income Protector Plus rider may not be terminated for 5 contract years following the rider effective date .

61

A GMWB rider results in restriction of your Contract investment options to the more limited GMWB investment options (additional information is included in the new contract prospectus). The GMWB investment options reflect a balanced investment objective that is intended to support the rider guarantees. If your investment objective is aggressive growth, the rider investment restrictions may not support your investment objective.

Target Income Protector

The Target Income Protector rider offers an annual Step-Up feature. The GMWB Step-Up can increase your rider For Life withdrawal benefit payments if your Contract accumulated value increases. The Contract accumulated value increases whenever additional premium payments are added or the division values rise with market growth.

The Target Income Protector rider also offers a GMWB Bonus. The GMWB Bonus rewards you annually for not taking a withdrawal in the years that a bonus is available. The GMWB Bonus amount will provide an increase to your rider withdrawal benefit payments. The GMWB Bonus does not increase your Contract accumulated value.

The Target Income Protector rider provides your beneficiary(ies) with the GMWB Death Benefit.

Flexible Income Protector

The Flexible Income Protector rider offers an annual Step-Up feature. The GMWB Step-Up can increase your rider For Life withdrawal benefit payments if your Contract accumulated value increases. The Contract accumulated value increases whenever additional premium payments are made or the division values rise with market growth.

The Flexible Income Protector rider does not offer a GMWB Bonus.

The Flexible Income Protector rider provides your beneficiary(ies) with the GMWB Death Benefit.

Flexible Income Protector Plus

The Flexible Income Protector Plus rider offers an annual Step-Up feature. The GMWB Step-Up can increase your rider For Life withdrawal benefit payments if your Contract accumulated value increases. The Contract accumulated value increases whenever additional premium payments are added or the division values rise with market growth.

The Flexible Income Protector Plus rider also offers a GMWB Bonus. This rider includes an annual bonus for not taking withdrawals for a specific number of years immediately following the purchase of a Contract. The GMWB Bonus amount will provide an increase to your rider For Life withdrawal benefit payments. The GMWB Bonus does not increase your Contract accumulated value.

The Flexible Income Protector Plus rider provides your beneficiary(ies) with the GMWB Death Benefit.

It is important that you review the new contract prospectus in its entirety for additional information regarding the Target Income Protector, Flexible Income Protector, and Flexible Income Protector Plus riders and whether a GMWB rider is appropriate for your needs.

Tax Matters

Although we believe that an exchange as described in this appendix will not be a taxable event for Federal tax purposes, we recommend that you consult your tax advisor before electing to participate in the exchange offer.

There may be differences between your old contract, as amended by tax-qualified retirement plan endorsements, and the new contract, as amended by similar qualified plan endorsements. If you are using the old contract in connection with a tax-qualified retirement plan, you should consult a tax advisor before electing to participate in the exchange offer. See also the FEDERAL TAX MATTERS section of this prospectus.

62

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Financial statements are included in the Statement of Additional Information. Following are unit values for the Contract for the periods ended December 31.

For Contracts Without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
AllianceBernstein Small/Mid Cap Value
2017	$14.120	$15.771	11.69%	16
2016	11.436	14.120	23.47	21
2015	12.258	11.436	-6.71	23
2014	11.372	12.258	7.79	22
2013(1)	10.000	11.372	13.72	17
American Century VP Income & Growth
2017	18.276	21.736	18.93	371
2016	16.315	18.276	12.02	439
2015	17.513	16.315	-6.84	537
2014	15.770	17.513	11.05	633
2013	11.759	15.770	34.11	736
2012	10.378	11.759	13.31	784
2011	10.191	10.378	1.83	873
2010	9.040	10.191	12.73	1,000
2009	7.751	9.040	16.63	1,054
2008	11.999	7.751	-35.40	1,160
American Century VP Inflation Protection
2017	9.930	10.162	2.34	23
2016	9.637	9.930	3.04	22
2015(2)	10.000	9.637	-3.63	7
American Century VP Mid Cap Value
2017	22.538	24.799	10.03	42
2016	18.606	22.538	21.13	64
2015	19.152	18.606	-2.85	59
2014	16.692	19.152	14.74	76
2013	13.014	16.692	28.26	73
2012	11.339	13.014	14.77	66
2011	11.579	11.339	-2.07	75
2010(3)	10.000	11.579	15.29	29
American Century VP Ultra
2017	16.972	22.152	30.52	171
2016	16.462	16.972	3.10	181
2015	15.693	16.462	4.90	220
2014	14.454	15.693	8.57	234
2013	10.679	14.454	35.35	278
2012	9.493	10.679	12.49	325
2011	9.510	9.493	-0.18	345
2010	8.295	9.510	14.65	397
2009	6.246	8.295	32.80	407
2008	10.809	6.246	-42.21	449

63

For Contracts Without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
American Century VP Value
2017	$23.908	$25.624	7.18%	593
2016	20.137	23.908	18.73	660
2015	21.256	20.137	-5.26	752
2014	19.074	21.256	11.44	853
2013	14.693	19.074	29.82	1,007
2012	12.985	14.693	13.15	1,142
2011	13.036	12.985	-0.39	1,236
2010	11.677	13.036	11.64	1,373
2009	9.876	11.677	18.24	1,520
2008	13.663	9.876	-27.72	1,738
American Funds Asset Allocation
2017	10.651	12.220	14.73	22
2016(4)	10.000	10.651	6.51	14
American Funds Blue Chip Income and Growth
2017	11.186	12.923	15.53	36
2016(4)	10.000	11.186	11.86	27
American Funds Global Small Capitalization Fund
2017	10.208	12.686	24.28	35
2016	10.129	10.208	0.78	31
2015	10.235	10.129	-1.04	36
2014(5)	10.000	10.235	2.35	9
American Funds High Income Bond
2017	10.302	10.869	5.51	132
2016	8.867	10.302	16.18	128
2015	9.691	8.867	-8.50	41
2014(5)	10.000	9.691	-3.09	22
American Funds New World Fund
2017	9.033	11.543	27.78	45
2016	8.694	9.033	3.90	43
2015	9.094	8.694	-4.40	27
2014(5)	10.000	9.094	-9.06	17
BlackRock Global Allocation VI
2017	9.523	10.689	12.25	8
2016	9.294	9.523	2.46	7
2015(2)	10.000	9.294	-7.06	6
BlackRock iShares Alternative Strategies VI
2017	9.736	10.806	11.00	4
2016	9.286	9.736	4.85	4
2015(2)	10.000	9.286	-7.14	4
BlackRock iShares Dynamic Allocation VI
2017	9.577	10.846	13.25	‑
2016	9.140	9.577	4.78	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.140	-8.60	‑
Columbia Limited Duration Credit
2017	9.942	9.991	0.50	7
2016	9.567	9.942	3.92	6
2015(2)	10.000	9.567	-4.33	5

64

For Contracts Without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
Delaware VIP Limited Term Diversified Income
2017	$9.910	$9.970	0.60%	16
2016	9.868	9.910	0.43	41
2015(2)	10.000	9.868	-1.32	7
Delaware VIP Small Cap Value
2017	14.196	15.661	10.32	15
2016	10.971	14.196	29.40	18
2015	11.883	10.971	-7.67	2
2014	11.398	11.883	4.26	3
2013(1)	10.000	11.398	13.98	1
Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value
2017	13.109	14.251	8.71	3
2016	11.403	13.109	14.96	2
2015	11.813	11.403	-3.47	4
2014	11.388	11.813	3.73	3
2013(1)	10.000	11.388	13.88	1
Fidelity VIP Contrafund®
2017	25.153	30.232	20.19	1,388
2016	23.614	25.153	6.52	1,566
2015	23.790	23.614	-0.74	1,786
2014	21.554	23.790	10.37	2,015
2013	16.645	21.554	29.49	2,343
2012	14.492	16.645	14.86	2,723
2011	15.072	14.492	-3.85	3,212
2010	13.032	15.072	15.65	3,661
2009	9.727	13.032	33.98	4,098
2008	17.164	9.727	-43.33	4,545
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income
2017	19.564	21.755	11.20	942
2016	16.838	19.564	16.19	1,070
2015	17.813	16.838	-5.47	1,248
2014	16.636	17.813	7.08	1,442
2013	13.181	16.636	26.21	1,669
2012	11.403	13.181	15.59	1,934
2011	11.471	11.403	-0.59	2,039
2010	10.107	11.471	13.49	2,197
2009	7.879	10.107	28.28	2,487
2008	13.952	7.879	-43.53	2,705
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market
2017	9.903	9.843	-0.61	1,367
2016(6)	10.000	9.903	-0.97	1,803

65

For Contracts Without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
Fidelity VIP Growth
2017	$15.384	$20.502	33.27%	730
2016	15.475	15.384	-0.59	779
2015	14.645	15.475	5.67	917
2014	13.344	14.645	9.75	1,035
2013	9.922	13.344	34.49	1,239
2012	8.772	9.922	13.11	1,430
2011	8.869	8.772	-1.09	1,562
2010	7.239	8.869	22.52	1,810
2009	5.720	7.239	26.56	1,965
2008	10.978	5.720	-47.90	2,188
Fidelity VIP Overseas
2017	8.479	10.879	28.31	47
2016	9.067	8.479	-6.49	4
2015(2)	10.000	9.067	-9.33	9
Franklin Global Real Estate VIP
2017	9.506	10.367	9.05	4
2016	9.579	9.506	-0.76	3
2015(2)	10.000	9.579	-4.21	4
Franklin Small Cap Value VIP
2017	22.074	24.111	9.23	13
2016	17.178	22.074	28.50	27
2015	18.790	17.178	-8.58	12
2014	18.928	18.790	-0.73	10
2013(1)	16.049	18.928	17.94	8
Franklin Templeton Global Bond VIP
2017	9.525	9.568	0.45	21
2016	9.381	9.525	1.54	6
2015(2)	10.000	9.381	-6.19	3
Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value
2017	24.419	26.772	9.64	5
2016	21.790	24.419	12.07	8
2015	24.323	21.790	-10.41	9
2014	21.697	24.323	12.10	7
2013(1)	19.636	21.697	10.50	3
Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights
2017	21.592	23.779	10.13	8
2016	17.755	21.592	21.61	6
2015	18.379	17.755	-3.40	5
2014	17.413	18.379	5.55	5
2013(1)	15.223	17.413	14.39	5
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Series F
2017	10.416	10.638	2.13	39
2016	9.720	10.416	7.16	23
2015(2)	10.000	9.720	-2.80	18
Guggenheim Global Managed Futures Strategy
2017	8.126	8.720	7.31	1
2016	9.658	8.126	-15.86	1
2015(2)	10.000	9.658	-3.42	-

66

For Contracts Without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
Guggenheim Long Short Equity Fund
2017	$9.822	$11.136	13.38%	2
2016	9.886	9.822	-0.65	2
2015(2)	10.000	9.886	-1.14	6
Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies
2017	9.824	10.054	2.34	2
2016	10.001	9.824	-1.77	2
2015(2)	10.000	10.001	0.01	1
Invesco V.I. American Franchise
2017	14.997	18.852	25.70	237
2016	14.857	14.997	0.94	259
2015	14.333	14.857	3.66	294
2014	13.391	14.333	7.03	320
2013	9.678	13.391	38.37	383
2012	7.695	9.678	25.77	453
2011	8.461	7.695	-9.05	584
2010	7.419	8.461	14.05	667
2009	6.204	7.419	19.58	763
2008	10.925	6.204	-43.21	836
Invesco V.I. Core Equity
2017	15.893	17.755	11.72	944
2016	14.602	15.893	8.84	1,063
2015	15.699	14.602	-6.99	1,220
2014	14.707	15.699	6.75	1,369
2013	11.524	14.707	27.62	1,605
2012	10.247	11.524	12.46	1,909
2011	10.382	10.247	-1.30	2,198
2010	9.596	10.382	8.19	2,408
2009	7.573	9.596	26.71	2,721
2008	10.978	7.573	-31.02	3,063
Invesco V.I. Global Health Care
2017	20.033	22.905	14.34	299
2016	22.923	20.033	-12.61	358
2015	22.511	22.923	1.83	461
2014	19.057	22.511	18.12	482
2013	13.733	19.057	38.77	540
2012	11.503	13.733	19.38	522
2011	11.204	11.503	2.67	506
2010	10.775	11.204	3.99	486
2009	8.546	10.775	26.08	531
2008	12.123	8.546	-29.51	595

67

For Contracts Without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
Invesco V.I. Mid Cap Growth
2017	$14.037	$16.973	20.92%	71
2016	14.114	14.037	-0.55	78
2015	14.129	14.114	-0.11	113
2014	13.249	14.129	6.64	107
2013	9.793	13.249	35.29	117
2012	8.192	9.793	19.55	142
2011	10.027	8.192	-18.30	199
2010	8.199	10.027	22.29	166
2009	5.829	8.199	40.66	154
2008	11.367	5.829	-48.72	156
Invesco V.I. Small Cap Equity
2017	23.754	26.744	12.59	74
2016	21.474	23.754	10.62	87
2015	23.026	21.474	-6.74	105
2014	22.789	23.026	1.04	122
2013	16.790	22.789	35.73	173
2012	14.928	16.790	12.47	185
2011	15.226	14.928	-1.96	212
2010	11.994	15.226	26.95	169
2009	10.014	11.994	19.77	165
2008	14.762	10.014	-32.16	181
Invesco V.I. Technology
2017	9.480	12.646	33.39	292
2016	9.677	9.480	-2.04	284
2015	9.178	9.677	5.44	357
2014	8.373	9.178	9.61	409
2013	6.776	8.373	23.57	398
2012	6.166	6.776	9.90	440
2011	6.576	6.166	-6.23	456
2010	5.489	6.576	19.81	515
2009	3.531	5.489	55.45	628
2008	6.444	3.531	-45.20	480
Janus Henderson Enterprise
2017	16.769	21.037	25.45	465
2016	15.154	16.769	10.66	519
2015	14.795	15.154	2.43	580
2014	13.354	14.795	10.79	638
2013	10.243	13.354	30.37	737
2012	8.866	10.243	15.53	864
2011	9.128	8.866	-2.87	994
2010	7.364	9.128	23.96	1,216
2009	5.162	7.364	42.66	1,321
2008	9.311	5.162	-44.56	1,271
Janus Henderson Flexible Bond
2017	9.899	10.099	2.02	21
2016(4)	10.000	9.899	-1.01	30

68

For Contracts Without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
MFS New Discovery
2017	$11.215	$13.985	24.70%	17
2016	10.442	11.215	7.40	16
2015	10.811	10.442	-3.41	42
2014	11.840	10.811	-8.69	20
2013(1)	10.000	11.840	18.40	19
MFS VIT International Value
2017	9.725	12.174	25.18	56
2016	9.488	9.725	2.50	58
2015(2)	10.000	9.488	-5.12	42
Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap
2017	13.687	15.390	12.44	39
2016	11.784	13.687	16.15	41
2015	12.712	11.784	-7.30	48
2014	11.534	12.712	10.21	52
2013(1)	10.000	11.534	15.34	32
PIMCO VIT Low Duration
2017	9.880	9.875	-0.05	1
2016	9.881	9.880	-0.01	1
2015(2)	10.000	9.881	-1.19	‑
Rydex Commodities Strategy
2017	7.008	7.225	3.09	2
2016	6.431	7.008	8.97	2
2015(2)	10.000	6.431	-35.69	3
Van Eck Global Hard Assets
2017	11.277	10.912	-3.24	78
2016	7.966	11.277	41.56	152
2015	12.159	7.966	-34.48	119
2014	15.273	12.159	-20.39	124
2013	14.024	15.273	8.91	151
2012	13.773	14.024	1.83	183
2011	16.741	13.773	-17.73	165
2010(3)	12.108	16.741	38.26	77
Core Plus Bond
2017	24.010	24.840	3.46	2,198
2016	23.369	24.010	2.74	2,415
2015	23.790	23.369	-1.77	2,728
2014	22.902	23.790	3.88	3,140
2013	23.396	22.902	-2.11	3,498
2012	22.029	23.396	6.20	4,120
2011	20.832	22.029	5.75	4,357
2010	18.892	20.832	10.27	4,781
2009	15.821	18.892	19.41	5,197
2008	19.317	15.821	-18.10	6,144
Diversified Balanced
2017(7)	10.000	10.541	5.41%	2,310
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility
2017	10.149	11.111	9.48	11
2016	9.662	10.149	5.04	1
2015(2)	10.000	9.662	-3.38	1

69

For Contracts Without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility
2017	$10.194	$11.405	11.88%	10
2016	9.601	10.194	6.18	4
2015(2)	10.000	9.601	-3.99	‑
Diversified International
2017	26.468	33.720	27.40	2,498
2016	26.718	26.468	-0.94	2,835
2015	27.164	26.718	-1.64	3,195
2014	28.433	27.164	-4.46	3,556
2013	24.244	28.433	17.28	4,067
2012	20.727	24.244	16.97	4,646
2011	23.552	20.727	-11.99	5,150
2010	20.974	23.552	12.29	5,833
2009	16.480	20.974	27.27	4,828
2008	31.029	16.480	-46.89	5,386
Equity Income
2017	16.218	19.384	19.52	2,527
2016	14.199	16.218	14.22	2,881
2015	14.973	14.199	-5.17	3,385
2014	13.447	14.973	11.35	3,867
2013	10.699	13.447	25.68	4,527
2012	9.586	10.699	11.61	5,129
2011	9.206	9.586	4.13	5,703
2010	8.024	9.206	14.73	2,766
2009	6.770	8.024	18.52	2,922
2008	10.378	6.770	-34.77	3,187
Government & High Quality Bond
2017	12.104	12.173	0.57	4,166
2016	12.046	12.104	0.48	4,756
2015	12.107	12.046	-0.50	5,493
2014	11.673	12.107	3.72	6,248
2013	11.945	11.673	-2.28	7,261
2012	11.640	11.945	2.62	8,955
2011	11.095	11.640	4.91	9,556
2010	10.614	11.095	4.53	10,696
2009	10.094	10.614	5.15	289
2008(8)	10.000	10.094	0.94	13
Income
2017	10.135	10.517	3.77	111
2016	9.713	10.135	4.34	66
2015(2)	10.000	9.713	-2.87	7

70

For Contracts Without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
International Emerging Markets
2017	$29.237	$40.647	39.02%	598
2016	27.075	29.237	7.99	674
2015	31.824	27.075	-14.92	757
2014	33.496	31.824	-4.99	841
2013	35.580	33.496	-5.86	976
2012	29.825	35.580	19.29	1,105
2011	36.604	29.825	-18.52	1,201
2010	31.077	36.604	17.78	1,395
2009	18.554	31.077	67.49	1,531
2008	41.619	18.554	-55.42	1,526
LargeCap Growth
2017	28.394	37.807	33.15	822
2016	30.322	28.394	-6.36	915
2015	29.261	30.322	3.63	1,068
2014	26.678	29.261	9.68	1,181
2013	20.177	26.678	32.22	1,343
2012	17.486	20.177	15.39	1,568
2011	18.488	17.486	-5.42	1,799
2010	15.814	18.488	16.91	2,158
2009	12.607	15.814	25.44	2,523
2008	22.461	12.607	-43.87	2,822
LargeCap Growth I
2017	58.314	76.969	31.99	1,136
2016	58.340	58.314	-0.04	1,269
2015	54.841	58.340	6.38	1,441
2014	51.153	54.841	7.21	1,616
2013	38.054	51.153	34.42	1,848
2012	33.112	38.054	14.93	2,118
2011	33.638	33.112	-1.56	2,390
2010	28.478	33.638	18.12	2,786
2009	18.883	28.478	50.81	3,220
2008	32.193	18.883	-41.34	3,647
LargeCap S&P 500 Index
2017	17.700	21.227	19.93	2,099
2016	16.069	17.700	10.15	2,330
2015	16.096	16.069	-0.17	2,656
2014	14.394	16.096	11.82	3,064
2013	11.040	14.394	30.38	3,579
2012	9.679	11.040	14.06	3,996
2011	9.634	9.679	0.47	4,390
2010	8.507	9.634	13.25	4,805
2009	6.820	8.507	24.74	5,248
2008	10.978	6.820	-37.88	5,778

71

For Contracts Without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
LargeCap Value
2017	$41.523	$47.887	15.33%	1,013
2016	38.889	41.523	6.77	1,131
2015	39.834	38.889	-2.37	1,317
2014	36.300	39.834	9.74	1,490
2013	28.101	36.300	29.18	1,726
2012	23.997	28.101	17.10	1,988
2011	24.017	23.997	-0.08	2,235
2010	21.317	24.017	12.67	2,641
2009	18.560	21.317	14.85	2,964
2008	28.988	18.560	-35.97	3,358
MidCap
2017	89.219	110.541	23.90	1,922
2016	81.895	89.219	8.94	2,176
2015	81.624	81.895	0.33	2,478
2014	73.189	81.624	11.52	2,777
2013	55.347	73.189	32.24	3,211
2012	46.923	55.347	17.95	3,658
2011	43.875	46.923	6.95	4,084
2010	35.797	43.875	22.57	4,652
2009	27.098	35.797	32.10	4,035
2008	41.530	27.098	-34.75	4,614
Multi-Asset Income
2017	10.400	11.497	10.55	7
2016(4)	10.000	10.400	4.00	7
Principal Capital Appreciation
2017	10.526	12.547	19.20	2,809
2016	9.773	10.526	7.70	3,153
2015(2)	10.000	9.773	-2.27	3,666
Principal LifeTime 2010
2017	15.538	17.090	9.99	98
2016	14.956	15.538	3.89	104
2015	15.331	14.956	-2.45	108
2014	14.820	15.331	3.45	127
2013	13.542	14.820	9.44	130
2012	12.266	13.542	10.40	106
2011	12.243	12.266	0.19	120
2010	10.881	12.243	12.52	118
2009	8.809	10.881	23.52	113
2008	12.910	8.809	-31.77	113

72

For Contracts Without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
Principal LifeTime 2020
2017	$17.165	$19.486	13.52%	255
2016	16.443	17.165	4.39	288
2015	16.849	16.443	-2.41	278
2014	16.142	16.849	4.38	310
2013	14.091	16.142	14.56	393
2012	12.434	14.091	13.32	341
2011	12.726	12.434	-2.29	321
2010	11.200	12.726	13.63	269
2009	8.896	11.200	25.90	181
2008	13.682	8.896	-34.98	70
Principal LifeTime 2030
2017	17.279	20.171	16.74	84
2016	16.535	17.279	4.50	81
2015	16.930	16.535	-2.33	119
2014	16.172	16.930	4.69	123
2013	13.761	16.172	17.52	135
2012	12.057	13.761	14.13	110
2011	12.485	12.057	-3.43	129
2010	10.955	12.485	13.97	94
2009	8.652	10.955	26.62	81
2008	13.780	8.652	-37.21	50
Principal LifeTime 2040
2017	17.944	21.376	19.12	27
2016	17.239	17.944	4.09	42
2015	17.614	17.239	-2.13	47
2014	16.802	17.614	4.83	32
2013	13.892	16.802	20.95	26
2012	12.053	13.892	15.26	23
2011	12.606	12.053	-4.39	15
2010	11.022	12.606	14.37	7
2009	8.615	11.022	27.94	2
2008	14.107	8.615	-38.93	6
Principal LifeTime 2050
2017	18.081	21.799	20.56	22
2016	17.349	18.081	4.22	14
2015	17.699	17.349	-1.98	14
2014	16.883	17.699	4.83	20
2013	13.811	16.883	22.24	37
2012	11.946	13.811	15.61	18
2011	12.593	11.946	-5.14	19
2010	10.973	12.593	14.76	19
2009	8.544	10.973	28.43	9
2008	14.195	8.544	-39.81	11

73

For Contracts Without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
Principal LifeTime Strategic Income
2017	$14.197	$15.242	7.36%	158
2016	13.727	14.197	3.42	179
2015	14.040	13.727	-2.23	183
2014	13.603	14.040	3.21	250
2013	13.105	13.603	3.80	266
2012	12.102	13.105	8.28	249
2011	11.837	12.102	2.24	243
2010	10.775	11.837	9.86	189
2009	9.173	10.775	17.46	98
2008	12.204	9.173	-24.84	123
Real Estate Securities
2017	55.867	60.217	7.79	603
2016	53.471	55.867	4.48	689
2015	51.985	53.471	2.86	789
2014	39.650	51.985	31.11	935
2013	38.577	39.650	2.78	1,058
2012	33.340	38.577	15.71	1,223
2011	30.990	33.340	7.58	1,303
2010	24.962	30.990	24.15	1,406
2009	19.606	24.962	27.32	1,560
2008	29.571	19.606	-33.70	1,776
Short-Term Income
2017	11.640	11.764	1.07	1,284
2016	11.545	11.640	0.82	1,523
2015	11.614	11.545	-0.59	1,521
2014	11.566	11.614	0.42	1,737
2013	11.582	11.566	-0.14	2,018
2012	11.170	11.582	3.69	2,436
2011	11.158	11.170	0.11	2,521
2010	10.843	11.158	2.90	2,543
2009	9.986	10.843	8.58	509
2008(8)	10.000	9.986	-0.14	6
SmallCap
2017	23.684	26.388	11.42	2,291
2016	20.440	23.684	15.87	2,660
2015	20.728	20.440	-1.39	3,071
2014	20.020	20.728	3.54	1,252
2013	13.717	20.020	45.95	1,469
2012	12.110	13.717	13.27	1,663
2011	12.445	12.110	-2.69	1,824
2010	10.142	12.445	22.71	2,114
2009	8.405	10.142	20.67	2,359
2008	13.453	8.405	-37.52	2,587

74

For Contracts Without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
SAM Balanced Portfolio
2017	$14.495	$16.485	13.73%	3,362
2016	13.747	14.495	5.44	3,736
2015	14.041	13.747	-2.09	4,258
2014	13.316	14.041	5.44	4,680
2013	11.457	13.316	16.23	5,097
2012	10.289	11.457	11.35	3,123
2011	10.317	10.289	-0.27	3,107
2010	9.195	10.317	12.20	3,002
2009	7.519	9.195	22.29	2,995
2008	10.314	7.519	-27.10	1,672
SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio
2017	14.284	15.715	10.02	834
2016	13.604	14.284	5.00	966
2015	13.891	13.604	-2.07	1,248
2014	13.249	13.891	4.85	1,288
2013	12.029	13.249	10.14	1,376
2012	10.955	12.029	9.81	1,446
2011	10.844	10.955	1.02	1,594
2010	9.818	10.844	10.45	1,759
2009	8.206	9.818	19.64	1,567
2008	10.286	8.206	-20.22	789
SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio
2017	14.180	16.765	18.23	760
2016	13.426	14.180	5.62	850
2015	13.752	13.426	-2.37	1,061
2014	12.968	13.752	6.05	1,099
2013	10.668	12.968	21.56	1,196
2012	9.461	10.668	12.75	1,143
2011	9.623	9.461	-1.68	1,115
2010	8.457	9.623	13.79	1,163
2009	6.813	8.457	24.13	1,096
2008	10.314	6.813	-33.94	616
SAM Flexible Income Portfolio
2017	14.393	15.402	7.01	1,864
2016	13.621	14.393	5.67	2,001
2015	13.983	13.621	-2.59	2,208
2014	13.360	13.983	4.66	2,463
2013	12.556	13.360	6.40	2,494
2012	11.493	12.556	9.25	2,558
2011	11.256	11.493	2.11	2,281
2010	10.313	11.256	9.14	2,260
2009	8.706	10.313	18.46	1,844
2008	10.222	8.706	-14.83	1,619

75

For Contracts Without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio
2017	$13.995	$16.884	20.65%	486
2016	13.356	13.995	4.78	519
2015	13.754	13.356	-2.89	633
2014	12.822	13.754	7.27	705
2013	10.188	12.822	25.85	839
2012	8.930	10.188	14.09	809
2011	9.217	8.930	-3.11	1,121
2010	8.018	9.217	14.96	973
2009	6.370	8.018	25.87	840
2008	10.308	6.370	-38.20	571

⁽¹⁾ Commenced operations on May 18, 2013.

⁽²⁾ Commenced operations on May 16, 2015.

⁽³⁾ Commenced operations on May 22, 2010.

⁽⁴⁾ Commenced operations on May 21, 2016.

⁽⁵⁾ Commenced operations on May 17, 2014.

⁽⁶⁾ Commenced operations on April 8, 2016.

⁽⁷⁾ Commenced operations on May 26, 2017.

⁽⁸⁾ Commenced operations on November 24, 2008.

76

For Contracts With the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
AllianceBernstein Small/Mid Cap Value
2017	$13.816	$15.340	11.03%	‑
2016	11.257	13.816	22.73	‑
2015	12.139	11.257	-7.27	‑
2014	11.330	12.139	7.14	‑
2013(1)	10.000	11.330	13.30	‑
American Century VP Income & Growth
2017	16.640	19.672	18.22	‑
2016	14.944	16.640	11.35	‑
2015	16.137	14.944	-7.39	‑
2014	14.619	16.137	10.38	‑
2013	10.967	14.619	33.30	7
2012	9.737	10.967	12.63	63
2011	9.619	9.737	1.23	171
2010	8.584	9.619	12.06	345
2009	7.404	8.584	15.94	552
2008	11.532	7.404	-35.80	758
American Century VP Inflation Protection
2017	9.833	10.003	1.73	‑
2016	9.601	9.833	2.42	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.601	-3.99	‑
American Century VP Mid Cap Value
2017	21.661	23.691	9.37	‑
2016	17.989	21.661	20.41	‑
2015	18.629	17.989	-3.44	‑
2014	16.334	18.629	14.05	‑
2013	12.811	16.334	27.50	4
2012	11.230	12.811	14.08	4
2011	11.536	11.230	-2.65	9
2010(3)	10.000	11.536	15.36	4
American Century VP Ultra
2017	15.452	20.049	29.75	‑
2016	15.078	15.452	2.48	‑
2015	14.461	15.078	4.27	‑
2014	13.399	14.461	7.93	2
2013	9.959	13.399	34.54	6
2012	8.906	9.959	11.83	25
2011	8.976	8.906	-0.78	80
2010	7.877	8.976	13.95	130
2009	5.967	7.877	32.01	222
2008	10.387	5.967	-42.55	266

77

For Contracts With the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
American Century VP Value
2017	$21.898	$23.330	6.54%	‑
2016	18.555	21.898	18.02	‑
2015	19.704	18.555	-5.83	‑
2014	17.788	19.704	10.77	3
2013	13.784	17.788	29.05	28
2012	12.256	13.784	12.47	152
2011	12.378	12.256	-0.99	398
2010	11.155	12.378	10.96	588
2009	9.491	11.155	17.53	732
2008	13.210	9.491	-28.15	927
American Funds Asset Allocation
2017	10.612	12.103	14.05	‑
2016(4)	10.000	10.612	6.12	‑
American Funds Blue Chip Income and Growth
2017	11.145	12.799	14.84	‑
2016(4)	10.000	11.145	11.45	‑
American Funds Global Small Capitalization
2017	10.049	12.413	23.53	‑
2016	10.031	10.049	0.18	‑
2015	10.196	10.031	-1.62	‑
2014(5)	10.000	10.196	1.96	‑
American Funds High Income Bond
2017	10.141	10.636	4.88	‑
2016	8.781	10.141	15.49	‑
2015	9.654	8.781	-9.04	‑
2014(5)	10.000	9.654	-3.46	‑
American Funds New World
2017	8.892	11.294	27.02	‑
2016	8.610	8.892	3.28	‑
2015	9.060	8.610	-4.97	‑
2014(5)	10.000	9.060	-9.40	‑
BlackRock Global Allocation VI
2017	9.431	10.522	11.57	‑
2016	9.259	9.431	1.86	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.259	-7.41	‑
BlackRock iShares Alternative Strategies VI
2017	9.641	10.637	10.34	‑
2016	9.250	9.641	4.23	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.250	-7.50	‑
BlackRock iShares Dynamic Allocation VI
2017	9.484	10.676	12.57	‑
2016	9.105	9.484	4.16	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.105	-8.95	‑
Columbia Limited Duration Credit
2017	9.846	9.835	-0.11	‑
2016	9.531	9.846	3.31	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.531	-4.69	‑

78

For Contracts With the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
Delaware VIP Limited Term Diversified Income
2017	$9.813	$9.814	0.01%	‑
2016	9.831	9.813	-0.18	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.831	-1.69	‑
Delaware VIP Small Cap Value
2017	13.891	15.232	9.66	‑
2016	10.800	13.891	28.62	‑
2015	11.767	10.800	-8.22	‑
2014	11.355	11.767	3.63	‑
2013(1)	10.000	11.355	13.55	‑
Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value
2017	12.827	13.862	8.07	‑
2016	11.225	12.827	14.27	‑
2015	11.699	11.225	-4.05	‑
2014	11.345	11.699	3.12	‑
2013(1)	10.000	11.345	13.45	‑
Fidelity VIP Contrafund®
2017	22.835	27.283	19.48	‑
2016	21.567	22.835	5.88	‑
2015	21.859	21.567	-1.34	‑
2014	19.924	21.859	9.71	9
2013	15.479	19.924	28.72	28
2012	13.558	15.479	14.17	120
2011	14.185	13.558	-4.42	315
2010	12.339	14.185	14.96	576
2009	9.265	12.339	33.18	1,023
2008	16.447	9.265	-43.67	1,453
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income
2017	17.919	19.807	10.54	‑
2016	15.515	17.919	15.49	‑
2015	16.513	15.515	-6.04	‑
2014	15.514	16.513	6.44	9
2013	12.366	15.514	25.46	31
2012	10.762	12.366	14.90	166
2011	10.892	10.762	-1.19	576
2010	9.655	10.892	12.81	1,006
2009	7.572	9.655	27.51	1,278
2008	13.489	7.572	-43.87	1,482
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market
2017	9.849	9.731	-1.20	‑
2016(6)	10.000	9.849	-1.51	‑

79

For Contracts With the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
Fidelity VIP Growth
2017	$13.967	$18.502	32.47%	‑
2016	14.134	13.967	-1.18	‑
2015	13.456	14.134	5.04	‑
2014	12.334	13.456	9.10	2
2013	9.226	12.334	33.69	9
2012	8.206	9.226	12.44	39
2011	8.347	8.206	-1.69	148
2010	6.854	8.347	21.78	307
2009	5.448	6.854	25.81	512
2008	10.519	5.448	-48.21	757
Fidelity VIP Overseas
2017	8.396	10.709	27.55	‑
2016	9.033	8.396	-7.05	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.033	-9.67	‑
Franklin Global Real Estate VIP
2017	9.414	10.205	8.40	‑
2016	9.543	9.414	-1.35	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.543	-4.57	‑
Franklin Small Cap Value VIP
2017	21.166	22.981	8.58	‑
2016	16.570	21.166	27.74	‑
2015	18.235	16.570	-9.13	‑
2014	18.479	18.235	-1.32	‑
2013(1)	15.727	18.479	17.50	‑
Franklin Templeton Global Bond VIP
2017	9.433	9.419	-0.15	‑
2016	9.345	9.433	0.94	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.345	-6.55	‑
Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value
2017	22.672	24.709	8.99	‑
2016	20.353	22.672	11.39	‑
2015	22.856	20.353	-10.95	‑
2014	20.511	22.856	11.43	‑
2013(1)	18.632	20.511	10.08	‑
Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights
2017	20.048	21.947	9.47	‑
2016	16.584	20.048	20.89	‑
2015	17.270	16.584	-3.97	‑
2014	16.461	17.270	4.91	‑
2013(1)	14.445	16.461	13.96	‑
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Series F
2017	10.315	10.472	1.52	‑
2016	9.683	10.315	6.53	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.683	-3.17	‑
Guggenheim Global Managed Futures Strategy
2017	8.047	8.584	6.67	‑
2016	9.622	8.047	-16.37	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.622	-3.78	‑

80

For Contracts With the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
Guggenheim Long Short Equity Fund
2017	$9.727	$10.962	12.69%	‑
2016	9.849	9.727	-1.24	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.849	-1.51	‑
Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies
2017	9.728	9.897	1.73	‑
2016	9.963	9.728	-2.36	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.963	-0.37	‑
Invesco V.I. American Franchise
2017	14.582	18.220	24.95	‑
2016	14.532	14.582	0.34	‑
2015	14.105	14.532	3.03	‑
2014	13.256	14.105	6.40	1
2013	9.638	13.256	37.54	2
2012	7.437	9.638	29.60	5
2011	8.227	7.437	-9.60	21
2010	7.256	8.227	13.38	46
2009	6.105	7.256	18.85	73
2008	10.815	6.105	-43.55	156
Invesco V.I. Core Equity
2017	14.428	16.023	11.05	‑
2016	13.336	14.428	8.19	‑
2015	14.425	13.336	-7.55	‑
2014	13.594	14.425	6.11	1
2013	10.716	13.594	26.86	1
2012	9.586	10.716	11.79	25
2011	9.771	9.586	-1.89	98
2010	9.085	9.771	7.55	278
2009	7.214	9.085	25.94	595
2008	10.520	7.214	-31.43	954
Invesco V.I. Global Health Care
2017	18.240	20.730	13.65	‑
2016	20.996	18.240	-13.13	‑
2015	20.743	20.996	1.22	‑
2014	17.666	20.743	17.42	3
2013	12.807	17.666	37.94	10
2012	10.792	12.807	18.67	29
2011	10.575	10.792	2.05	86
2010	10.231	10.575	3.36	177
2009	8.163	10.231	25.33	287
2008	11.651	8.163	-29.94	407

81

For Contracts With the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
Invesco V.I. Mid Cap Growth
2017	$13.649	$16.405	20.19%	‑
2016	13.806	13.649	-1.14	‑
2015	13.903	13.806	-0.70	‑
2014	13.116	13.903	6.00	4
2013	9.753	13.116	34.48	9
2012	8.159	9.753	19.54	21
2011	9.463	8.159	-13.78	52
2010	7.785	9.463	21.55	114
2009	5.568	7.785	39.82	155
2008	10.924	5.568	-49.03	160
Invesco V.I. Small Cap Equity
2017	22.055	24.683	11.91	‑
2016	20.058	22.055	9.96	‑
2015	21.637	20.058	-7.30	‑
2014	21.543	21.637	0.44	1
2013	15.968	21.543	34.91	3
2012	14.283	15.968	11.79	20
2011	14.655	14.283	-2.54	50
2010	11.614	14.655	26.18	62
2009	9.755	11.614	19.06	73
2008	14.467	9.755	-32.57	97
Invesco V.I. Technology
2017	8.631	11.444	32.60	‑
2016	8.864	8.631	-2.63	‑
2015	8.457	8.864	4.81	‑
2014	7.762	8.457	8.95	3
2013	6.319	7.762	22.84	12
2012	5.785	6.319	9.24	58
2011	6.207	5.785	-6.80	135
2010	5.212	6.207	19.09	257
2009	3.373	5.212	54.52	372
2008	6.192	3.373	-45.53	327
Janus Henderson Enterprise
2017	15.223	18.984	24.71	‑
2016	13.840	15.223	9.99	‑
2015	13.594	13.840	1.81	‑
2014	12.343	13.594	10.14	5
2013	9.525	12.343	29.59	7
2012	8.294	9.525	14.84	25
2011	8.591	8.294	-3.46	91
2010	6.972	8.591	23.22	179
2009	4.917	6.972	41.79	391
2008	8.922	4.917	-44.89	696
Janus Henderson Flexible Bond
2017	9.862	10.002	1.41	‑
2016(4)	10.000	9.862	-1.38	‑

82

For Contracts With the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
MFS New Discovery
2017	$10.973	$13.603	23.96%	‑
2016	10.279	10.973	6.75	‑
2015	10.706	10.279	-3.99	‑
2014	11.796	10.706	-9.24	1
2013(1)	10.000	11.796	17.96	‑
MFS VIT International Value
2017	9.630	11.984	24.44	‑
2016	9.452	9.630	1.88	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.452	-5.48	‑
Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap
2017	13.393	14.969	11.77	‑
2016	11.599	13.393	15.47	‑
2015	12.589	11.599	-7.86	‑
2014	11.491	12.589	9.56	‑
2013(1)	10.000	11.491	14.91	‑
PIMCO VIT Low Duration
2017	9.784	9.720	-0.65	‑
2016	9.844	9.784	-0.61	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.844	-1.56	‑
Rydex Commodities Strategy
2017	6.940	7.112	2.47	‑
2016	6.407	6.940	8.32	‑
2015(2)	10.000	6.407	-35.93	‑
Van Eck Global Hard Assets
2017	10.772	10.361	-3.81	‑
2016	7.655	10.772	40.72	‑
2015	11.755	7.655	-34.88	‑
2014	14.854	11.755	-20.86	‑
2013	13.722	14.854	8.25	1
2012	13.558	13.722	1.21	6
2011	16.579	13.558	-18.22	14
2010(3)	12.035	16.579	37.76	6
Core Plus Bond
2017	21.798	22.417	2.84	‑
2016	21.344	21.798	2.13	‑
2015	21.859	21.344	-2.36	‑
2014	21.170	21.859	3.25	10
2013	21.756	21.170	-2.69	77
2012	20.610	21.756	5.56	288
2011	19.606	20.610	5.12	733
2010	17.888	19.606	9.60	1,286
2009	15.070	17.888	18.70	1,892
2008	18.511	15.070	-18.59	2,506
Diversified Balanced
2017(7)	10.000	10.504	5.04	‑
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility
2017	10.051	10.937	8.81	‑
2016	9.626	10.051	4.42	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.626	-3.74	‑

83

For Contracts With the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility
2017	$10.094	$11.226	11.22%	‑
2016	9.565	10.094	5.53	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.565	-4.35	‑
Diversified International
2017	24.029	30.430	26.64	‑
2016	24.402	24.029	-1.53	‑
2015	24.959	24.402	-2.23	‑
2014	26.282	24.959	-5.03	12
2013	22.544	26.282	16.58	68
2012	19.391	22.544	16.26	285
2011	22.166	19.391	-12.52	793
2010	19.858	22.166	11.62	1,278
2009	15.697	19.858	26.51	1,319
2008	29.734	15.697	-47.21	1,743
Equity Income
2017	15.274	18.147	18.81	‑
2016	13.453	15.274	13.54	‑
2015	14.271	13.453	-5.73	‑
2014	12.895	14.271	10.67	11
2013	10.321	12.895	24.94	68
2012	9.303	10.321	10.94	364
2011	8.988	9.303	3.50	1,004
2010	7.881	8.988	14.05	491
2009	6.690	7.881	17.81	697
2008	10.317	6.690	-35.16	1,064
Government & High Quality Bond
2017	11.529	11.525	-0.03	‑
2016	11.542	11.529	-0.11	‑
2015	11.671	11.542	-1.11	‑
2014	11.320	11.671	3.10	15
2013	11.654	11.320	-2.87	118
2012	11.425	11.654	2.00	408
2011	10.956	11.425	4.28	1,043
2010	10.544	10.956	3.91	1,991
2009	10.088	10.544	4.52	86
2008(8)	10.000	10.088	0.88	‑
Income
2017	10.037	10.352	3.14	‑
2016	9.676	10.037	3.73	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.676	-3.24	‑

84

For Contracts With the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
International Emerging Markets
2017	$26.543	$36.681	38.20%	‑
2016	24.728	26.543	7.34	‑
2015	29.241	24.728	-15.43	‑
2014	30.962	29.241	-5.56	8
2013	33.086	30.962	-6.42	35
2012	27.903	33.086	18.58	109
2011	34.450	27.903	-19.00	268
2010	29.424	34.450	17.08	391
2009	17.672	29.424	66.50	606
2008	39.883	17.672	-55.69	759
LargeCap Growth
2017	25.777	34.118	32.36	‑
2016	27.694	25.777	-6.92	‑
2015	26.885	27.694	3.01	‑
2014	24.659	26.885	9.03	3
2013	18.762	24.659	31.43	8
2012	16.359	18.762	14.69	17
2011	17.400	16.359	-5.98	64
2010	14.972	17.400	16.22	114
2009	12.008	14.972	24.68	213
2008	21.523	12.008	-44.21	336
LargeCap Growth I
2017	52.940	69.460	31.20	‑
2016	53.283	52.940	-0.64	‑
2015	50.388	53.283	5.75	‑
2014	47.282	50.388	6.57	2
2013	35.386	47.282	33.62	11
2012	30.977	35.386	14.23	65
2011	31.658	30.977	-2.15	183
2010	26.962	31.658	17.42	317
2009	17.986	26.962	49.91	539
2008	30.849	17.986	-41.70	760
LargeCap S&P 500 Index
2017	16.069	19.156	19.21	‑
2016	14.677	16.069	9.48	‑
2015	14.790	14.677	-0.76	‑
2014	13.305	14.790	11.16	11
2013	10.266	13.305	29.60	37
2012	9.055	10.266	13.38	213
2011	9.067	9.055	-0.13	668
2010	8.055	9.067	12.56	1,212
2009	6.496	8.055	24.00	1,878
2008	10.520	6.496	-38.25	2,462

85

For Contracts With the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
LargeCap Value
2017	$37.697	$43.216	14.64%	‑
2016	35.518	37.697	6.13	‑
2015	36.601	35.518	-2.96	‑
2014	33.554	36.601	9.08	1
2013	26.132	33.554	28.40	10
2012	22.450	26.132	16.40	39
2011	22.604	22.450	-0.68	158
2010	20.183	22.604	12.00	268
2009	17.679	20.183	14.16	466
2008	27.779	17.679	-36.36	636
MidCap
2017	80.999	99.759	23.16	‑
2016	74.797	80.999	8.29	‑
2015	74.999	74.797	-0.27	‑
2014	67.653	74.999	10.86	8
2013	51.468	67.653	31.45	36
2012	43.898	51.468	17.24	164
2011	41.293	43.898	6.31	441
2010	33.894	41.293	21.83	813
2009	25.811	33.894	31.32	749
2008	39.797	25.811	-35.14	1,063
Multi-Asset Income
2017	10.362	11.386	9.89	‑
2016(4)	10.000	10.362	3.62	‑
Principal Capital Appreciation
2017	10.418	12.345	18.49	‑
2016	9.732	10.418	7.05	‑
2015(2)	10.000	9.732	-2.68	‑
Principal LifeTime 2010
2017	14.429	15.775	9.33	‑
2016	13.972	14.429	3.27	‑
2015	14.409	13.972	-3.03	‑
2014	14.012	14.409	2.83	‑
2013	12.881	14.012	8.78	‑
2012	11.738	12.881	9.73	‑
2011	11.786	11.738	-0.41	9
2010	10.538	11.786	11.84	15
2009	8.582	10.538	22.79	18
2008	12.664	8.582	-32.23	27

86

For Contracts With the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
Principal LifeTime 2020
2017	$15.940	$17.988	12.85%	‑
2016	15.361	15.940	3.77	‑
2015	15.835	15.361	-2.99	‑
2014	15.262	15.835	3.75	‑
2013	13.403	15.262	13.87	‑
2012	11.898	13.403	12.65	19
2011	12.251	11.898	-2.88	34
2010	10.847	12.251	12.94	60
2009	8.667	10.847	25.15	69
2008	13.421	8.667	-35.42	34
Principal LifeTime 2030
2017	16.046	18.620	16.04	‑
2016	15.447	16.046	3.88	‑
2015	15.911	15.447	-2.92	‑
2014	15.290	15.911	4.06	‑
2013	13.089	15.290	16.82	‑
2012	11.537	13.089	13.45	1
2011	12.019	11.537	-4.01	1
2010	10.610	12.019	13.28	4
2009	8.429	10.610	25.87	8
2008	13.517	8.429	-37.64	5
Principal LifeTime 2040
2017	16.663	19.731	18.41	‑
2016	16.105	16.663	3.46	‑
2015	16.554	16.105	-2.71	‑
2014	15.886	16.554	4.20	‑
2013	13.214	15.886	20.22	‑
2012	11.534	13.214	14.56	‑
2011	12.135	11.534	-4.95	4
2010	10.674	12.135	13.69	5
2009	8.393	10.674	27.18	2
2008	13.838	8.393	-39.35	3
Principal LifeTime 2050
2017	16.790	20.122	19.85	‑
2016	16.208	16.790	3.59	‑
2015	16.634	16.208	-2.56	‑
2014	15.963	16.634	4.20	‑
2013	13.136	15.963	21.52	‑
2012	11.432	13.136	14.91	2
2011	12.123	11.432	-5.70	5
2010	10.627	12.123	14.08	4
2009	8.324	10.627	27.67	9
2008	13.924	8.324	-40.22	‑

87

For Contracts With the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
Principal LifeTime Strategic Income
2017	$13.184	$14.069	6.72%	‑
2016	12.824	13.184	2.81	‑
2015	13.196	12.824	-2.82	‑
2014	12.861	13.196	2.60	4
2013	12.465	12.861	3.18	‑
2012	11.581	12.465	7.63	14
2011	11.396	11.581	1.62	35
2010	10.436	11.396	9.20	44
2009	8.937	10.436	16.77	42
2008	11.971	8.937	-25.34	9
Real Estate Securities
2017	50.720	54.344	7.14	‑
2016	48.837	50.720	3.86	‑
2015	47.765	48.837	2.24	‑
2014	36.651	47.765	30.32	5
2013	35.874	36.651	2.17	25
2012	31.190	35.874	15.02	95
2011	29.166	31.190	6.94	289
2010	23.634	29.166	23.41	481
2009	18.675	23.634	26.55	752
2008	28.337	18.675	-34.10	940
Short-Term Income
2017	11.087	11.138	0.46	‑
2016	11.063	11.087	0.22	‑
2015	11.196	11.063	-1.19	‑
2014	11.217	11.196	-0.19	3
2013	11.300	11.217	-0.73	48
2012	10.964	11.300	3.06	149
2011	11.017	10.964	-0.48	438
2010	10.771	11.017	2.28	788
2009	9.980	10.771	7.93	165
2008(8)	10.000	9.980	-0.20	‑
SmallCap
2017	21.502	23.813	10.75	‑
2016	18.668	21.502	15.18	‑
2015	19.045	18.668	-1.98	‑
2014	18.505	19.045	2.92	2
2013	12.756	18.505	45.07	16
2012	11.329	12.756	12.59	83
2011	11.713	11.329	-3.28	252
2010	9.602	11.713	21.99	488
2009	8.006	9.602	19.94	701
2008	12.891	8.006	-37.89	980

88

For Contracts With the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
SAM Balanced Portfolio
2017	$13.678	$15.462	13.04%	‑
2016	13.050	13.678	4.81	‑
2015	13.409	13.050	-2.68	‑
2014	12.793	13.409	4.82	29
2013	11.073	12.793	15.53	122
2012	10.005	11.073	10.67	233
2011	10.092	10.005	-0.86	634
2010	9.049	10.092	11.53	840
2009	7.443	9.049	21.58	1,067
2008	10.280	7.443	-27.60	927
SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio
2017	13.478	14.741	9.37	‑
2016	12.914	13.478	4.37	‑
2015	13.266	12.914	-2.65	‑
2014	12.729	13.266	4.22	‑
2013	11.626	12.729	9.49	28
2012	10.652	11.626	9.15	131
2011	10.608	10.652	0.41	269
2010	9.662	10.608	9.79	274
2009	8.124	9.662	18.93	351
2008	10.252	8.124	-20.76	370
SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio
2017	13.380	15.725	17.53	‑
2016	12.745	13.380	4.98	‑
2015	13.133	12.745	-2.95	‑
2014	12.459	13.133	5.41	8
2013	10.310	12.459	20.84	34
2012	9.199	10.310	12.08	108
2011	9.413	9.199	-2.27	297
2010	8.323	9.413	13.10	397
2009	6.745	8.323	31.96	451
2008	10.281	6.745	-34.39	390
SAM Flexible Income Portfolio
2017	13.581	14.447	6.38	‑
2016	12.931	13.581	5.03	‑
2015	13.353	12.931	-3.16	‑
2014	12.836	13.353	4.03	5
2013	12.136	12.836	5.77	57
2012	11.175	12.136	8.60	371
2011	11.011	11.175	1.49	586
2010	10.149	11.011	8.49	578
2009	8.619	10.149	17.75	738
2008	10.189	8.619	-15.41	764

89

For Contracts With the Purchase Payment Credit Rider
Accumulation Unit Value
Division	Beginning of Period	End of Period	Percentage Change from Prior Period	Number of Accumulation Units Outstanding End of Period (in thousands)
SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio
2017	$13.205	$15.837	19.93%	‑
2016	12.679	13.205	4.15	‑
2015	13.135	12.679	-3.47	‑
2014	12.318	13.135	6.63	1
2013	9.846	12.318	25.11	3
2012	8.683	9.846	13.40	28
2011	9.016	8.683	-3.69	116
2010	7.891	9.016	14.26	121
2009	6.307	7.891	25.11	242
2008	10.275	6.307	-38.62	129

⁽¹⁾ Commenced operations on May 18, 2013.

⁽²⁾ Commenced operations on May 16, 2015.

⁽³⁾ Commenced operations on May 22, 2010.

⁽⁴⁾ Commenced operations on May 21, 2016.

⁽⁵⁾ Commenced operations on May 17, 2014.

⁽⁶⁾ Commenced operations on April 8, 2016.

⁽⁷⁾ Commenced operations on May 26, 2017.

⁽⁸⁾ Commenced operations on November 24, 2008.

90

PART B

PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY SEPARATE ACCOUNT B

FLEXIBLE VARIABLE ANNUITY (“FVA”) CONTRACT

Statement of Additional Information

dated May 1, 2018

This Statement of Additional Information provides information about Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Flexible Variable Annuity (the “Contract”) in addition to the information that is contained in the Contract’s Prospectus, dated May 1, 2018.

This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus, a copy of which can be obtained free of charge by writing or telephoning:

Principal Flexible Variable Annuity

Principal Financial Group

P.O. Box 9382

Des Moines Iowa 50306-9382

Telephone: 1-800-852-4450

TABLE OF CONTENTS
	Page
GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY	3
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM	3
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER	3
CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE DATA	3
TAXATION UNDER CERTAIN RETIREMENT PLANS	11
Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	16
Financial Statements	20
Principal Life Insurance Company
Report of Independent Auditors	157
Consolidated Financial Statements	158

2

GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY

Principal Life Insurance Company (the “Company”) is the issuer of the Principal Flexible Variable Annuity (the “Contract”) and serves as custodian of its assets. The Company is a stock life insurance company with authority to transact life and annuity business in all states of the United States and the District of Columbia. The Company’s home office is located at: Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Principal Financial Services, Inc., which in turn, is a wholly owned direct subsidiary of Principal Financial Group, Inc., a publicly-traded company.

On June 24, 1879, the Company was incorporated under Iowa law as a mutual assessment life insurance company named Bankers Life Association. The Company became a legal reserve life insurance company and changed its name to Bankers Life Company in 1911. In 1986, the Company changed its name to Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company. In 1998, the Company became Principal Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary stock life insurance company of Principal Mutual Holding Company, as part of a reorganization into a mutual insurance holding company structure. In 2001, Principal Mutual Holding Company converted to a stock company through a process called demutualization, resulting in the current organizational structure.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP, 801 Grand Avenue, Suite 3000, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B and the Principal Life Insurance Company.

PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

The principal underwriter of the Contract is Principal Securities, Inc. ("PSI") formerly Princor Financial Services Corporation which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Principal Financial Services, Inc. and an affiliate of the Company. The address of PSI is the Principal Financial Group, 655 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50392. PSI was incorporated in Iowa in 1968 and is a securities broker-dealer registered with the Securities Exchange Commission as well as a member of the FINRA. The Contracts may also be sold through other broker-dealers authorized by PSI and applicable law to do so. Registered representatives of such broker-dealers may be paid on a different basis than described below.

The Contract’s offering to the public is non-continuous. As the principal underwriter, PSI is paid for the distribution of the Contract. For the last three fiscal years PSI has received and retained the following commissions:

2017 received/retained	2016 received/retained	2015 received/retained
$9,203,089/$0	$9,612,301/$0	$8,637,125/$0

CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE DATA

The Separate Account may publish advertisements containing information (including graphs, charts, tables and examples) about the performance of one or more of its Divisions.

The Contract was not offered prior to June 16, 1994. Certain of the underlying funds were offered prior to the date the Contract was available. Thus, the Separate Account may publish advertisements containing information about the hypothetical performance of one or more of its divisions for this Contract as the Contract was issued on or after the date the underlying mutual fund was first offered. The hypothetical performance from the date of inception of the underlying mutual fund in which the division invests is derived by reducing the actual performance of the underlying mutual fund by the highest level of fees and charges of the Contract as if it had been in existence.

In addition, as certain of the underlying mutual funds have added classes since the inception of the fund, performance may be shown for periods prior to the inception date of the new class which represents the historical results of initial class shares adjusted to reflect the fees and expenses of the new class.

3

The yield and total return figures described below will vary depending upon market conditions, the composition of the underlying mutual fund’s portfolios and operating expenses. These factors and possible differences in the methods used in calculating yield and total return should be considered when comparing the Separate Account performance figures to performance figures published for other investment vehicles.

The Separate Account may also quote rankings, yields or returns as published by independent statistical services or publishers and information regarding performance of certain market indices. Any performance data quoted for the Separate Account represents only historical performance and is not intended to indicate future performance.

From time to time the Separate Account advertises its Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Division’s “yield” and “effective yield” for these Contracts. Both yield figures are based on historical earnings and are not intended to indicate future performance. The “yield” of the division refers to the income generated by an investment under the Contract in the division over a seven-day period (which period will be stated in the advertisement). This income is then “annualized.” That is, the amount of income generated by the investment during that week is assumed to be generated each week over a 52-week period and is shown as a percentage of the investment. The “effective yield” is calculated similarly but, when annualized, the income earned by an investment in the division is assumed to be reinvested. The “effective yield” will be slightly higher than the “yield” because of the compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment. Neither yield quotation reflects a sales load deducted from purchase payments which, if included, would reduce the “yield” and “effective yield.

	Yield For the Period Ended December 31, 2017
For Contracts	7-day annualized yield	7-day effective yield
without a surrender charge or a Purchase Payment Credit Rider	-0.27%	-0.27%
with a surrender charge but without a Purchase Payment Credit Rider	-6.27%	-6.27%
without a surrender charge but with a Purchase Payment Credit Rider	-0.87%	-0.86%

Also, from time to time, the Separate Account will advertise the average annual total return of its various divisions. The average annual total return for any of the divisions is computed by calculating the average annual compounded rate of return over the stated period that would equate an initial $1,000 investment to the ending redeemable Contract value. In this calculation for the Contract without the Purchase Payment Credit Rider, the ending value is reduced by a surrender charge that decreases from 6% to 0% over a period of 7 years. For the calculations relating to the Contract with the Purchase Payment Credit Rider, the ending value is reduced by a surrender charge that decreases from 8% to 0% over a period of 9 years. The Separate Account may also advertise total return figures for its divisions for a specified period that does not take into account the surrender charge in order to illustrate the change in the division’s unit value over time. See “Charges and Deductions” in the Prospectus for a discussion of surrender charges.

Following are the hypothetical average annual total returns for the period ending December 31, 2017 assuming the Contract had been offered as of the effective dates of the underlying mutual funds in which the divisions invest:

	For Contracts without Purchase Payment Credit Rider and with Surrender Charge
Division	Effective Date	One Year	Five Years	Ten Years	Since Inception
Alliance Bernstein Small/Mid Cap Value	05/02/2001	5.64%	13.18%	8.43%
American Asset Allocation	08/01/1989	8.69%	9.05%	5.45%
American Blue Chip Income and Growth	07/05/2001	9.48%	13.77%	6.41%
American Century VP Income & Growth	10/31/1997	12.89%	12.67%	6.06%
American Century VP Inflation Protection	12/31/2002	-3.71%	-2.03%	1.78%
American Century VP Mid Cap Value	10/29/2004	3.98%	13.37%	9.13%
American Century VP Ultra	05/01/2001	24.48%	15.34%	7.38%
American Century VP Value	05/01/1996	1.13%	11.34%	6.44%
American Funds Global Small Capitalization	04/30/1998	18.22%	9.15%	2.59%
American High Income Bond	02/08/1984	-0.54%	2.65%	4.43%
American New World	06/17/1999	21.73%	4.33%	1.99%
BlackRock Global Allocation VI	02/28/1992	6.20%	4.48%	3.01%
BlackRock iShares Alternative Strategies VI	04/30/2014	4.95%			3.10%

4

	For Contracts without Purchase Payment Credit Rider and with Surrender Charge
Division	Effective Date	One Year	Five Years	Ten Years	Since Inception
BlackRock iShares Dynamic Allocation VI	04/30/2014	7.20%			2.24%
Columbia Limited Duration Credit	05/07/2010	-5.56%	-0.78%		0.78%
Core Plus Bond	12/18/1987	-2.59%	0.58%	2.50%
Delaware VIP Limited Term Diversified Income	05/01/2000	-5.44%	-1.11%	1.14%
Delaware VIP Small Cap Value	05/01/2000	4.27%	12.14%	8.65%
Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value	05/01/1996	2.66%	10.28%	5.66%
Diversified Balanced	12/30/2009	4.15%	5.80%		6.31%
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility	10/31/2013	3.42%			4.14%
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility	10/31/2013	5.83%			5.25%
Diversified International	05/02/1994	21.35%	6.31%	0.76%
Equity Income	04/28/1998	13.47%	12.21%	6.39%
Fidelity VIP Contrafund	01/03/1995	14.15%	12.26%	5.77%
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income	11/03/1986	5.15%	10.10%	4.48%
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market	04/01/1982	-6.65%	-1.79%	-0.85%
Fidelity VIP Growth	10/31/1986	27.22%	15.25%	6.38%
Fidelity VIP Overseas	01/28/1987	22.27%	6.81%	0.50%
Franklin Global Real Estate VIP	01/24/1989	3.00%	3.70%	1.35%
Franklin Small Cap Value VIP	04/30/1998	3.18%	10.94%	7.31%
Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value	05/01/1998	3.59%	9.67%	5.81%
Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights	02/13/1998	4.08%	12.42%	7.85%
Government & High Quality Bond	05/06/1993	-5.48%	-0.27%	2.18%
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies	04/22/2013	-3.92%			1.74%
Guggenheim Global Managed Futures Strategy	11/07/2008	1.26%	-1.01%		-4.27%
Guggenheim Long Short Equity Fund	05/01/2002	7.32%	5.25%	0.09%
Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies	11/29/2005	-3.71%	0.30%	-1.49%
Guggenheim Rydex Commodities Strategy	09/30/2005	-2.96%	-15.74%	-13.35%
Income	05/07/1993	-2.29%	1.23%	3.98%
International Emerging Markets	10/24/2000	32.98%	2.09%	-0.31%
Invesco VI American Franchise	07/03/1995	19.65%	13.87%	7.04%
Invesco VI Core Equity	05/02/1994	5.67%	8.56%	4.87%
Invesco VI Global Health Care	05/22/1997	8.29%	10.34%	6.52%
Invesco VI Mid Cap Growth	09/25/2000	14.87%	11.20%	5.18%
Invesco VI Small Cap Equity	08/29/2003	6.54%	9.30%	6.07%
Invesco VI Technology	05/21/1997	27.34%	12.88%	6.92%
Janus Henderson Enterprise	09/13/1993	19.40%	15.10%	8.44%
Janus Henderson Flexible Bond	09/13/1993	-4.03%	0.00%	3.61%
LargeCap Growth	05/02/1994	27.10%	12.98%	5.28%
LargeCap Growth I	06/01/1994	25.94%	14.75%	9.06%
LargeCap S&P 500 Index	05/03/1999	13.88%	13.57%	6.76%
LargeCap Value	05/13/1970	9.28%	10.82%	5.09%
MFS New Discovery	05/01/1998	18.66%	10.05%	8.36%
MFS VIT International Value	08/23/2001	19.14%	10.67%	5.29%
MidCap	12/18/1987	17.85%	14.45%	10.24%
Multi-Asset Income	07/28/2015	4.50%			3.50%
Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap	07/16/2001	6.39%	12.72%	7.58%
PIMCO VIT Low Duration	03/31/2006	-6.11%	-1.33%	1.33%
Principal Capital Appreciation	04/28/1998	13.15%	13.08%	7.16%
Principal LifeTime 2010	08/30/2004	3.94%	4.21%	2.79%

5

	For Contracts without Purchase Payment Credit Rider and with Surrender Charge
Division	Effective Date	One Year	Five Years	Ten Years	Since Inception
Principal LifeTime 2020	08/30/2004	7.48%	6.19%	3.54%
Principal LifeTime 2030	08/30/2004	10.69%	7.46%	3.83%
Principal LifeTime 2040	08/30/2004	13.07%	8.53%	4.19%
Principal LifeTime 2050	08/30/2004	14.51%	9.10%	4.32%
Principal LifeTime Strategic Income	08/30/2004	1.31%	2.48%	2.19%
Real Estate Securities	05/01/1998	1.74%	8.85%	7.32%
SAM Balanced	06/03/1997	7.68%	7.05%	4.75%
SAM Conservative Balanced	04/23/1998	3.97%	4.96%	4.28%
SAM Conservative Growth	06/03/1997	12.19%	9.00%	4.92%
SAM Flexible Income	09/09/1997	0.97%	3.61%	4.14%
SAM Strategic Growth	06/03/1997	14.60%	10.19%	5.00%
Short-Term Income	01/12/1994	-4.98%	-0.34%	1.42%
SmallCap	05/01/1998	5.37%	13.59%	6.91%
Templeton Global Bond VIP	01/24/1989	-5.60%	-1.32%	4.00%
Van Eck VIP Global Hard Assets	05/01/2006	-9.28%	-5.70%	-3.85%

	For Contracts without Purchase Payment Credit Rider and without Surrender Charge
Division	Effective Date	One Year	Five Years	Ten Years	Since Inception
Alliance Bernstein Small/Mid Cap Value	05/02/2001	11.64%	13.55%	8.43%
American Asset Allocation	08/01/1989	14.69%	9.47%	5.45%
American Blue Chip Income and Growth	07/05/2001	15.48%	14.12%	6.41%
American Century VP Income & Growth	10/31/1997	18.89%	13.04%	6.06%
American Century VP Inflation Protection	12/31/2002	2.29%	-1.39%	1.78%
American Century VP Mid Cap Value	10/29/2004	9.98%	13.73%	9.13%
American Century VP Ultra	05/01/2001	30.48%	15.67%	7.38%
American Century VP Value	05/01/1996	7.13%	11.73%	6.44%
American Funds Global Small Capitalization	04/30/1998	24.22%	9.57%	2.59%
American High Income Bond	02/08/1984	5.46%	3.18%	4.43%
American New World	06/17/1999	27.73%	4.83%	1.99%
BlackRock Global Allocation VI	02/28/1992	12.20%	4.97%	3.01%
BlackRock iShares Alternative Strategies VI	04/30/2014	10.95%			4.09%
BlackRock iShares Dynamic Allocation VI	04/30/2014	13.20%			3.26%
Columbia Limited Duration Credit	05/07/2010	0.44%	-0.17%		0.78%
Core Plus Bond	12/18/1987	3.41%	1.16%	2.50%
Delaware VIP Limited Term Diversified Income	05/01/2000	0.56%	-0.49%	1.14%
Delaware VIP Small Cap Value	05/01/2000	10.27%	12.52%	8.65%
Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value	05/01/1996	8.66%	10.69%	5.66%
Diversified Balanced	12/30/2009	10.15%	6.28%		6.31%
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility	10/31/2013	9.42%			4.77%
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility	10/31/2013	11.83%			5.86%
Diversified International	05/02/1994	27.35%	6.78%	0.76%
Equity Income	04/28/1998	19.47%	12.58%	6.39%
Fidelity VIP Contrafund	01/03/1995	20.15%	12.64%	5.77%
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income	11/03/1986	11.15%	10.50%	4.48%
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market	04/01/1982	-0.65%	-1.15%	-0.85%
Fidelity VIP Growth	10/31/1986	33.22%	15.58%	6.38%
Fidelity VIP Overseas	01/28/1987	28.27%	7.26%	0.50%

6

	For Contracts without Purchase Payment Credit Rider and without Surrender Charge
Division	Effective Date	One Year	Five Years	Ten Years	Since Inception
Franklin Global Real Estate VIP	01/24/1989	9.00%	4.21%	1.35%
Franklin Small Cap Value VIP	04/30/1998	9.18%	11.33%	7.31%
Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value	05/01/1998	9.59%	10.08%	5.81%
Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights	02/13/1998	10.08%	12.79%	7.85%
Government & High Quality Bond	05/06/1993	0.52%	0.33%	2.18%
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies	04/22/2013	2.08%			2.33%
Guggenheim Global Managed Futures Strategy	11/07/2008	7.26%	-0.39%		-4.27%
Guggenheim Long Short Equity Fund	05/01/2002	13.32%	5.74%	0.09%
Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies	11/29/2005	2.29%	0.89%	-1.49%
Guggenheim Rydex Commodities Strategy	09/30/2005	3.04%	-14.58%	-13.35%
Income	05/07/1993	3.71%	1.80%	3.98%
International Emerging Markets	10/24/2000	38.98%	2.64%	-0.31%
Invesco VI American Franchise	07/03/1995	25.65%	14.23%	7.04%
Invesco VI Core Equity	05/02/1994	11.67%	8.99%	4.87%
Invesco VI Global Health Care	05/22/1997	14.29%	10.74%	6.52%
Invesco VI Mid Cap Growth	09/25/2000	20.87%	11.59%	5.18%
Invesco VI Small Cap Equity	08/29/2003	12.54%	9.72%	6.07%
Invesco VI Technology	05/21/1997	33.34%	13.25%	6.92%
Janus Henderson Enterprise	09/13/1993	25.40%	15.44%	8.44%
Janus Henderson Flexible Bond	09/13/1993	1.97%	0.59%	3.61%
LargeCap Growth	05/02/1994	33.10%	13.34%	5.28%
LargeCap Growth I	06/01/1994	31.94%	15.09%	9.06%
LargeCap S&P 500 Index	05/03/1999	19.88%	13.93%	6.76%
LargeCap Value	05/13/1970	15.28%	11.21%	5.09%
MFS New Discovery	05/01/1998	24.66%	10.45%	8.36%
MFS VIT International Value	08/23/2001	25.14%	11.07%	5.29%
MidCap	12/18/1987	23.85%	14.80%	10.24%
Multi-Asset Income	07/28/2015	10.50%			5.44%
Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap	07/16/2001	12.39%	13.09%	7.58%
PIMCO VIT Low Duration	03/31/2006	-0.11%	-0.71%	1.33%
Principal Capital Appreciation	04/28/1998	19.15%	13.44%	7.16%
Principal LifeTime 2010	08/30/2004	9.94%	4.72%	2.79%
Principal LifeTime 2020	08/30/2004	13.48%	6.65%	3.54%
Principal LifeTime 2030	08/30/2004	16.69%	7.90%	3.83%
Principal LifeTime 2040	08/30/2004	19.07%	8.96%	4.19%
Principal LifeTime 2050	08/30/2004	20.51%	9.52%	4.32%
Principal LifeTime Strategic Income	08/30/2004	7.31%	3.02%	2.19%
Real Estate Securities	05/01/1998	7.74%	9.27%	7.32%
SAM Balanced	06/03/1997	13.68%	7.51%	4.75%
SAM Conservative Balanced	04/23/1998	9.97%	5.45%	4.28%
SAM Conservative Growth	06/03/1997	18.19%	9.42%	4.92%
SAM Flexible Income	09/09/1997	6.97%	4.12%	4.14%
SAM Strategic Growth	06/03/1997	20.60%	10.59%	5.00%
Short-Term Income	01/12/1994	1.02%	0.26%	1.42%
SmallCap	05/01/1998	11.37%	13.94%	6.91%
Templeton Global Bond VIP	01/24/1989	0.40%	-0.69%	4.00%
Van Eck VIP Global Hard Assets	05/01/2006	-3.28%	-4.96%	-3.85%

7

	For Contracts with Purchase Payment Credit Rider and with Surrender Charge
Division	Effective Date	One Year	Five Years	Ten Years	Since Inception
Alliance Bernstein Small/Mid Cap Value	05/02/2001	2.98%	12.12%	7.78%
American Asset Allocation	08/01/1989	6.00%	7.95%	4.81%
American Blue Chip Income and Growth	07/05/2001	6.80%	12.71%	5.77%
American Century VP Income & Growth	10/31/1997	10.18%	11.60%	5.43%
American Century VP Inflation Protection	12/31/2002	-6.32%	-3.31%	1.17%
American Century VP Mid Cap Value	10/29/2004	1.33%	12.30%	8.47%
American Century VP Ultra	05/01/2001	21.70%	14.29%	6.74%
American Century VP Value	05/01/1996	-1.51%	10.26%	5.80%
American Funds Global Small Capitalization	04/30/1998	15.48%	8.05%	1.98%
American High Income Bond	02/08/1984	-3.17%	1.46%	3.81%
American New World	06/17/1999	18.97%	3.16%	1.38%
BlackRock Global Allocation VI	02/28/1992	3.53%	3.31%	2.39%
BlackRock iShares Alternative Strategies VI	04/30/2014	2.29%			1.69%
BlackRock iShares Dynamic Allocation VI	04/30/2014	4.52%			0.82%
Columbia Limited Duration Credit	05/07/2010	-8.16%	-2.04%		-0.21%
Core Plus Bond	12/18/1987	-5.21%	-0.65%	1.88%
Delaware VIP Limited Term Diversified Income	05/01/2000	-8.04%	-2.37%	0.53%
Delaware VIP Small Cap Value	05/01/2000	1.61%	11.07%	8.00%
Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value	05/01/1996	0.02%	9.19%	5.03%
Diversified Balanced	10/31/2013	0.77%			2.85%
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility	12/30/2009	1.50%	4.66%		5.67%
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility	10/31/2013	3.17%			3.98%
Diversified International	05/02/1994	18.59%	5.17%	0.16%
Equity Income	04/28/1998	10.76%	11.13%	5.75%
Fidelity VIP Contrafund	01/31/1995	11.43%	11.19%	5.13%
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income	11/03/1986	2.49%	9.00%	3.85%
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market	04/01/1982	-9.25%	-3.07%	-1.44%
Fidelity VIP Growth	10/31/1986	24.42%	14.20%	5.74%
Fidelity VIP Overseas	01/28/1987	19.50%	5.68%	-0.10%
Franklin Global Real Estate VIP	01/24/1989	0.35%	2.52%	0.75%
Franklin Small Cap Value VIP	04/30/1998	0.53%	9.85%	6.67%
Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value	05/01/1998	0.94%	8.57%	5.17%
Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights	02/13/1998	1.42%	11.35%	7.20%
Government & High Quality Bond	05/06/1993	-8.08%	-1.52%	1.57%
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies	04/22/2013	-6.53%			0.49%
Guggenheim Global Managed Futures Strategy	11/07/2008	-1.38%	-2.27%		-4.84%
Guggenheim Long Short Equity Fund	05/01/2002	4.65%	4.10%	-0.51%
Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies	11/29/2005	-6.32%	-0.93%	-2.09%
Guggenheim Rydex Commodities Strategy	09/30/2005	-5.58%	-17.54%	-13.88%
Income	05/07/1993	-4.91%	0.01%	3.36%
International Emerging Markets	10/24/2000	30.15%	0.89%	-0.91%
Invesco VI American Franchise	07/03/1995	16.90%	12.81%	6.40%
Invesco VI Core Equity	05/02/1994	3.00%	7.45%	4.24%
Invesco VI Global Health Care	05/22/1997	5.60%	9.24%	5.88%
Invesco VI Mid Cap Growth	09/25/2000	12.14%	10.12%	4.55%
Invesco VI Small Cap Equity	08/29/2003	3.87%	8.20%	5.43%
Invesco VI Technology	05/21/1997	24.55%	11.81%	6.28%
Janus Henderson Enterprise	09/13/1993	16.65%	14.05%	7.79%

8

	For Contracts with Purchase Payment Credit Rider and with Surrender Charge
Division	Effective Date	One Year	Five Years	Ten Years	Since Inception
Janus Henderson Flexible Bond	09/13/1993	-6.64%	-1.24%	2.99%
LargeCap Growth I	06/01/1994	23.16%	13.69%	8.40%
LargeCap Growth	05/02/1994	24.31%	11.91%	4.65%
LargeCap S&P 500 Index	05/03/1999	11.16%	12.51%	6.12%
LargeCap Value	05/13/1970	6.59%	9.73%	4.46%
MFS New Discovery	05/01/1998	15.91%	8.95%	7.71%
MFS VIT International Value	08/23/2001	16.39%	9.59%	4.65%
MidCap	12/18/1987	15.11%	13.40%	9.58%
Multi-Asset Income	07/28/2015	1.84%			1.66%
Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap	07/16/2001	3.72%	11.65%	6.94%
PIMCO VIT Low Duration	03/31/2006	-8.70%	-2.60%	0.73%
Principal Capital Appreciation	04/28/1998	10.44%	12.01%	6.51%
Principal LifeTime 2010	08/30/2004	1.28%	3.05%	2.16%
Principal LifeTime 2020	08/30/2004	4.80%	5.05%	2.91%
Principal LifeTime 2030	08/30/2004	7.99%	6.34%	3.20%
Principal LifeTime 2040	08/30/2004	10.36%	7.42%	3.55%
Principal LifeTime 2050	08/30/2004	11.80%	7.99%	3.69%
Principal LifeTime Strategic Income	08/30/2004	-1.33%	1.29%	1.57%
Real Estate Securities	05/01/1998	-0.90%	7.74%	6.68%
SAM Balanced	06/03/1997	5.00%	5.93%	4.11%
SAM Conservative Balanced	04/23/1998	1.32%	3.80%	3.65%
SAM Conservative Growth	06/03/1997	9.48%	7.90%	4.29%
SAM Flexible Income	09/09/1997	-1.67%	2.43%	3.50%
SAM Strategic Growth	06/03/1997	11.88%	9.10%	4.36%
Short-Term Income	01/12/1994	-7.58%	-1.59%	0.81%
SmallCap	05/01/1998	2.70%	12.52%	6.27%
Templeton Global Bond VIP	01/24/1989	-8.20%	-2.58%	3.38%
Van Eck VIP Global Hard Assets	05/01/2006	-11.86%	-7.08%	-4.43%

	For Contracts with Purchase Payment Credit Rider and without Surrender Charge
Division	Effective Date	One Year	Five Years	Ten Years	Since Inception
Alliance Bernstein Small/Mid Cap Value	05/02/2001	10.98%	12.87%	7.78%
American Asset Allocation	08/01/1989	14.00%	8.82%	4.81%
American Blue Chip Income and Growth	07/05/2001	14.80%	13.44%	5.77%
American Century VP Income & Growth	10/31/1997	18.18%	12.36%	5.43%
American Century VP Inflation Protection	12/31/2002	1.68%	-1.98%	1.17%
American Century VP Mid Cap Value	10/29/2004	9.33%	13.05%	8.47%
American Century VP Ultra	05/01/2001	29.70%	14.98%	6.74%
American Century VP Value	05/01/1996	6.49%	11.06%	5.80%
American Funds Global Small Capitalization	04/30/1998	23.48%	8.91%	1.98%
American High Income Bond	02/08/1984	4.83%	2.57%	3.81%
American New World	06/17/1999	26.97%	4.20%	1.38%
BlackRock Global Allocation VI	02/28/1992	11.53%	4.35%	2.39%
BlackRock iShares Alternative Strategies VI	04/30/2014	10.29%			3.47%
BlackRock iShares Dynamic Allocation VI	04/30/2014	12.52%			2.64%
Columbia Limited Duration Credit	05/07/2010	-0.16%	-0.77%		0.18%
Core Plus Bond	12/18/1987	2.79%	0.55%	1.88%

9

	For Contracts with Purchase Payment Credit Rider and without Surrender Charge
Division	Effective Date	One Year	Five Years	Ten Years	Since Inception
Delaware VIP Limited Term Diversified Income	05/01/2000	-0.04%	-1.09%	0.53%
Delaware VIP Small Cap Value	05/01/2000	9.61%	11.85%	8.00%
Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value	05/01/1996	8.02%	10.03%	5.03%
Diversified Balanced	10/31/2013	8.77%			4.14%
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility	12/30/2009	9.50%	5.64%		5.67%
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility	10/31/2013	11.17%			5.23%
Diversified International	05/02/1994	26.59%	6.14%	0.16%
Equity Income	04/28/1998	18.76%	11.91%	5.75%
Fidelity VIP Contrafund	01/31/1995	19.43%	11.96%	5.13%
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income	11/03/1986	10.49%	9.84%	3.85%
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market	04/01/1982	-1.25%	-1.74%	-1.44%
Fidelity VIP Growth	10/31/1986	32.42%	14.89%	5.74%
Fidelity VIP Overseas	01/28/1987	27.50%	6.62%	-0.10%
Franklin Global Real Estate VIP	01/24/1989	8.35%	3.59%	0.75%
Franklin Small Cap Value VIP	04/30/1998	8.53%	10.67%	6.67%
Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value	05/01/1998	8.94%	9.42%	5.17%
Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights	02/13/1998	9.42%	12.12%	7.20%
Government & High Quality Bond	05/06/1993	-0.08%	-0.27%	1.57%
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies	04/22/2013	1.47%			1.72%
Guggenheim Global Managed Futures Strategy	11/07/2008	6.62%	-0.99%		-4.84%
Guggenheim Long Short Equity Fund	05/01/2002	12.65%	5.10%	-0.51%
Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies	11/29/2005	1.68%	0.28%	-2.09%
Guggenheim Rydex Commodities Strategy	09/30/2005	2.42%	-15.10%	-13.88%
Income	05/07/1993	3.09%	1.19%	3.36%
International Emerging Markets	10/24/2000	38.15%	2.03%	-0.91%
Invesco VI American Franchise	07/03/1995	24.90%	13.55%	6.40%
Invesco VI Core Equity	05/02/1994	11.00%	8.34%	4.24%
Invesco VI Global Health Care	05/22/1997	13.60%	10.07%	5.88%
Invesco VI Mid Cap Growth	09/25/2000	20.14%	10.92%	4.55%
Invesco VI Small Cap Equity	08/29/2003	11.87%	9.06%	5.43%
Invesco VI Technology	05/21/1997	32.55%	12.57%	6.28%
Janus Henderson Enterprise	09/13/1993	24.65%	14.75%	7.79%
Janus Henderson Flexible Bond	09/13/1993	1.36%	-0.01%	2.99%
LargeCap Growth I	06/01/1994	31.16%	14.40%	8.40%
LargeCap Growth	05/02/1994	32.31%	12.67%	4.65%
LargeCap S&P 500 Index	05/03/1999	19.16%	13.25%	6.12%
LargeCap Value	05/13/1970	14.59%	10.55%	4.46%
MFS New Discovery	05/01/1998	23.91%	9.79%	7.71%
MFS VIT International Value	08/23/2001	24.39%	10.41%	4.65%
MidCap	12/18/1987	23.11%	14.11%	9.58%
Multi-Asset Income	07/28/2015	9.84%			4.81%
Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap	07/16/2001	11.72%	12.41%	6.94%
PIMCO VIT Low Duration	03/31/2006	-0.70%	-1.30%	0.73%
Principal Capital Appreciation	04/28/1998	18.44%	12.76%	6.51%
Principal LifeTime 2010	08/30/2004	9.28%	4.09%	2.16%
Principal LifeTime 2020	08/30/2004	12.80%	6.02%	2.91%
Principal LifeTime 2030	08/30/2004	15.99%	7.26%	3.20%
Principal LifeTime 2040	08/30/2004	18.36%	8.31%	3.55%

10

	For Contracts with Purchase Payment Credit Rider and without Surrender Charge
Division	Effective Date	One Year	Five Years	Ten Years	Since Inception
Principal LifeTime 2050	08/30/2004	19.80%	8.86%	3.69%
Principal LifeTime Strategic Income	08/30/2004	6.67%	2.40%	1.57%
Real Estate Securities	05/01/1998	7.10%	8.62%	6.68%
SAM Balanced	06/03/1997	13.00%	6.86%	4.11%
SAM Conservative Balanced	04/23/1998	9.32%	4.82%	3.65%
SAM Conservative Growth	06/03/1997	17.48%	8.77%	4.29%
SAM Flexible Income	09/09/1997	6.33%	3.50%	3.50%
SAM Strategic Growth	06/03/1997	19.88%	9.93%	4.36%
Short-Term Income	01/12/1994	0.42%	-0.34%	0.81%
SmallCap	05/01/1998	10.70%	13.26%	6.27%
Templeton Global Bond VIP	01/24/1989	-0.20%	-1.29%	3.38%
Van Eck VIP Global Hard Assets	05/01/2006	-3.86%	-5.53%	-4.43%

TAXATION UNDER CERTAIN RETIREMENT PLANS

INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

Contributions. Individuals may make contributions for individual retirement — annuity (IRA) contracts. Individuals may make deductible contributions (for any year) up to the lesser of the amount shown in the chart or 100% of compensation.

Such individuals may establish a traditional IRA for a non-working spouse (if they file a joint return). The annual contribution for both spouses’ contracts cannot exceed the lesser of the amount shown in the chart or 100% of the working spouse’s compensation. No more than the individual IRA limit may be contributed to either spouse’s IRA for any year.

Traditional IRA - Maximum Annual Contribution
Year	Individual IRA	Individual IRA + Spousal IRA
2017	$5,500	$11,000
2018	$5,500	$11,000

For succeeding years, limits are indexed for cost of living.

Individuals age 50 or over are also permitted to make additional “catch-up” contributions. The additional contribution is $1,000 in 2017 and 2018. These additional catch-up contributions can be applied for Spousal IRA purposes.

Contributions may be tax deductible. If an individual and his/her spouse do not participate in a qualified retirement plan, the contributions to an IRA are fully tax deductible regardless of income. If an individual is an active participant in a qualified retirement plan, his/her ability to deduct the contributions depends upon his/her income level and tax filing status.

For individuals who are not active plan participants but whose spouses are, deductibility of traditional IRA contributions is phased out if the couple files a joint return and the Modified Adjusted Gross Income is between $189,000 and $199,000 in 2018.

Deductibility of Traditional IRA Contributions for Active Plan Participants
Married Individuals (Filing Jointly)			Single/Head of Household Individual
Year	Limited Deduction	No Deduction	Year	Limited Deduction	No Deduction
2017	$99,000	$119,000	2017	$62,000	$72,000
2018	$101,000	$121,000	2018	$63,000	$73,000

11

An individual may make non-deductible IRA contributions to the extent of the excess of:

1)    The lesser of maximum annual contribution or 100% of compensation, over

2)    The IRA deductible contributions made with respect to the individual.

A person whose filing status is "married, filing separately" may not make a full traditional IRA deduction contribution, unless the couple is separated and have been living apart for the entire year. Only a partial deductible contribution is allowed if your Modified Adjusted Gross Income is less than $10,000.

An individual may not make any contribution to his/her own traditional IRA for the year in which he/she reaches age 70½ or for any year thereafter.

Taxation of Distributions. Distributions from IRA Contracts are taxed as ordinary income to the recipient, although special rules exist for the tax-free return of non-deductible contributions. In addition, taxable distributions received under an IRA Contract prior to age 59½ are subject to a 10% penalty tax in addition to regular income tax. Exempted from this 10% tax penalty are the following types of distributions: distributions due to death; distributions due to disability; if the distribution is paid as part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments made for the life (or life expectancy) of the Owner or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the Owner and the Owner's designated Beneficiary; distributions to pay deductible medical expenses; distributions for unemployed health insurance premiums; distributions for first-time home purchases (up to $10,000), distributions for higher education expenses; made on account of certain levies on income and payments; qualified reservist distributions; and distributions for certain natural disaster victims.

Required Distributions . Generally, distributions from IRA Contracts must commence not later than April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the owner attains age 70 ½, and such distributions must be made over a period that does not exceed the uniform lifetime distribution period or in certain instances under the joint life and last survivor period established by the IRS. In addition, upon the death of the owner prior to the commencement of distributions from the IRA contract, the amount accumulated under the contract must be distributed by December 31 of the calendar year that contains fifth anniversary of the owner’s death or, if distributions to a beneficiary designated under the contract commence by December 31 of the calendar year following the Plan Participant’s death, distributions are permitted over the life of the beneficiary or over a period not extending beyond the beneficiary’s life expectancy. If the Plan Participant has commenced receiving distributions prior to the Plan Participant’s death, distributions must continue at least as rapidly as under the method in effect at the date of death or, if distributions to a beneficiary designated under the contract commence by December 31 of the calendar year following the Plan Participant’s death, distributions are permitted over the life of the beneficiary or over a period not extending beyond the beneficiary’s life expectancy. If the surviving spouse is the beneficiary of the IRA Contract, the surviving spouse may have additional distribution options. A penalty tax of 50% may be imposed on any amount by which the minimum required distribution in any year exceeded the amount actually distributed in that year.

Tax-Free Rollovers.  The Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) permits the taxable portion of funds to be transferred in a tax-free rollover from a qualified retirement plan, tax-deferred annuity plan or governmental 457(b) plan to an IRA Contract if certain conditions are met, and if the indirect rollover of assets is completed within 60 days after the distribution from the qualified plan is received by the plan participant. A direct rollover of funds may avoid a 20% federal tax withholding generally applicable to qualified plans, tax-deferred annuity plan, or governmental 457(b) plan distributions and the 60 day rollover rules. In addition, not more frequently than once every twelve months, an individual may execute one tax-free indirect rollover from one IRA to another, subject to the 60-day limitation and other requirements. The once-per-year limitation on rollovers does not apply to direct transfers of funds between IRA custodians or trustees or to Roth IRA conversions.

SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION (SEP) PLANS AND SALARY REDUCTION SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION (SAR/SEP) PLANS

Contributions.  Under Section 408(k) of the Code, employers may establish a type of IRA plan referred to as a simplified employee pension plan (SEP). Employer contributions to a SEP cannot exceed the lesser of 25% of employee compensation or $55,000 (plus if applicable the $6,000 catch-up contribution) for 2018.

Employees of certain small employers may have contributions made to the salary reduction simplified employee pension plan (SAR/SEP) on their behalf on a salary reduction basis. The amount that an employee chooses to defer and contribute to the SAR/SEP is referred to as an elective deferral.

12

These elective deferrals are subject to the same cap as elective deferrals to IRC Section 401(k) plans, see table below. In addition to the elective deferrals, SAR/SEP may permit additional elective deferrals by individuals age 50 or over, referred to as “catch-up contributions”.

No new SAR/SEP are permitted after 1996 for any employer, but those in effect prior to 1997 may continue to operate, receive contributions, and add new employees.

Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SAR/SEP)
Year	Elective Deferral	Catch-up Contribution
2017	$18,000	$6,000
2018	$18,500	$6,000

Taxation of Distributions.  Generally, distribution payments from SEPs and SAR/SEPs are subject to the same distribution rules described above for traditional IRAs.

Required Distributions.  SEPs and SAR/SEPs are subject to the same minimum required distribution rules described above for traditional IRAs.

Tax-Free Rollovers.  Generally, rollovers and direct transfers may be made to and from SEPs and SAR/SEPs in the same manner as described above for traditional IRAs, subject to the same conditions and limitations.

SAVINGS INCENTIVE MATCH PLANS FOR EMPLOYEES (SIMPLE IRA)

Contributions. Under Section 408(p) of the Code, employers may establish a type of IRA plan known as a SIMPLE IRA. Employees may have contributions made to the SIMPLE IRA on a salary reduction basis. The amount that an employee chooses to defer and contribute to the SIMPLE IRA is referred to as an elective deferral.

These elective deferrals cannot exceed the amounts shown in the chart. In addition to the elective deferrals, SIMPLE IRA may permit additional elective deferrals by individuals age 50 or over, referred to as “catch-up contributions” in an amount equal to $3,000 for 2018.

Elective contribution amounts made under the salary reduction portions (i.e., those subject to the $12,500 limit in 2018) of a SIMPLE IRA plan are counted in the overall limit on elective deferrals by any individual. For example, if in 2018, an individual under age 50 defers the maximum of $12,500 to a SIMPLE IRA of one employer and also participates in a 401(k) plan of another employer, they would be limited to an elective deferral of $6,000 ($18,500 – $12,500) to the 401(k) plan for 2018.

The employer generally must match either 100% of the employee’s elective deferral, up to 3% of the employee’s compensation (subject to certain exceptions) or fixed nonelective contributions of 2% of compensation of all eligible employees.

Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE IRA)
Year	Elective Deferral	Catch-up Contribution	401(k) Elective Deferral
2017	$12,500	$3,000	$18,000
2018	$12,500	$3,000	$18,500

Taxation of Distributions. Generally, distribution payments from SIMPLE IRAs are subject to the same distribution rules described above for traditional IRAs, except that distributions made within two years of the date of an employee’s first participation in a SIMPLE IRA of an employer are subject to a 25% penalty tax instead of the 10% penalty tax discussed previously.

Required Distributions. SIMPLE IRAs are subject to the same minimum required distribution rules described above for traditional IRAs.

Tax-Free Rollovers. Direct transfers may be made among SIMPLE IRAs in the same manner as described above for IRAs, subject to the same conditions and limitations. Rollovers from SIMPLE IRAs to other types of IRAs and certain qualified plans are permitted after two years have elapsed from the date of an employee’s first participation in a SIMPLE IRA of the employer. Rollovers to SIMPLE IRAs from other plans are permitted after two years of participation in the SIMPLE IRA.

13

ROTH INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES (ROTH IRA)

Contribution. Under Section 408A of the Code, individuals may contribute to a Roth IRA on his/her own behalf up to the lesser of maximum annual contribution limit as shown in the chart or 100% of compensation. In addition, the contribution must be reduced by the amount of any contributions made to other IRAs for the benefit of the same individual.

Roth IRA - Maximum Annual Contribution
Year	Individual Roth IRA	Catch-up Contribution
2017	$5,500	$1,000
2018	$5,500	$1,000

For succeeding years, individual Roth IRA limits are indexed for cost-of-living.

Individuals age 50 or over are also permitted to make additional “catch-up” contributions. The additional contribution is $1,000 for 2017 and 2018.

For 2018, the maximum contribution is phased out for single taxpayers with adjusted gross income between $120,000 and $135,000 and for joint filers with adjusted gross income between $189,000 and $199,000 (see chart below).

Modified Adjusted Gross Income Limits – 2018
Single/Head of Household	Married Filing Joint	ROTH IRA Contribution
$120,000 or less	$189,000 or less	Full Contribution
$120,000 – $135,000	$189,000 – $199,000	Partial Contribution*
$135,000 & over	$199,000 & over	No Contribution

* Those entitled to only a partial contribution should check with a tax advisor to determine the allowable contribution amount.

A person whose filing status is “married, filing separately” may not make a full Roth IRA contribution, unless the couple is separated and have been living apart for the entire year. Only a partial contribution is allowed if your Modified Adjusted Gross Income is less than $10,000.

Taxation of Distribution. Qualified distributions are received income-tax free by the Roth IRA owner, or beneficiary in case of the Roth IRA owner’s death. A qualified distribution is any distribution made after five years if the IRA owner is over age 59 ½, dies, becomes disabled, or uses the funds for first-time home purchase at the time of distribution. The five-year period for owner contributions begins January 1 of the year the first contribution is made to any Roth IRA. The five-year period for converted amounts begins from January 1 of the year of the conversion for the purposes of the 10% penalty tax.

Required Distributions. Roth IRAs are not subject to lifetime minimum required distributions. Roth IRAs are subject to the same post-death minimum required distribution rules described above for IRAs.

14

(This page left intentionally blank)

15

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors of Principal Life Insurance Company and Contract Owners of Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B (the Separate Account) comprised of the subaccounts described in the appendix to this opinion (collectively referred to as the “subaccounts”), as of December 31, 2017, the related statements of operations and the statements of changes in net assets for the periods indicated in the appendix to this opinion for each respective subaccount, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the subaccounts comprising the Separate Account at December 31, 2017, the results of its operations and the changes in their net assets for each of the periods indicated in the appendix to this opinion, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Separate Account’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the subaccounts’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Separate Accounts in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Separate Account is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Separate Account’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Separate Account’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2017,by correspondence with the fund companies or their transfer agents, as applicable. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Separate Account’s auditor since 1970.

Des Moines, Iowa

April 27, 2018

16

Appendix:

The statements of operations and statement of changes in net assets are reported for the following periods:

	Statement of operations	Statements of changes in net assets
AllianceBernstein Small Cap Growth Class A Division	For the year ended December 31, 2017	For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017
AllianceBernstein Small/Mid Cap Value Class A Division
Alps/Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Class III Division
American Century VP Capital Appreciation Class I Division
American Century VP Income & Growth Class I Division
American Century VP Inflation Protection Class II Division
American Century VP Mid Cap Value Class II Division
American Century VP Ultra Class I Division
American Century VP Ultra Class II Division
American Century VP Value Class II Division
American Funds Insurance Series Asset Allocation Fund Class 4 Division
American Funds Insurance Series Blue Chip Income and Growth Class 4 Division
American Funds Insurance Series Global Small Capitalization Fund Class 2 Division
American Funds Insurance Series Global Small Capitalization Fund Class 4 Division
American Funds Insurance Series High-Income Bond Class 2 Division
American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk Asset Allocation Fund Class P2 Division
American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk Growth Fund Class P2 Division
American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk International Fund Class P2 Division
American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund Class 2 Division
American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund Class 4 Division
BlackRock Advantage U.S Total Market Class III Division1
BlackRock Global Allocation Class III Division
BlackRock iShares Alternative Strategies Class III Division
BlackRock iShares Dynamic Allocation Class III Division
BlackRock iShares Dynamic Fixed Income Class III Division
BlackRock iShares Equity Appreciation Class III Division
Calvert EAFE International Index Class F Division
Calvert Russell 2000 Small Cap Index Class F Division
Calvert S&P MidCap 400 Index Class F Division
ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Class II Division
Columbia Limited Duration Credit Class 2 Division
Columbia Small Cap Value Class 2 Division
Core Plus Bond Class 1 Division
Core Plus Bond Class 2 Division
Delaware Limited Term Diversified Income Service Class Division
Delaware Small Cap Value Service Class Division
Deutsche Alternative Asset Allocation Class B Division
Deutsche Equity 500 Index Class B2 Division
Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value Class B Division
Diversified Balanced Class 2 Division
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Class 2 Division
Diversified Growth Class 2 Division
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Class 2 Division
Diversified Income Class 2 Division
Diversified International Class 1 Division
Diversified International Class 2 Division
Dreyfus IP MidCap Stock Service Shares Division
Dreyfus IP Technology Growth Service Shares Division
Equity Income Class 1 Division
Equity Income Class 2 Division
Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class Division
Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2 Division
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Service Class 2 Division
Fidelity VIP Growth Service Class Division

17

Fidelity VIP Growth Service Class 2 Division

Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class Division

Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class 2 Division

Fidelity VIP Overseas Service Class 2 Division

Franklin Global Real Estate VIP Class 2 Division

Franklin Rising Dividends VIP Class 4 Division

Franklin Small Cap Value VIP Class 2 Division

Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value Institutional Shares Division

Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value Service Shares Division

Goldman Sachs VIT Multi-Strategy Alternatives Portfolio Service Shares Division

Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights Institutional Shares Division

Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights Service Shares Division

Government & High Quality Bond Class 1 Division

Government & High Quality Bond Class 2 Division

Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Series F Division

Guggenheim Investments Global Managed Futures Strategy Division

Guggenheim Investments Long Short Equity Division

Guggenheim Investments Multi-Hedge Strategies Division

Income Class 1 Division

Income Class 2 Division

International Emerging Markets Class 1 Division

International Emerging Markets Class 2 Division

Invesco American Franchise Series I Division

Invesco Balanced-Risk Allocation Series II Division

Invesco Core Equity Series I Division

Invesco Global Health Care Series I Division

Invesco Global Health Care Series II Division

Invesco International Growth Series I Division

Invesco International Growth Series II Division

Invesco Mid Cap Growth Series I Division

Invesco Small Cap Equity Series I Division

Invesco Technology Series I Division

Invesco Value Opportunities Series I Division

Janus Henderson Enterprise Service SharesDivision²

Janus Henderson Flexible Bond Service SharesDivision³

LargeCap Growth Class 1 Division

LargeCap Growth Class 2 Division

LargeCap Growth I Class 1 Division

LargeCap Growth I Class 2 Division

LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 1 Division

LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 2 Division

LargeCap Value Class 1 Division

LargeCap Value Class 2 Division

MFS International Value Service Class Division

MFS New Discovery Service Class Division

MFS Utilities Service Class Division

MFS Value Service Class Division

MidCap Class 1 Division

Neuberger Berman AMT Large Cap Value Class I Division

Neuberger Berman AMT Mid Cap Growth Portfolio Class S Division

Neuberger Berman AMT Socially Responsive Class I Division

Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap Service Shares Division

PIMCO All Asset Administrative Class Division

PIMCO All Asset Advisor Class Division

PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy M Class Division

PIMCO High Yield Administrative Class Division

PIMCO Low Duration Advisor Class Division

PIMCO Total Return Administrative Class Division

Principal Capital Appreciation Class 1 Division

18

Principal Capital Appreciation Class 2 Division
Principal LifeTime 2010 Class 1 Division
Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 1 Division
Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 2 Division
Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 1 Division
Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 2 Division
Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 1 Division
Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 2 Division
Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 1 Division
Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 2 Division
Principal LifeTime Strategic Income Class 1 Division
Real Estate Securities Class 1 Division
Real Estate Securities Class 2 Division
Rydex Basic Materials Division
Rydex Commodities Strategy Division
Rydex NASDAQ 100 Division
SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 1 Division
SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 2 Division
SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio Class 1 Division
SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio Class 2 Division
SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio Class 1 Division
SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio Class 2 Division
SAM Flexible Income Portfolio Class 1 Division
SAM Flexible Income Portfolio Class 2 Division
SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio Class 1 Division
SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio Class 2 Division
Short-Term Income Class 1 Division
Short-Term Income Class 2 Division
SmallCap Class 1 Division
SmallCap Class 2 Division
T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth Portfolio II Division
T. Rowe Price Health Sciences Portfolio II Division
Templeton Global Bond VIP Class 4 Division
Templeton Growth VIP Class 2 Division
The Merger Fund Division
VanEck Global Hard Assets Class S Division
American Funds Insurance Series Asset Allocation Fund Class 2 Division	For the year ended December 31, 2017	For the year ended December 31, 2017 and the period from May 23, 2016 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2016
American Funds Insurance Series Blue Chip Income and Growth Class 2 Division
Multi-Asset Income Class 1 Division
Multi-Asset Income Class 2 Division
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Initial Class Division	For the year ended December 31, 2017	For the year ended December 31, 2017 and the period from February 8, 2016 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2016
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Service Class Division
Diversified Balanced Class 1 Division	For the period from May 26, 2017 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2017
Diversified Balanced Volatility Control Class 2 Division	For the period from April 6, 2017 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2017
Diversified Growth Volatility Control Class 2 Division

1-) Represented the operations of BlackRock Value Opportunities Class III Division until November 4, 2017.

2-) Represented the operations of Janus Aspen Enterprise Service Shares Division until May 13, 2017.

3-) Represented the operations of Janus Aspen Flexible Bond Service Shares Division until May 13, 2017.

19

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2017
		AllianceBernstein Small Cap Growth Class A Division		AllianceBernstein Small/Mid Cap Value Class A Division		Alps/Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Class III Division
Assets
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at fair value		$	4,775,181	$	5,183,572	$	113,522
Total assets			4,775,181		5,183,572		113,522
Total liabilities			—		—		—
Net assets		$	4,775,181	$	5,183,572	$	113,522
Net assets
Applicable to accumulation units		$	4,775,181	$	5,183,572	$	113,522
Applicable to contracts in annuitization period			—		—		—
Total net assets		$	4,775,181	$	5,183,572	$	113,522
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at cost		$	4,645,458	$	4,677,813	$	107,856
Shares of mutual funds owned			272,401		239,095		8,409
Accumulation units outstanding			138,197		331,838		9,725
Annuitized units outstanding			—		—		—
Total units outstanding			138,197		331,838		9,725
Statements of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2017
		AllianceBernstein Small Cap Growth Class A Division		AllianceBernstein Small/Mid Cap Value Class A Division		Alps/Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Class III Division
Net investment income (loss)
Investment income:
	Dividends	$	—	$	21,634	$	1,507
Expenses:
	Mortality and expense risks		54,209		58,384		460
	Administrative charges		6,506		6,749		63
	Separate account rider charges		2,665		5,333		—
Net investment income (loss)			(63,380)		(48,832)		984
Realized gains (losses) on investments
Realized gains (losses) on sale of fund shares			(241,926)		(66,455)		1,679
Capital gains distributions			—		232,664		—
Total realized gains (losses) on investments			(241,926)		166,209		1,679
Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments			1,518,899		417,321		4,530
Net gains (losses) on investments			1,213,593		534,698		7,193
Payment from affiliate			—		—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	1,213,593	$	534,698	$	7,193
See accompanying notes.

20

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
December 31, 2017
American Century VP Capital Appreciation Class I Division		American Century VP Income & Growth Class I Division		American Century VP Inflation Protection Class II Division		American Century VP Mid Cap Value Class II Division		American Century VP Ultra Class I Division		American Century VP Ultra Class II Division		American Century VP Value Class II Division
$	2,339,237	$	11,044,484	$	42,538,825	$	9,987,649	$	3,781,713	$	33,152,528	$	16,006,654
	2,339,237		11,044,484		42,538,825		9,987,649		3,781,713		33,152,528		16,006,654
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	2,339,237	$	11,044,484	$	42,538,825	$	9,987,649	$	3,781,713	$	33,152,528	$	16,006,654
$	2,339,237	$	11,044,484	$	42,538,825	$	9,987,649	$	3,781,713	$	33,152,528	$	16,006,654
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	2,339,237	$	11,044,484	$	42,538,825	$	9,987,649	$	3,781,713	$	33,152,528	$	16,006,654
$	2,250,095	$	7,464,746	$	44,805,601	$	8,541,944	$	2,534,087	$	20,547,390	$	9,340,120
	155,638		1,031,231		4,166,388		438,825		195,538		1,743,035		1,426,618
	176,750		499,655		3,219,517		406,694		170,672		1,285,668		663,085
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	176,750		499,655		3,219,517		406,694		170,672		1,285,668		663,085
Statements of Operations (continued)
Year ended December 31, 2017
American Century VP Capital Appreciation Class I Division		American Century VP Income & Growth Class I Division		American Century VP Inflation Protection Class II Division		American Century VP Mid Cap Value Class II Division		American Century VP Ultra Class I Division		American Century VP Ultra Class II Division		American Century VP Value Class II Division
$	—	$	252,304	$	1,131,784	$	137,269	$	12,752	$	82,655	$	234,874
	28,200		122,906		551,339		122,616		43,511		414,559		194,617
	3,384		3,934		65,955		13,488		1,741		49,753		8,487
	1,340		—		3,287		7,175		—		5,000		—
	(32,924)		125,464		511,203		(6,010)		(32,500)		(386,657)		31,770
	32,680		817,355		(1,255,874)		270,877		250,309		4,734,629		608,499
	267,806		255,239		—		200,781		162,117		1,706,289		—
	300,486		1,072,594		(1,255,874)		471,658		412,426		6,440,918		608,499
	150,004		692,572		1,713,525		456,913		535,692		2,686,989		456,883
	417,566		1,890,630		968,854		922,561		915,618		8,741,250		1,097,152
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	417,566	$	1,890,630	$	968,854	$	922,561	$	915,618	$	8,741,250	$	1,097,152

21

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2017
		American Funds Insurance Series Asset Allocation Fund Class 2 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Asset Allocation Fund Class 4 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Blue Chip Income and Growth Class 2 Division
Assets
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at fair value		$	1,826,662	$	1,851,534	$	3,016,929
Total assets			1,826,662		1,851,534		3,016,929
Total liabilities			—		—		—
Net assets		$	1,826,662	$	1,851,534	$	3,016,929
Net assets
Applicable to accumulation units		$	1,826,662	$	1,851,534	$	3,016,929
Applicable to contracts in annuitization period			—		—		—
Total net assets		$	1,826,662	$	1,851,534	$	3,016,929
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at cost		$	1,712,580	$	1,750,167	$	2,767,604
Shares of mutual funds owned			77,763		79,125		203,847
Accumulation units outstanding			150,024		162,321		234,285
Annuitized units outstanding			—		—		—
Total units outstanding			150,024		162,321		234,285
Statements of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2017
		American Funds Insurance Series Asset Allocation Fund Class 2 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Asset Allocation Fund Class 4 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Blue Chip Income and Growth Class 2 Division
Net investment income (loss)
Investment income:
	Dividends	$	25,425	$	20,568	$	54,606
Expenses:
	Mortality and expense risks		17,660		11,434		32,696
	Administrative charges		1,894		1,601		3,497
	Separate account rider charges		2,243		—		3,433
Net investment income (loss)			3,628		7,533		14,980
Realized gains (losses) on investments
Realized gains (losses) on sale of fund shares			8,666		5,229		42,282
Capital gains distributions			59,615		40,287		98,333
Total realized gains (losses) on investments			68,281		45,516		140,615
Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments			110,198		81,957		204,905
Net gains (losses) on investments			182,107		135,006		360,500
Payment from affiliate			—		—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	182,107	$	135,006	$	360,500
See accompanying notes.

22

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
December 31, 2017
American Funds Insurance Series Blue Chip Income and Growth Class 4 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Global Small Capitalization Fund Class 2 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Global Small Capitalization Fund Class 4 Division		American Funds Insurance Series High-Income Bond Class 2 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk Asset Allocation Fund Class P2 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk Growth Fund Class P2 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk International Fund Class P2 Division
$	2,076,143	$	1,210,640	$	373,779	$	1,439,038	$	793,506	$	657,930	$	119,750
	2,076,143		1,210,640		373,779		1,439,038		793,506		657,930		119,750
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	2,076,143	$	1,210,640	$	373,779	$	1,439,038	$	793,506	$	657,930	$	119,750
$	2,076,143	$	1,210,640	$	373,779	$	1,439,038	$	793,506	$	657,930	$	119,750
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	2,076,143	$	1,210,640	$	373,779	$	1,439,038	$	793,506	$	657,930	$	119,750
$	1,889,276	$	1,096,518	$	330,209	$	1,473,993	$	745,655	$	608,152	$	110,345
	140,565		48,974		15,005		143,473		58,561		50,071		10,740
	168,528		105,338		31,524		132,418		71,024		55,966		10,679
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	168,528		105,338		31,524		132,418		71,024		55,966		10,679
Statements of Operations (continued)
Year ended December 31, 2017
American Funds Insurance Series Blue Chip Income and Growth Class 4 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Global Small Capitalization Fund Class 2 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Global Small Capitalization Fund Class 4 Division		American Funds Insurance Series High-Income Bond Class 2 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk Asset Allocation Fund Class P2 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk Growth Fund Class P2 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk International Fund Class P2 Division
$	33,606	$	4,485	$	745	$	100,744	$	2,911	$	1,124	$	363
	15,686		13,214		2,107		19,206		4,372		3,515		704
	2,177		1,220		289		769		612		527		104
	—		475		—		—		—		—		—
	15,743		(10,424)		(1,651)		80,769		(2,073)		(2,918)		(445)
	10,485		(37,996)		(1,596)		40,888		3,327		1,066		28
	51,863		—		—		—		3,581		6,368		567
	62,348		(37,996)		(1,596)		40,888		6,908		7,434		595
	144,607		276,676		44,415		(40,504)		43,816		61,663		14,468
	222,698		228,256		41,168		81,153		48,651		66,179		14,618
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	222,698	$	228,256	$	41,168	$	81,153	$	48,651	$	66,179	$	14,618

23

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2017
		American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund Class 2 Division		American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund Class 4 Division		BlackRock Advantage U.S. Total Market Class III Division (1)
Assets
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at fair value		$	1,737,815	$	703,069	$	150,431
Total assets			1,737,815		703,069		150,431
Total liabilities			—		—		—
Net assets		$	1,737,815	$	703,069	$	150,431
Net assets
Applicable to accumulation units		$	1,737,815	$	703,069	$	150,431
Applicable to contracts in annuitization period			—		—		—
Total net assets		$	1,737,815	$	703,069	$	150,431
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at cost		$	1,398,424	$	600,315	$	174,736
Shares of mutual funds owned			69,319		28,134		8,027
Accumulation units outstanding			148,293		61,321		12,779
Annuitized units outstanding			—		—		—
Total units outstanding			148,293		61,321		12,779
Statements of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2017
		American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund Class 2 Division		American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund Class 4 Division		BlackRock Advantage U.S. Total Market Class III Division (1)
Net investment income (loss)
Investment income:
	Dividends	$	15,379	$	4,925	$	1,377
Expenses:
	Mortality and expense risks		19,463		4,956		518
	Administrative charges		1,832		719		79
	Separate account rider charges		1,087		—		—
Net investment income (loss)			(7,003)		(750)		780
Realized gains (losses) on investments
Realized gains (losses) on sale of fund shares			30,404		721		(596)
Capital gains distributions			—		—		32,909
Total realized gains (losses) on investments			30,404		721		32,313
Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments			343,973		109,294		(23,241)
Net gains (losses) on investments			367,374		109,265		9,852
Payment from affiliate			—		—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	367,374	$	109,265	$	9,852
(1) Represented the operations of BlackRock Value Opportunities Class III Division until November 4, 2017. See accompanying notes.

24

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
December 31, 2017
BlackRock Global Allocation Class III Division		BlackRock iShares Alternative Strategies Class III Division		BlackRock iShares Dynamic Allocation Class III Division		BlackRock iShares Dynamic Fixed Income Class III Division		BlackRock iShares Equity Appreciation Class III Division		Calvert EAFE International Index Class F Division		Calvert Russell 2000 Small Cap Index Class F Division
$	1,268,238	$	754,891	$	266,497	$	747,110	$	806,274	$	111,229	$	773,413
	1,268,238		754,891		266,497		747,110		806,274		111,229		773,413
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	1,268,238	$	754,891	$	266,497	$	747,110	$	806,274	$	111,229	$	773,413
$	1,268,238	$	754,891	$	266,497	$	747,110	$	806,274	$	111,229	$	773,413
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	1,268,238	$	754,891	$	266,497	$	747,110	$	806,274	$	111,229	$	773,413
$	1,148,069	$	718,390	$	244,445	$	757,816	$	668,355	$	106,083	$	745,981
	85,461		68,008		24,030		74,562		68,853		1,214		9,091
	118,850		70,134		24,535		74,329		72,368		9,758		66,059
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	118,850		70,134		24,535		74,329		72,368		9,758		66,059
Statements of Operations (continued)
Year ended December 31, 2017
BlackRock Global Allocation Class III Division		BlackRock iShares Alternative Strategies Class III Division		BlackRock iShares Dynamic Allocation Class III Division		BlackRock iShares Dynamic Fixed Income Class III Division		BlackRock iShares Equity Appreciation Class III Division		Calvert EAFE International Index Class F Division		Calvert Russell 2000 Small Cap Index Class F Division
$	15,566	$	18,545	$	4,422	$	13,507	$	12,116	$	764	$	4,992
	14,245		8,486		2,134		7,527		8,374		373		4,051
	1,655		1,002		284		877		956		55		630
	292		77		349		41		755		—		—
	(626)		8,980		1,655		5,062		2,031		336		311
	1,324		6,378		143		3,758		5,634		(6)		4,747
	14,567		—		—		—		—		—		23,632
	15,891		6,378		143		3,758		5,634		(6)		28,379
	114,634		55,401		20,972		4,631		112,902		6,090		29,385
	129,899		70,759		22,770		13,451		120,567		6,420		58,075
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	129,899	$	70,759	$	22,770	$	13,451	$	120,567	$	6,420	$	58,075

25

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2017
		Calvert S&P MidCap 400 Index Class F Division		ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Class II Division		Columbia Limited Duration Credit Class 2 Division
Assets
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at fair value		$	1,953,709	$	373,254	$	208,428
Total assets			1,953,709		373,254		208,428
Total liabilities			—		—		—
Net assets		$	1,953,709	$	373,254	$	208,428
Net assets
Applicable to accumulation units		$	1,953,709	$	373,254	$	208,428
Applicable to contracts in annuitization period			—		—		—
Total net assets		$	1,953,709	$	373,254	$	208,428
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at cost		$	1,800,423	$	339,853	$	209,194
Shares of mutual funds owned			16,476		14,954		22,173
Accumulation units outstanding			162,486		31,247		20,887
Annuitized units outstanding			—		—		—
Total units outstanding			162,486		31,247		20,887
Statements of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2017
		Calvert S&P MidCap 400 Index Class F Division		ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Class II Division		Columbia Limited Duration Credit Class 2 Division
Net investment income (loss)
Investment income:
	Dividends	$	11,686	$	—	$	3,866
Expenses:
	Mortality and expense risks		12,690		1,778		2,223
	Administrative charges		1,882		281		202
	Separate account rider charges		—		—		50
Net investment income (loss)			(2,886)		(2,059)		1,391
Realized gains (losses) on investments
Realized gains (losses) on sale of fund shares			13,179		672		(94)
Capital gains distributions			63,377		7,485		—
Total realized gains (losses) on investments			76,556		8,157		(94)
Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments			109,198		33,268		(363)
Net gains (losses) on investments			182,868		39,366		934
Payment from affiliate			—		—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	182,868	$	39,366	$	934
See accompanying notes.

26

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
December 31, 2017
Columbia Small Cap Value Class 2 Division		Core Plus Bond Class 1 Division		Core Plus Bond Class 2 Division		Delaware Limited Term Diversified Income Service Class Division		Delaware Small Cap Value Service Class Division		Deutsche Alternative Asset Allocation Class B Division		Deutsche Equity 500 Index Class B2 Division
$	479,800	$	131,734,442	$	592,125	$	302,233	$	2,725,902	$	40,426	$	1,323,534
	479,800		131,734,442		592,125		302,233		2,725,902		40,426		1,323,534
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	479,800	$	131,734,442	$	592,125	$	302,233	$	2,725,902	$	40,426	$	1,323,534
$	479,800	$	131,734,442	$	592,125	$	302,233	$	2,725,902	$	40,426	$	1,323,534
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	479,800	$	131,734,442	$	592,125	$	302,233	$	2,725,902	$	40,426	$	1,323,534
$	427,976	$	127,562,355	$	590,326	$	303,163	$	2,406,473	$	38,852	$	1,168,761
	23,788		11,606,558		52,493		30,966		64,109		2,975		59,672
	38,451		6,196,041		57,671		30,345		175,863		4,089		102,563
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	38,451		6,196,041		57,671		30,345		175,863		4,089		102,563
Statements of Operations (continued)
Year ended December 31, 2017
Columbia Small Cap Value Class 2 Division		Core Plus Bond Class 1 Division		Core Plus Bond Class 2 Division		Delaware Limited Term Diversified Income Service Class Division		Delaware Small Cap Value Service Class Division		Deutsche Alternative Asset Allocation Class B Division		Deutsche Equity 500 Index Class B2 Division
$	1,125	$	3,869,457	$	11,211	$	12,207	$	18,160	$	864	$	14,138
	3,539		1,648,140		3,962		8,361		33,769		517		12,186
	492		134,598		572		757		3,782		62		1,666
	—		25,906		—		101		3,155		—		—
	(2,906)		2,060,813		6,677		2,988		(22,546)		285		286
	5,201		458,682		70		(2,102)		22,619		(146)		(2,763)
	23,043		—		—		—		96,759		—		50,578
	28,244		458,682		70		(2,102)		119,378		(146)		47,815
	24,143		2,059,673		5,187		5,145		149,982		2,045		151,289
	49,481		4,579,168		11,934		6,031		246,814		2,184		199,390
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	49,481	$	4,579,168	$	11,934	$	6,031	$	246,814	$	2,184	$	199,390

27

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2017
		Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value Class B Division		Diversified Balanced Class 1 Division (1)		Diversified Balanced Class 2 Division
Assets
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at fair value		$	1,241,886	$	27,196,938	$	1,131,092,101
Total assets			1,241,886		27,196,938		1,131,092,101
Total liabilities			—		—		—
Net assets		$	1,241,886	$	27,196,938	$	1,131,092,101
Net assets
Applicable to accumulation units		$	1,241,886	$	27,196,938	$	1,131,092,101
Applicable to contracts in annuitization period			—		—		—
Total net assets		$	1,241,886	$	27,196,938	$	1,131,092,101
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at cost		$	1,137,645	$	26,372,559	$	910,949,062
Shares of mutual funds owned			69,534		1,701,936		70,737,467
Accumulation units outstanding			91,660		2,578,541		69,726,625
Annuitized units outstanding			—		—		—
Total units outstanding			91,660		2,578,541		69,726,625
Statements of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2017
		Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value Class B Division		Diversified Balanced Class 1 Division (1)		Diversified Balanced Class 2 Division
Net investment income (loss)
Investment income:
	Dividends	$	4,524	$	441,222	$	15,439,899
Expenses:
	Mortality and expense risks		15,020		190,422		13,950,630
	Administrative charges		1,804		7,287		1,674,271
	Separate account rider charges		742		—		527,677
Net investment income (loss)			(13,042)		243,513		(712,679)
Realized gains (losses) on investments
Realized gains (losses) on sale of fund shares			(6,955)		21,926		31,246,610
Capital gains distributions			27,049		379,054		15,560,413
Total realized gains (losses) on investments			20,094		400,980		46,807,023
Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments			91,694		824,378		58,826,703
Net gains (losses) on investments			98,746		1,468,871		104,921,047
Payment from affiliate			—		—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	98,746	$	1,468,871	$	104,921,047
(1) Commenced operations May 26, 2017. (2) Commenced operations April 6, 2017. See accompanying notes.

28

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
December 31, 2017
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Class 2 Division		Diversified Balanced Volatility Control Class 2 Division (2)		Diversified Growth Class 2 Division		Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Class 2 Division		Diversified Growth Volatility Control Class 2 Division (2)		Diversified Income Class 2 Division		Diversified International Class 1 Division
$	181,076,859	$	36,539,107	$	3,946,890,443	$	354,954,477	$	171,698,770	$	268,176,862	$	131,186,053
	181,076,859		36,539,107		3,946,890,443		354,954,477		171,698,770		268,176,862		131,186,053
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	181,076,859	$	36,539,107	$	3,946,890,443	$	354,954,477	$	171,698,770	$	268,176,862	$	131,186,053
$	181,076,859	$	36,539,107	$	3,946,890,443	$	354,954,477	$	171,698,770	$	268,176,862	$	131,186,053
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	181,076,859	$	36,539,107	$	3,946,890,443	$	354,954,477	$	171,698,770	$	268,176,862	$	131,186,053
$	161,267,454	$	35,193,432	$	3,059,269,857	$	306,771,036	$	163,902,210	$	247,456,840	$	89,657,671
	14,781,784		3,380,121		223,366,748		27,905,226		15,651,665		20,440,309		7,712,290
	15,118,156		3,404,918		219,749,435		28,510,286		15,734,860		20,773,938		4,720,340
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	15,118,156		3,404,918		219,749,435		28,510,286		15,734,860		20,773,938		4,720,340
Statements of Operations (continued)
Year ended December 31, 2017
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Class 2 Division		Diversified Balanced Volatility Control Class 2 Division (2)		Diversified Growth Class 2 Division		Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Class 2 Division		Diversified Growth Volatility Control Class 2 Division (2)		Diversified Income Class 2 Division		Diversified International Class 1 Division
$	2,269,253	$	—	$	51,749,330	$	4,216,618	$	—	$	3,536,155	$	2,310,614
	2,189,862		155,888		47,352,555		4,222,204		727,620		3,176,375		1,550,437
	262,963		18,709		5,682,971		507,260		87,325		381,210		100,563
	67,377		—		1,328,276		148,943		—		64,352		11,985
	(250,949)		(174,597)		(2,614,472)		(661,789)		(814,945)		(85,782)		647,629
	1,798,201		29,841		83,306,315		3,553,312		20,891		5,951,725		6,370,866
	1,234,697		—		57,807,464		2,848,091		—		2,303,205		—
	3,032,898		29,841		141,113,779		6,401,403		20,891		8,254,930		6,370,866
	12,868,839		1,345,675		310,919,366		31,745,758		7,796,559		9,741,974		23,491,720
	15,650,788		1,200,919		449,418,673		37,485,372		7,002,505		17,911,122		30,510,215
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	15,650,788	$	1,200,919	$	449,418,673	$	37,485,372	$	7,002,505	$	17,911,122	$	30,510,215

29

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2017
		Diversified International Class 2 Division		Dreyfus IP MidCap Stock Service Shares Division		Dreyfus IP Technology Growth Service Shares Division
Assets
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at fair value		$	684,199	$	161,798	$	10,254,227
Total assets			684,199		161,798		10,254,227
Total liabilities			—		—		—
Net assets		$	684,199	$	161,798	$	10,254,227
Net assets
Applicable to accumulation units		$	684,199	$	161,798	$	10,254,227
Applicable to contracts in annuitization period			—		—		—
Total net assets		$	684,199	$	161,798	$	10,254,227
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at cost		$	636,083	$	139,685	$	8,002,634
Shares of mutual funds owned			39,918		7,207		450,735
Accumulation units outstanding			58,133		13,808		305,417
Annuitized units outstanding			—		—		—
Total units outstanding			58,133		13,808		305,417
Statements of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2017
		Diversified International Class 2 Division		Dreyfus IP MidCap Stock Service Shares Division		Dreyfus IP Technology Growth Service Shares Division
Net investment income (loss)
Investment income:
	Dividends	$	6,846	$	932	$	—
Expenses:
	Mortality and expense risks		3,454		1,313		104,565
	Administrative charges		534		185		12,549
	Separate account rider charges		—		—		8,612
Net investment income (loss)			2,858		(566)		(125,726)
Realized gains (losses) on investments
Realized gains (losses) on sale of fund shares			2,560		1,742		220,516
Capital gains distributions			—		1,709		366,577
Total realized gains (losses) on investments			2,560		3,451		587,093
Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments			67,665		14,996		2,230,415
Net gains (losses) on investments			73,083		17,881		2,691,782
Payment from affiliate			—		—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	73,083	$	17,881	$	2,691,782
See accompanying notes.

30

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
December 31, 2017
Equity Income Class 1 Division		Equity Income Class 2 Division		Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class Division		Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2 Division		Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Service Class 2 Division		Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Initial Class Division		Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Service Class Division
$	197,554,008	$	2,508,014	$	41,948,958	$	52,562,659	$	31,877,671	$	34,519,483	$	3,084,003
	197,554,008		2,508,014		41,948,958		52,562,659		31,877,671		34,519,483		3,084,003
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	197,554,008	$	2,508,014	$	41,948,958	$	52,562,659	$	31,877,671	$	34,519,483	$	3,084,003
$	197,554,008	$	2,508,014	$	41,948,958	$	52,562,659	$	31,877,671	$	34,519,483	$	3,084,003
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	197,554,008	$	2,508,014	$	41,948,958	$	52,562,659	$	31,877,671	$	34,519,483	$	3,084,003
$	137,302,487	$	2,301,860	$	30,566,148	$	38,621,411	$	27,690,507	$	34,519,483	$	3,084,003
	7,574,923		96,947		1,110,642		1,418,695		1,366,967		34,519,483		3,084,003
	10,292,165		201,463		1,387,548		1,967,230		1,472,288		7,282,716		310,307
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	10,292,165		201,463		1,387,548		1,967,230		1,472,288		7,282,716		310,307
Statements of Operations (continued)
Year ended December 31, 2017
Equity Income Class 1 Division		Equity Income Class 2 Division		Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class Division		Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2 Division		Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Service Class 2 Division		Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Initial Class Division		Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Service Class Division
$	4,298,271	$	38,742	$	365,984	$	389,482	$	466,785	$	252,812	$	12,649
	2,422,153		19,020		509,525		625,715		390,112		447,781		36,849
	243,379		2,593		20,383		75,494		26,526		34,709		4,850
	19,053		—		(2)		15,477		5,898		8,125		—
	1,613,686		17,129		(163,922)		(327,204)		44,249		(237,803)		(29,050)
	13,317,605		8,606		1,659,211		3,518,989		191,456		—		—
	9,238,821		92,790		2,201,370		2,736,289		667,536		—		—
	22,556,426		101,396		3,860,581		6,255,278		858,992		—		—
	10,408,628		201,731		3,803,807		3,172,919		2,418,651		(54)		—
	34,578,740		320,256		7,500,466		9,100,993		3,321,892		(237,857)		(29,050)
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	34,578,740	$	320,256	$	7,500,466	$	9,100,993	$	3,321,892	$	(237,857)	$	(29,050)

31

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2017
		Fidelity VIP Growth Service Class Division		Fidelity VIP Growth Service Class 2 Division		Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class Division
Assets
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at fair value		$	14,958,345	$	11,548,238	$	673,714
Total assets			14,958,345		11,548,238		673,714
Total liabilities			—		—		—
Net assets		$	14,958,345	$	11,548,238	$	673,714
Net assets
Applicable to accumulation units		$	14,958,345	$	11,548,238	$	673,714
Applicable to contracts in annuitization period			—		—		—
Total net assets		$	14,958,345	$	11,548,238	$	673,714
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at cost		$	9,372,575	$	8,713,775	$	534,171
Shares of mutual funds owned			202,798		158,499		17,454
Accumulation units outstanding			729,602		421,449		48,779
Annuitized units outstanding			—		—		—
Total units outstanding			729,602		421,449		48,779
Statements of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2017
		Fidelity VIP Growth Service Class Division		Fidelity VIP Growth Service Class 2 Division		Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class Division
Net investment income (loss)
Investment income:
	Dividends	$	17,316	$	8,456	$	3,842
Expenses:
	Mortality and expense risks		172,224		132,411		5,801
	Administrative charges		6,890		15,891		—
	Separate account rider charges		—		5,572		—
Net investment income (loss)			(161,798)		(145,418)		(1,959)
Realized gains (losses) on investments
Realized gains (losses) on sale of fund shares			598,182		570,653		(256)
Capital gains distributions			990,843		740,153		27,352
Total realized gains (losses) on investments			1,589,025		1,310,806		27,096
Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments			2,440,232		1,755,162		85,105
Net gains (losses) on investments			3,867,459		2,920,550		110,242
Payment from affiliate			—		—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	3,867,459	$	2,920,550	$	110,242
See accompanying notes.

32

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
December 31, 2017
Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class 2 Division		Fidelity VIP Overseas Service Class 2 Division		Franklin Global Real Estate VIP Class 2 Division		Franklin Rising Dividends VIP Class 4 Division		Franklin Small Cap Value VIP Class 2 Division		Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value Institutional Shares Division		Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value Service Shares Division
$	25,997,638	$	28,448,188	$	715,228	$	1,338,635	$	4,897,184	$	13,513,944	$	558,164
	25,997,638		28,448,188		715,228		1,338,635		4,897,184		13,513,944		558,164
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	25,997,638	$	28,448,188	$	715,228	$	1,338,635	$	4,897,184	$	13,513,944	$	558,164
$	25,997,638	$	28,448,188	$	715,228	$	1,338,635	$	4,897,184	$	13,513,944	$	558,164
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	25,997,638	$	28,448,188	$	715,228	$	1,338,635	$	4,897,184	$	13,513,944	$	558,164
$	22,534,230	$	20,561,741	$	694,654	$	1,207,767	$	4,667,734	$	13,165,512	$	529,345
	687,950		1,255,436		43,295		46,904		247,333		798,697		32,930
	914,492		1,486,678		65,745		104,353		205,511		508,991		50,201
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	914,492		1,486,678		65,745		104,353		205,511		508,991		50,201
Statements of Operations (continued)
Year ended December 31, 2017
Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class 2 Division		Fidelity VIP Overseas Service Class 2 Division		Franklin Global Real Estate VIP Class 2 Division		Franklin Rising Dividends VIP Class 4 Division		Franklin Small Cap Value VIP Class 2 Division		Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value Institutional Shares Division		Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value Service Shares Division
$	117,185	$	322,984	$	19,757	$	14,295	$	25,430	$	96,896	$	2,635
	290,651		350,936		7,505		10,886		60,726		169,512		5,758
	35,229		41,979		919		1,498		6,989		20,186		750
	13,781		4,736		141		—		4,231		3,895		—
	(222,476)		(74,667)		11,192		1,911		(46,516)		(96,697)		(3,873)
	147,581		2,035,498		556		(8,516)		(233,820)		776,259		(5,378)
	1,060,020		25,135		—		34,730		347,804		727,661		29,843
	1,207,601		2,060,633		556		26,214		113,984		1,503,920		24,465
	3,105,502		4,987,065		43,611		148,110		348,953		(171,231)		25,721
	4,090,627		6,973,031		55,359		176,235		416,421		1,235,992		46,313
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	4,090,627	$	6,973,031	$	55,359	$	176,235	$	416,421	$	1,235,992	$	46,313

33

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2017
		Goldman Sachs VIT Multi-Strategy Alternatives Portfolio Service Shares Division		Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights Institutional Shares Division		Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights Service Shares Division
Assets
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at fair value		$	1,541	$	6,851,961	$	186,761
Total assets			1,541		6,851,961		186,761
Total liabilities			—		—		—
Net assets		$	1,541	$	6,851,961	$	186,761
Net assets
Applicable to accumulation units		$	1,541	$	6,851,961	$	186,761
Applicable to contracts in annuitization period			—		—		—
Total net assets		$	1,541	$	6,851,961	$	186,761
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at cost		$	1,541	$	6,670,318	$	180,151
Shares of mutual funds owned			164		501,608		13,783
Accumulation units outstanding			151		290,596		15,001
Annuitized units outstanding			—		—		—
Total units outstanding			151		290,596		15,001
Statements of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2017
		Goldman Sachs VIT Multi-Strategy Alternatives Portfolio Service Shares Division		Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights Institutional Shares Division		Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights Service Shares Division
Net investment income (loss)
Investment income:
	Dividends	$	34	$	36,151	$	548
Expenses:
	Mortality and expense risks		10		84,114		1,374
	Administrative charges		2		9,931		203
	Separate account rider charges		—		2,037		—
Net investment income (loss)			22		(59,931)		(1,029)
Realized gains (losses) on investments
Realized gains (losses) on sale of fund shares			—		156,239		2,584
Capital gains distributions			—		740,259		20,448
Total realized gains (losses) on investments			—		896,498		23,032
Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments			(1)		(199,509)		(4,729)
Net gains (losses) on investments			21		637,058		17,274
Payment from affiliate			—		—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	21	$	637,058	$	17,274
See accompanying notes.

34

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
December 31, 2017
Government & High Quality Bond Class 1 Division		Government & High Quality Bond Class 2 Division		Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Series F Division		Guggenheim Investments Global Managed Futures Strategy Division		Guggenheim Investments Long Short Equity Division		Guggenheim Investments Multi-Hedge Strategies Division		Income Class 1 Division
$	98,247,927	$	1,414,468	$	1,825,320	$	117,902	$	140,929	$	536,633	$	5,091,683
	98,247,927		1,414,468		1,825,320		117,902		140,929		536,633		5,091,683
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	98,247,927	$	1,414,468	$	1,825,320	$	117,902	$	140,929	$	536,633	$	5,091,683
$	98,247,927	$	1,414,468	$	1,825,320	$	117,902	$	140,929	$	536,633	$	5,091,683
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	98,247,927	$	1,414,468	$	1,825,320	$	117,902	$	140,929	$	536,633	$	5,091,683
$	105,444,916	$	1,485,626	$	1,810,757	$	121,650	$	122,507	$	519,443	$	5,134,565
	10,066,386		145,074		69,510		6,911		8,012		21,612		490,056
	9,071,404		140,016		172,153		13,172		12,257		53,292		486,095
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	9,071,404		140,016		172,153		13,172		12,257		53,292		486,095
Statements of Operations (continued)
Year ended December 31, 2017
Government & High Quality Bond Class 1 Division		Government & High Quality Bond Class 2 Division		Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Series F Division		Guggenheim Investments Global Managed Futures Strategy Division		Guggenheim Investments Long Short Equity Division		Guggenheim Investments Multi-Hedge Strategies Division		Income Class 1 Division
$	4,095,919	$	54,538	$	55,649	$	1,947	$	464	$	—	$	211,350
	1,260,438		13,853		23,089		1,464		1,493		5,831		59,356
	93,073		2,019		2,502		182		169		689		6,192
	25,022		—		186		55		21		107		3,647
	2,717,386		38,666		29,872		246		(1,219)		(6,627)		142,155
	(1,074,041)		(20,989)		4,226		(12,371)		1,033		(54)		11,340
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	(1,074,041)		(20,989)		4,226		(12,371)		1,033		(54)		11,340
	(1,046,629)		(14,676)		4,375		20,325		16,581		17,859		12,096
	596,716		3,001		38,473		8,200		16,395		11,178		165,591
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	596,716	$	3,001	$	38,473	$	8,200	$	16,395	$	11,178	$	165,591

35

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2017
		Income Class 2 Division		International Emerging Markets Class 1 Division		International Emerging Markets Class 2 Division
Assets
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at fair value		$	860,005	$	59,752,743	$	934,742
Total assets			860,005		59,752,743		934,742
Total liabilities			—		—		—
Net assets		$	860,005	$	59,752,743	$	934,742
Net assets
Applicable to accumulation units		$	860,005	$	59,752,743	$	934,742
Applicable to contracts in annuitization period			—		—		—
Total net assets		$	860,005	$	59,752,743	$	934,742
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at cost		$	869,636	$	46,471,535	$	835,133
Shares of mutual funds owned			83,092		3,080,038		48,457
Accumulation units outstanding			83,350		1,609,230		76,912
Annuitized units outstanding			—		—		—
Total units outstanding			83,350		1,609,230		76,912
Statements of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2017
		Income Class 2 Division		International Emerging Markets Class 1 Division		International Emerging Markets Class 2 Division
Net investment income (loss)
Investment income:
	Dividends	$	31,350	$	703,999	$	5,917
Expenses:
	Mortality and expense risks		6,787		695,546		3,759
	Administrative charges		921		60,755		562
	Separate account rider charges		—		8,988		—
Net investment income (loss)			23,642		(61,290)		1,596
Realized gains (losses) on investments
Realized gains (losses) on sale of fund shares			(7,434)		2,120,938		7,837
Capital gains distributions			—		—		—
Total realized gains (losses) on investments			(7,434)		2,120,938		7,837
Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments			3,443		16,092,740		97,757
Net gains (losses) on investments			19,651		18,152,388		107,190
Payment from affiliate			—		—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	19,651	$	18,152,388	$	107,190
See accompanying notes.

36

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
December 31, 2017
Invesco American Franchise Series I Division		Invesco Balanced-Risk Allocation Series II Division		Invesco Core Equity Series I Division		Invesco Global Health Care Series I Division		Invesco Global Health Care Series II Division		Invesco International Growth Series I Division		Invesco International Growth Series II Division
$	4,467,834	$	266,272	$	16,763,993	$	7,457,788	$	1,027,913	$	9,527,606	$	665,216
	4,467,834		266,272		16,763,993		7,457,788		1,027,913		9,527,606		665,216
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	4,467,834	$	266,272	$	16,763,993	$	7,457,788	$	1,027,913	$	9,527,606	$	665,216
$	4,467,834	$	266,272	$	16,763,993	$	7,457,788	$	1,027,913	$	9,527,606	$	665,216
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	4,467,834	$	266,272	$	16,763,993	$	7,457,788	$	1,027,913	$	9,527,606	$	665,216
$	3,172,901	$	274,684	$	13,199,888	$	8,201,477	$	1,074,004	$	8,064,779	$	602,681
	70,952		23,838		456,536		282,065		40,709		238,847		16,914
	236,926		23,755		944,141		353,325		98,278		751,868		60,189
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	236,926		23,755		944,141		353,325		98,278		751,868		60,189
Statements of Operations (continued)
Year ended December 31, 2017
Invesco American Franchise Series I Division		Invesco Balanced-Risk Allocation Series II Division		Invesco Core Equity Series I Division		Invesco Global Health Care Series I Division		Invesco Global Health Care Series II Division		Invesco International Growth Series I Division		Invesco International Growth Series II Division
$	3,481	$	9,451	$	170,900	$	27,971	$	842	$	138,102	$	7,554
	54,092		2,670		208,984		95,661		10,391		122,417		5,719
	2,164		343		8,360		4,317		1,356		14,692		816
	18		—		—		273		—		4,588		—
	(52,793)		6,438		(46,444)		(72,280)		(10,905)		(3,595)		1,019
	250,639		(1,919)		704,999		333,612		(22,985)		625,792		2,425
	339,513		13,557		856,036		388,525		52,246		—		—
	590,152		11,638		1,561,035		722,137		29,261		625,792		2,425
	429,012		1,436		345,440		365,545		89,315		1,265,162		96,580
	966,371		19,512		1,860,031		1,015,402		107,671		1,887,359		100,024
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	966,371	$	19,512	$	1,860,031	$	1,015,402	$	107,671	$	1,887,359	$	100,024

37

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2017
		Invesco Mid Cap Growth Series I Division		Invesco Small Cap Equity Series I Division		Invesco Technology Series I Division
Assets
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at fair value		$	1,208,884	$	7,854,544	$	3,692,255
Total assets			1,208,884		7,854,544		3,692,255
Total liabilities			—		—		—
Net assets		$	1,208,884	$	7,854,544	$	3,692,255
Net assets
Applicable to accumulation units		$	1,208,884	$	7,854,544	$	3,692,255
Applicable to contracts in annuitization period			—		—		—
Total net assets		$	1,208,884	$	7,854,544	$	3,692,255
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at cost		$	1,162,422	$	7,747,556	$	3,160,029
Shares of mutual funds owned			215,104		392,335		160,742
Accumulation units outstanding			71,211		296,986		291,941
Annuitized units outstanding			—		—		—
Total units outstanding			71,211		296,986		291,941
Statements of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2017
		Invesco Mid Cap Growth Series I Division		Invesco Small Cap Equity Series I Division		Invesco Technology Series I Division
Net investment income (loss)
Investment income:
	Dividends	$	—	$	—	$	—
Expenses:
	Mortality and expense risks		14,762		96,629		41,769
	Administrative charges		591		9,605		1,671
	Separate account rider charges		—		4,255		—
Net investment income (loss)			(15,353)		(110,489)		(43,440)
Realized gains (losses) on investments
Realized gains (losses) on sale of fund shares			108,522		199,532		133,511
Capital gains distributions			74,082		344,351		184,634
Total realized gains (losses) on investments			182,604		543,883		318,145
Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments			54,010		478,000		625,794
Net gains (losses) on investments			221,261		911,394		900,499
Payment from affiliate			—		—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	221,261	$	911,394	$	900,499
(1) Represented the operations of Janus Aspen Enterprise Service Shares Division until May 13, 2017. (2) Represented the operations of Janus Aspen Flexible Bond Service Shares Division until May 13, 2017. See accompanying notes.

38

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
December 31, 2017
Invesco Value Opportunities Series I Division		Janus Henderson Enterprise Service Shares Division (1)		Janus Henderson Flexible Bond Service Shares Division (2)		LargeCap Growth Class 1 Division		LargeCap Growth Class 2 Division		LargeCap Growth I Class 1 Division		LargeCap Growth I Class 2 Division
$	4,384,879	$	9,775,296	$	2,164,643	$	48,371,065	$	681,512	$	112,163,935	$	702,461
	4,384,879		9,775,296		2,164,643		48,371,065		681,512		112,163,935		702,461
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	4,384,879	$	9,775,296	$	2,164,643	$	48,371,065	$	681,512	$	112,163,935	$	702,461
$	4,384,879	$	9,775,296	$	2,164,643	$	48,371,065	$	681,512	$	112,163,935	$	702,461
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	4,384,879	$	9,775,296	$	2,164,643	$	48,371,065	$	681,512	$	112,163,935	$	702,461
$	4,140,328	$	6,533,455	$	2,204,306	$	25,789,989	$	574,892	$	86,317,598	$	642,335
	578,480		146,622		170,043		1,475,178		20,886		3,597,304		22,667
	246,699		464,675		213,485		2,337,559		54,038		1,778,000		56,511
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	246,699		464,675		213,485		2,337,559		54,038		1,778,000		56,511
Statements of Operations (continued)
Year ended December 31, 2017
Invesco Value Opportunities Series I Division		Janus Henderson Enterprise Service Shares Division (1)		Janus Henderson Flexible Bond Service Shares Division (2)		LargeCap Growth Class 1 Division		LargeCap Growth Class 2 Division		LargeCap Growth I Class 1 Division		LargeCap Growth I Class 2 Division
$	16,993	$	48,486	$	53,154	$	167,707	$	722	$	33,000	$	—
	54,378		115,381		23,832		525,383		4,559		1,296,951		3,727
	6,526		4,616		2,828		31,701		646		71,241		539
	2,475		6		48		6,852		—		7,829		—
	(46,386)		(71,517)		26,446		(396,229)		(4,483)		(1,343,021)		(4,266)
	82,415		981,519		(9,552)		2,946,872		9,579		4,801,560		1,759
	—		563,913		—		—		—		5,305,911		24,470
	82,415		1,545,432		(9,552)		2,946,872		9,579		10,107,471		26,229
	605,470		615,286		21,710		10,242,408		111,167		20,061,177		65,761
	641,499		2,089,201		38,604		12,793,051		116,263		28,825,627		87,724
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	641,499	$	2,089,201	$	38,604	$	12,793,051	$	116,263	$	28,825,627	$	87,724

39

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2017
		LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 1 Division		LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 2 Division		LargeCap Value Class 1 Division
Assets
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at fair value		$	104,390,822	$	3,235,043	$	76,973,329
Total assets			104,390,822		3,235,043		76,973,329
Total liabilities			—		—		—
Net assets		$	104,390,822	$	3,235,043	$	76,973,329
Net assets
Applicable to accumulation units		$	104,390,822	$	3,235,043	$	76,875,864
Applicable to contracts in annuitization period			—		—		97,465
Total net assets		$	104,390,822	$	3,235,043	$	76,973,329
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at cost		$	64,338,429	$	2,961,071	$	68,867,026
Shares of mutual funds owned			5,780,222		180,225		2,374,254
Accumulation units outstanding			5,160,386		274,877		2,530,572
Annuitized units outstanding			—		—		6,886
Total units outstanding			5,160,386		274,877		2,537,458
Statements of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2017
		LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 1 Division		LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 2 Division		LargeCap Value Class 1 Division
Net investment income (loss)
Investment income:
	Dividends	$	1,631,668	$	40,061	$	1,488,209
Expenses:
	Mortality and expense risks		1,187,321		19,352		862,145
	Administrative charges		90,493		2,828		46,668
	Separate account rider charges		20,793		—		9,359
Net investment income (loss)			333,061		17,881		570,037
Realized gains (losses) on investments
Realized gains (losses) on sale of fund shares			6,157,259		20,268		879,885
Capital gains distributions			2,019,561		50,796		4,031,109
Total realized gains (losses) on investments			8,176,820		71,064		4,910,994
Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments			9,376,808		252,908		5,157,100
Net gains (losses) on investments			17,886,689		341,853		10,638,131
Payment from affiliate			—		—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	17,886,689	$	341,853	$	10,638,131
See accompanying notes.

40

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
December 31, 2017
LargeCap Value Class 2 Division		MFS International Value Service Class Division		MFS New Discovery Service Class Division		MFS Utilities Service Class Division		MFS Value Service Class Division		MidCap Class 1 Division		Multi-Asset Income Class 1 Division
$	324,574	$	6,697,734	$	1,497,048	$	13,276,004	$	6,238,908	$	351,847,210	$	160,837
	324,574		6,697,734		1,497,048		13,276,004		6,238,908		351,847,210		160,837
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	324,574	$	6,697,734	$	1,497,048	$	13,276,004	$	6,238,908	$	351,847,210	$	160,837
$	324,574	$	6,697,734	$	1,497,048	$	13,276,004	$	6,238,908	$	351,847,210	$	160,837
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	324,574	$	6,697,734	$	1,497,048	$	13,276,004	$	6,238,908	$	351,847,210	$	160,837
$	308,765	$	5,853,206	$	1,256,170	$	13,946,921	$	5,576,796	$	276,096,171	$	146,517
	10,071		240,926		80,617		458,109		303,596		5,921,360		14,309
	28,467		547,791		110,466		643,164		226,354		3,870,544		14,005
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	28,467		547,791		110,466		643,164		226,354		3,870,544		14,005
Statements of Operations (continued)
Year ended December 31, 2017
LargeCap Value Class 2 Division		MFS International Value Service Class Division		MFS New Discovery Service Class Division		MFS Utilities Service Class Division		MFS Value Service Class Division		MidCap Class 1 Division		Multi-Asset Income Class 1 Division
$	3,242	$	79,495	$	—	$	536,599	$	102,496	$	1,850,616	$	2,685
	1,373		64,275		14,627		159,907		74,789		4,148,439		1,968
	201		7,277		1,588		19,323		8,976		278,185		165
	—		510		811		5,859		3,649		31,101		22
	1,668		7,433		(17,026)		351,510		15,082		(2,607,109)		530
	(121)		216,082		(8,641)		(113,320)		132,220		22,219,309		1,231
	9,709		5,796		24,990		—		237,410		22,421,143		386
	9,588		221,878		16,349		(113,320)		369,630		44,640,452		1,617
	14,505		865,803		263,843		1,283,547		489,048		30,724,255		13,675
	25,761		1,095,114		263,166		1,521,737		873,760		72,757,598		15,822
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	25,761	$	1,095,114	$	263,166	$	1,521,737	$	873,760	$	72,757,598	$	15,822

41

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2017
		Multi-Asset Income Class 2 Division		Neuberger Berman AMT Large Cap Value Class I Division		Neuberger Berman AMT Mid Cap Growth Portfolio Class S Division
Assets
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at fair value		$	13,811	$	4,561,930	$	2,598,506
Total assets			13,811		4,561,930		2,598,506
Total liabilities			—		—		—
Net assets		$	13,811	$	4,561,930	$	2,598,506
Net assets
Applicable to accumulation units		$	13,811	$	4,561,930	$	2,598,506
Applicable to contracts in annuitization period			—		—		—
Total net assets		$	13,811	$	4,561,930	$	2,598,506
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at cost		$	13,762	$	3,679,240	$	2,250,564
Shares of mutual funds owned			1,235		273,006		100,834
Accumulation units outstanding			1,293		196,340		215,400
Annuitized units outstanding			—		—		—
Total units understanding			1,293		196,340		215,400
Statements of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2017
		Multi-Asset Income Class 2 Division		Neuberger Berman AMT Large Cap Value Class I Division		Neuberger Berman AMT Mid Cap Growth Portfolio Class S Division
Net investment income (loss)
Investment income:
	Dividends	$	—	$	26,214	$	—
Expenses:
	Mortality and expense risks		1		58,129		30,945
	Administrative charges		—		6,976		3,738
	Separate account rider charges		—		1,843		579
Net investment income (loss)			(1)		(40,734)		(35,262)
Realized gains (losses) on investments
Realized gains (losses) on sale of fund shares			—		305,560		33,866
Capital gains distributions			—		122,665		50,402
Total realized gains (losses) on investments			—		428,225		84,268
Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments			49		124,352		461,386
Net gains (losses) on investments			48		511,843		510,392
Payment from affiliate			—		—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	48	$	511,843	$	510,392
See accompanying notes.

42

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
December 31, 2017
Neuberger Berman AMT Socially Responsive Class I Division		Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap Service Shares Division		PIMCO All Asset Administrative Class Division		PIMCO All Asset Advisor Class Division		PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy M Class Division		PIMCO High Yield Administrative Class Division		PIMCO Low Duration Advisor Class Division
$	4,355,135	$	602,127	$	3,688,301	$	97,812	$	10,627	$	21,731,394	$	392,470
	4,355,135		602,127		3,688,301		97,812		10,627		21,731,394		392,470
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	4,355,135	$	602,127	$	3,688,301	$	97,812	$	10,627	$	21,731,394	$	392,470
$	4,355,135	$	602,127	$	3,688,301	$	97,812	$	10,627	$	21,731,394	$	392,470
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	4,355,135	$	602,127	$	3,688,301	$	97,812	$	10,627	$	21,731,394	$	392,470
$	3,152,137	$	549,551	$	3,630,901	$	92,087	$	11,469	$	21,645,186	$	393,164
	170,056		23,687		339,936		8,916		1,493		2,761,295		38,327
	166,723		39,127		230,205		9,031		1,291		1,440,602		39,617
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	166,723		39,127		230,205		9,031		1,291		1,440,602		39,617
Statements of Operations (continued)
Year ended December 31, 2017
Neuberger Berman AMT Socially Responsive Class I Division		Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap Service Shares Division		PIMCO All Asset Administrative Class Division		PIMCO All Asset Advisor Class Division		PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy M Class Division		PIMCO High Yield Administrative Class Division		PIMCO Low Duration Advisor Class Division
$	21,713	$	3,730	$	170,545	$	3,497	$	1,152	$	1,087,442	$	3,984
	54,503		7,238		46,655		804		119		276,227		3,852
	6,541		289		5,599		100		16		33,440		474
	1,777		—		1,784		—		—		10,728		—
	(41,108)		(3,797)		116,507		2,593		1,017		767,047		(342)
	346,496		1,158		(72,746)		280		(140)		(83,616)		(758)
	156,273		31,105		—		—		—		—		—
	502,769		32,263		(72,746)		280		(140)		(83,616)		(758)
	224,431		39,996		382,628		4,509		(865)		422,031		374
	686,092		68,462		426,389		7,382		12		1,105,462		(726)
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	686,092	$	68,462	$	426,389	$	7,382	$	12	$	1,105,462	$	(726)

43

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2017
		PIMCO Total Return Administrative Class Division		Principal Capital Appreciation Class 1 Division		Principal Capital Appreciation Class 2 Division
Assets
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at fair value		$	26,016,136	$	112,554,315	$	999,171
Total assets			26,016,136		112,554,315		999,171
Total liabilities			—		—		—
Net assets		$	26,016,136	$	112,554,315	$	999,171
Net assets
Applicable to accumulation units		$	26,016,136	$	112,554,315	$	999,171
Applicable to contracts in annuitization period			—		—		—
Total net assets		$	26,016,136	$	112,554,315	$	999,171
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at cost		$	26,841,248	$	90,343,057	$	865,127
Shares of mutual funds owned			2,378,075		3,943,739		35,356
Accumulation units outstanding			2,026,645		6,546,378		82,258
Annuitized units outstanding			—		—		—
Total units outstanding			2,026,645		6,546,378		82,258
Statements of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2017
		PIMCO Total Return Administrative Class Division		Principal Capital Appreciation Class 1 Division		Principal Capital Appreciation Class 2 Division
Net investment income (loss)
Investment income:
	Dividends	$	525,355	$	1,383,064	$	8,375
Expenses:
	Mortality and expense risks		322,574		1,380,124		6,626
	Administrative charges		38,918		131,474		984
	Separate account rider charges		9,862		23,884		—
Net investment income (loss)			154,001		(152,418)		765
Realized gains (losses) on investments
Realized gains (losses) on sale of fund shares			(297,195)		2,313,452		16,032
Capital gains distributions			—		—		—
Total realized gains (losses) on investments			(297,195)		2,313,452		16,032
Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments			1,015,550		17,218,286		100,831
Net gains (losses) on investments			872,356		19,379,320		117,628
Payment from affiliate			—		—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	872,356	$	19,379,320	$	117,628
See accompanying notes.

44

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
December 31, 2017
Principal LifeTime 2010 Class 1 Division		Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 1 Division		Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 2 Division		Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 1 Division		Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 2 Division		Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 1 Division		Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 2 Division
$	24,297,433	$	104,894,330	$	673,408	$	68,464,637	$	851,753	$	15,164,087	$	376,856
	24,297,433		104,894,330		673,408		68,464,637		851,753		15,164,087		376,856
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	24,297,433	$	104,894,330	$	673,408	$	68,464,637	$	851,753	$	15,164,087	$	376,856
$	24,297,433	$	104,894,330	$	673,408	$	68,464,637	$	851,753	$	15,164,087	$	376,856
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	24,297,433	$	104,894,330	$	673,408	$	68,464,637	$	851,753	$	15,164,087	$	376,856
$	20,267,628	$	82,092,743	$	658,139	$	59,142,797	$	804,594	$	12,390,498	$	338,601
	1,811,889		7,434,042		47,998		5,198,530		65,119		949,536		23,732
	1,437,024		5,445,240		61,414		3,430,414		75,718		718,088		33,038
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	1,437,024		5,445,240		61,414		3,430,414		75,718		718,088		33,038
Statements of Operations (continued)
Year ended December 31, 2017
Principal LifeTime 2010 Class 1 Division		Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 1 Division		Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 2 Division		Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 1 Division		Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 2 Division		Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 1 Division		Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 2 Division
$	560,874	$	2,055,077	$	5,116	$	1,037,399	$	8,485	$	192,022	$	4,193
	319,104		1,312,555		1,770		824,766		4,164		178,928		2,735
	35,659		148,588		294		94,799		627		20,470		388
	4,791		18,182		—		29,287		—		3,757		—
	201,320		575,752		3,052		88,547		3,694		(11,133)		1,070
	1,970,654		3,468,419		75		1,837,966		2,255		424,087		3,573
	362,452		1,192,340		3,005		780,658		6,490		112,597		2,527
	2,333,106		4,660,759		3,080		2,618,624		8,745		536,684		6,100
	(94,688)		8,148,882		16,952		7,533,535		46,998		1,979,817		36,412
	2,439,738		13,385,393		23,084		10,240,706		59,437		2,505,368		43,582
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	2,439,738	$	13,385,393	$	23,084	$	10,240,706	$	59,437	$	2,505,368	$	43,582

45

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2017
		Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 1 Division		Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 2 Division		Principal LifeTime Strategic Income Class 1 Division
Assets
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at fair value		$	11,286,978	$	777,623	$	15,183,765
Total assets			11,286,978		777,623		15,183,765
Total liabilities			—		—		—
Net assets		$	11,286,978	$	777,623	$	15,183,765
Net assets
Applicable to accumulation units		$	11,286,978	$	777,623	$	15,183,765
Applicable to contracts in annuitization period			—		—		—
Total net assets		$	11,286,978	$	777,623	$	15,183,765
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at cost		$	9,399,635	$	718,812	$	13,782,522
Shares of mutual funds owned			722,598		50,072		1,253,820
Accumulation units outstanding			523,453		67,659		1,003,794
Annuitized units outstanding			—		—		—
Total units outstanding			523,453		67,659		1,003,794
Statements of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2017
		Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 1 Division		Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 2 Division		Principal LifeTime Strategic Income Class 1 Division
Net investment income (loss)
Investment income:
	Dividends	$	131,866	$	7,466	$	354,735
Expenses:
	Mortality and expense risks		127,762		3,300		190,816
	Administrative charges		14,789		555		20,250
	Separate account rider charges		2,567		—		4,231
Net investment income (loss)			(13,252)		3,611		139,438
Realized gains (losses) on investments
Realized gains (losses) on sale of fund shares			169,107		(603)		475,645
Capital gains distributions			83,640		4,805		—
Total realized gains (losses) on investments			252,747		4,202		475,645
Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments			1,665,168		61,882		461,286
Net gains (losses) on investments			1,904,663		69,695		1,076,369
Payment from affiliate			—		—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	1,904,663	$	69,695	$	1,076,369
See accompanying notes.

46

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
December 31, 2017
Real Estate Securities Class 1 Division		Real Estate Securities Class 2 Division		Rydex Basic Materials Division		Rydex Commodities Strategy Division		Rydex NASDAQ 100 Division		SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 1 Division		SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 2 Division
$	75,317,625	$	2,536,776	$	439,801	$	271,312	$	1,358,604	$	536,023,423	$	9,147,273
	75,317,625		2,536,776		439,801		271,312		1,358,604		536,023,423		9,147,273
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	75,317,625	$	2,536,776	$	439,801	$	271,312	$	1,358,604	$	536,023,423	$	9,147,273
$	75,317,625	$	2,536,776	$	439,801	$	271,312	$	1,358,604	$	536,023,423	$	9,147,273
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	75,317,625	$	2,536,776	$	439,801	$	271,312	$	1,358,604	$	536,023,423	$	9,147,273
$	63,808,793	$	2,634,905	$	361,314	$	250,058	$	1,242,045	$	516,420,535	$	8,756,060
	3,652,649		122,550		5,412		3,103		35,106		33,733,380		581,888
	1,312,132		205,549		37,119		43,538		102,503		32,924,600		806,612
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	1,312,132		205,549		37,119		43,538		102,503		32,924,600		806,612
Statements of Operations (continued)
Year ended December 31, 2017
Real Estate Securities Class 1 Division		Real Estate Securities Class 2 Division		Rydex Basic Materials Division		Rydex Commodities Strategy Division		Rydex NASDAQ 100 Division		SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 1 Division		SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 2 Division
$	1,320,719	$	31,306	$	2,704	$	—	$	—	$	11,363,454	$	121,075
	942,742		25,672		4,598		3,371		9,505		6,708,088		61,422
	75,832		3,489		584		412		1,299		747,771		8,674
	27,863		—		—		428		—		166,679		—
	274,282		2,145		(2,478)		(4,211)		(10,804)		3,740,916		50,979
	3,588,817		(122,070)		3,781		(3,731)		46		9,489,859		(21,618)
	7,227,984		204,799		1,312		—		65,390		12,508,582		149,148
	10,816,801		82,729		5,093		(3,731)		65,436		21,998,441		127,530
	(5,487,924)		62,286		69,026		12,981		146,284		43,013,767		538,177
	5,603,159		147,160		71,641		5,039		200,916		68,753,124		716,686
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	5,603,159	$	147,160	$	71,641	$	5,039	$	200,916	$	68,753,124	$	716,686

47

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2017
		SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio Class 1 Division		SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio Class 2 Division		SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio Class 1 Division
Assets
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at fair value		$	128,349,159	$	5,203,713	$	106,720,296
Total assets			128,349,159		5,203,713		106,720,296
Total liabilities			—		—		—
Net assets		$	128,349,159	$	5,203,713	$	106,720,296
Net assets
Applicable to accumulation units		$	128,349,159	$	5,203,713	$	106,720,296
Applicable to contracts in annuitization period			—		—		—
Total net assets		$	128,349,159	$	5,203,713	$	106,720,296
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at cost		$	127,083,747	$	5,114,953	$	96,500,910
Shares of mutual funds owned			10,409,502		426,884		5,373,630
Accumulation units outstanding			8,224,588		473,237		6,429,683
Annuitized units outstanding			—		—		—
Total units outstanding			8,224,588		473,237		6,429,683
Statements of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2017
		SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio Class 1 Division		SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio Class 2 Division		SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio Class 1 Division
Net investment income (loss)
Investment income:
	Dividends	$	3,597,840	$	109,007	$	1,595,883
Expenses:
	Mortality and expense risks		1,659,168		38,561		1,285,583
	Administrative charges		184,392		5,518		139,939
	Separate account rider charges		46,734		—		67,157
Net investment income (loss)			1,707,546		64,928		103,204
Realized gains (losses) on investments
Realized gains (losses) on sale of fund shares			1,934,300		(61,401)		2,752,832
Capital gains distributions			1,366,375		45,140		2,237,565
Total realized gains (losses) on investments			3,300,675		(16,261)		4,990,397
Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments			7,632,647		290,776		12,066,901
Net gains (losses) on investments			12,640,868		339,443		17,160,502
Payment from affiliate			—		—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	12,640,868	$	339,443	$	17,160,502
See accompanying notes.

48

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
December 31, 2017
SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio Class 2 Division		SAM Flexible Income Portfolio Class 1 Division		SAM Flexible Income Portfolio Class 2 Division		SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio Class 1 Division		SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio Class 2 Division		Short-Term Income Class 1 Division		Short-Term Income Class 2 Division
$	8,478,538	$	159,705,243	$	8,096,190	$	66,383,041	$	5,077,915	$	87,366,110	$	1,472,694
	8,478,538		159,705,243		8,096,190		66,383,041		5,077,915		87,366,110		1,472,694
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	8,478,538	$	159,705,243	$	8,096,190	$	66,383,041	$	5,077,915	$	87,366,110	$	1,472,694
$	8,478,538	$	159,705,243	$	8,096,190	$	66,383,041	$	5,077,915	$	87,366,110	$	1,472,694
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	8,478,538	$	159,705,243	$	8,096,190	$	66,383,041	$	5,077,915	$	87,366,110	$	1,472,694
$	7,945,742	$	160,379,233	$	7,972,692	$	61,104,170	$	4,582,594	$	88,561,740	$	1,481,598
	432,578		12,332,451		631,036		3,056,309		236,622		34,261,219		582,092
	706,799		10,450,361		757,396		3,987,863		424,510		7,454,342		146,686
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	706,799		10,450,361		757,396		3,987,863		424,510		7,454,342		146,686
Statements of Operations (continued)
Year ended December 31, 2017
SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio Class 2 Division		SAM Flexible Income Portfolio Class 1 Division		SAM Flexible Income Portfolio Class 2 Division		SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio Class 1 Division		SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio Class 2 Division		Short-Term Income Class 1 Division		Short-Term Income Class 2 Division
$	102,745	$	5,334,926	$	194,188	$	917,022	$	49,216	$	1,790,642	$	25,042
	71,662		2,011,681		57,620		804,917		38,516		1,160,626		21,957
	10,472		210,287		8,024		88,002		5,420		121,297		2,872
	—		78,667		—		64,742		—		10,643		—
	20,611		3,034,291		128,544		(40,639)		5,280		498,076		213
	(45,926)		1,302,349		(79,405)		2,373,123		(32,353)		102,246		9,738
	167,569		1,153,300		45,269		1,767,486		110,880		—		—
	121,643		2,455,649		(34,136)		4,140,609		78,527		102,246		9,738
	1,015,640		5,304,303		252,324		7,946,279		589,608		354,440		(1,086)
	1,157,894		10,794,243		346,732		12,046,249		673,415		954,762		8,865
	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
$	1,157,894	$	10,794,243	$	346,732	$	12,046,249	$	673,415	$	954,762	$	8,865

49

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2017
		SmallCap Class 1 Division		SmallCap Class 2 Division		T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth Portfolio II Division
Assets
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at fair value		$	112,085,132	$	1,013,662	$	21,628,237
Total assets			112,085,132		1,013,662		21,628,237
Total liabilities			—		—		—
Net assets		$	112,085,132	$	1,013,662	$	21,628,237
Net assets
Applicable to accumulation units		$	112,085,132	$	1,013,662	$	21,628,237
Applicable to contracts in annuitization period			—		—		—
Total net assets		$	112,085,132	$	1,013,662	$	21,628,237
Investments in shares of mutual funds, at cost		$	96,379,630	$	846,394	$	13,853,531
Shares of mutual funds owned			6,554,686		59,452		716,810
Accumulation units outstanding			4,394,324		87,512		685,255
Annuitized units outstanding			—		—		—
Total units outstanding			4,394,324		87,512		685,255
Statements of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2017
		SmallCap Class 1 Division		SmallCap Class 2 Division		T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth Portfolio II Division
Net investment income (loss)
Investment income:
	Dividends	$	408,474	$	1,265	$	—
Expenses:
	Mortality and expense risks		1,355,629		8,821		244,690
	Administrative charges		98,593		1,271		29,366
	Separate account rider charges		16,711		—		12,622
Net investment income (loss)			(1,062,459)		(8,827)		(286,678)
Realized gains (losses) on investments
Realized gains (losses) on sale of fund shares			4,737,378		6,025		1,158,601
Capital gains distributions			—		—		255,632
Total realized gains (losses) on investments			4,737,378		6,025		1,414,233
Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments			8,206,537		101,266		4,462,163
Net gains (losses) on investments			11,881,456		98,464		5,589,718
Payment from affiliate			—		—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	11,881,456	$	98,464	$	5,589,718
See accompanying notes.

50

Principal Life Insurance Company - Separate Account B
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
December 31, 2017
T. Rowe Price Health Sciences Portfolio II Division		Templeton Global Bond VIP Class 4 Division		Templeton Growth VIP Class 2 Division		The Merger Fund Division		VanEck Global Hard Assets Class S Division
$	28,306,947	$	2,026,380	$	890,640	$	5,999	$	5,837,935
	28,306,947		2,026,380		890,640		5,999		5,837,935
	—		—		—		—		—
$	28,306,947	$	2,026,380	$	890,640	$	5,999	$	5,837,935
$	28,306,947	$	2,026,380	$	890,640	$	5,999	$	5,837,935
	—		—		—		—		—
$	28,306,947	$	2,026,380	$	890,640	$	5,999	$	5,837,935
$	25,001,034	$	2,019,150	$	653,656	$	5,971	$	5,851,588
	694,990		120,117		55,769		555		255,266
	524,086		212,678		35,574		596		550,175
	—		—		—		—		—
	524,086		212,678		35,574		596		550,175
Statements of Operations (continued)
Year ended December 31, 2017
T. Rowe Price Health Sciences Portfolio II Division		Templeton Global Bond VIP Class 4 Division		Templeton Growth VIP Class 2 Division		The Merger Fund Division		VanEck Global Hard Assets Class S Division
$	—	$	—	$	14,255	$	—	$	—
	342,013		18,215		7,472		25		77,777
	41,046		2,206		—		4		8,087
	15,037		43		—		—		3,808
	(398,096)		(20,464)		6,783		(29)		(89,672)
	1,772,851		(8,829)		17,515		—		(676,405)
	1,174,215		5,088		—		—		—
	2,947,066		(3,741)		17,515		—		(676,405)
	3,529,025		16,653		117,643		28		441,557
	6,077,995		(7,552)		141,941		(1)		(324,520)
	—		—		—		—		—
$	6,077,995	$	(7,552)	$	141,941	$	(1)	$	(324,520)

51

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		AllianceBernstein Small Cap Growth Class A Division		AllianceBernstein Small/Mid Cap Value Class A Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	4,350,241	$	2,766,015
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(58,489)		(28,267)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		1,007,956		(10,973)
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		(765,636)		713,889
	Net gains (losses) on investments		183,831		674,649
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			183,831		674,649
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		456,512		1,321,497
	Administration charges		(202)		(90)
	Contingent sales charges		(3,168)		(1,257)
	Contract terminations		(276,822)		(151,575)
	Death benefit payments		—		(18,527)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(27,076)		(21,699)
	Transfers to other contracts		(600,990)		(514,041)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(451,746)		614,308
Total increase (decrease)			(267,915)		1,288,957
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			4,082,326		4,054,972
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(63,380)		(48,832)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		(241,926)		166,209
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		1,518,899		417,321
	Net gains (losses) on investments		1,213,593		534,698
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			1,213,593		534,698
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		246,404		1,848,500
	Administration charges		(294)		(60)
	Contingent sales charges		(3,222)		(1,268)
	Contract terminations		(407,756)		(205,706)
	Death benefit payments		(14,261)		—
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(21,246)		(31,718)
	Transfers to other contracts		(320,363)		(1,015,846)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(520,738)		593,902
Total increase (decrease)			692,855		1,128,600
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	4,775,181	$	5,183,572
See accompanying notes.

52

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Alps/Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Class III Division		American Century VP Capital Appreciation Class I Division		American Century VP Income & Growth Class I Division		American Century VP Inflation Protection Class II Division		American Century VP Mid Cap Value Class II Division		American Century VP Ultra Class I Division
$	23,675	$	2,496,198	$	11,548,437	$	51,379,647	$	6,444,459	$	3,618,032
	(148)		(35,413)		130,496		214,991		8,544		(30,679)
	(130)		229,404		795,303		(582,987)		506,758		553,716
	2,128		(141,129)		335,552		1,894,152		884,995		(439,133)
	1,850		52,862		1,261,351		1,526,156		1,400,297		83,904
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	1,850		52,862		1,261,351		1,526,156		1,400,297		83,904
	5,989		478,898		251,043		4,971,089		3,777,153		200,408
	(41)		(1,105)		(1,378)		(193,737)		(1,028)		(503)
	(1)		(2,289)		(1,441)		(48,743)		(6,436)		(370)
	(699)		(199,972)		(1,324,781)		(4,259,005)		(779,432)		(353,904)
	—		(10,938)		(15,332)		(392,831)		—		(6,421)
	—		(22,920)		(130,184)		(1,768,814)		(42,845)		(53,493)
	(721)		(433,798)		(728,927)		(5,929,210)		(1,236,011)		(415,786)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	4,527		(192,124)		(1,951,000)		(7,621,251)		1,711,401		(630,069)
	6,377		(139,262)		(689,649)		(6,095,095)		3,111,698		(546,165)
	30,052		2,356,936		10,858,788		45,284,552		9,556,157		3,071,867
	984		(32,924)		125,464		511,203		(6,010)		(32,500)
	1,679		300,486		1,072,594		(1,255,874)		471,658		412,426
	4,530		150,004		692,572		1,713,525		456,913		535,692
	7,193		417,566		1,890,630		968,854		922,561		915,618
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	7,193		417,566		1,890,630		968,854		922,561		915,618
	91,537		343,798		314,558		6,088,241		1,561,979		250,499
	(92)		(1,315)		(889)		(216,539)		(721)		(597)
	(24)		(3,159)		(1,038)		(38,823)		(3,711)		(189)
	(13,043)		(399,800)		(1,255,954)		(4,913,672)		(561,584)		(240,376)
	—		—		(125,699)		(479,374)		—		(30,123)
	—		(31,589)		(132,190)		(1,588,061)		(73,603)		(67,690)
	(2,101)		(343,200)		(503,722)		(2,566,353)		(1,413,429)		(117,296)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	76,277		(435,265)		(1,704,934)		(3,714,581)		(491,069)		(205,772)
	83,470		(17,699)		185,696		(2,745,727)		431,492		709,846
$	113,522	$	2,339,237	$	11,044,484	$	42,538,825	$	9,987,649	$	3,781,713

53

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		American Century VP Ultra Class II Division		American Century VP Value Class II Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	36,158,449	$	15,477,692
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(416,017)		43,533
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		5,713,600		504,309
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		(4,352,512)		2,137,950
	Net gains (losses) on investments		945,071		2,685,792
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			945,071		2,685,792
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		4,290,609		691,659
	Administration charges		(143,589)		(2,518)
	Contingent sales charges		(29,028)		(1,596)
	Contract terminations		(2,536,334)		(1,434,319)
	Death benefit payments		(358,885)		(36,094)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(1,351,736)		(176,405)
	Transfers to other contracts		(4,860,363)		(892,147)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(4,989,326)		(1,851,420)
Total increase (decrease)			(4,044,255)		834,372
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			32,114,194		16,312,064
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(386,657)		31,770
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		6,440,918		608,499
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		2,686,989		456,883
	Net gains (losses) on investments		8,741,250		1,097,152
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			8,741,250		1,097,152
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		1,193,232		863,375
	Administration charges		(161,048)		(3,275)
	Contingent sales charges		(23,672)		(1,333)
	Contract terminations		(2,995,634)		(1,411,928)
	Death benefit payments		(271,480)		(54,636)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(1,247,363)		(151,196)
	Transfers to other contracts		(4,196,951)		(643,569)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(7,702,916)		(1,402,562)
Total increase (decrease)			1,038,334		(305,410)
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	33,152,528	$	16,006,654
(1) Commenced operations May 23, 2016. See accompanying notes.

54

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
American Funds Insurance Series Asset Allocation Fund Class 2 Division (1)		American Funds Insurance Series Asset Allocation Fund Class 4 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Blue Chip Income and Growth Class 2 Division (1)		American Funds Insurance Series Blue Chip Income and Growth Class 4 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Global Small Capitalization Fund Class 2 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Global Small Capitalization Fund Class 4 Division
$	—	$	806,434	$	—	$	900,392	$	843,960	$	132,990
	7,279		(9)		17,366		6,193		(9,745)		(4,162)
	310		28,164		1,225		10,743		95,669		34,475
	3,884		21,027		44,420		167,824		(78,348)		10,162
	11,473		49,182		63,011		184,760		7,576		40,475
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	11,473		49,182		63,011		184,760		7,576		40,475
	872,381		180,518		1,677,715		749,169		317,461		407,165
	(17)		(720)		—		(875)		—		(241)
	(10)		(761)		(133)		(512)		(348)		(123)
	(856)		(405,874)		(13,059)		(272,997)		(82,254)		(65,860)
	—		—		—		—		(391)		—
	(885)		—		(3,616)		(6,368)		(4,369)		(631)
	(3,709)		(31,001)		(28,395)		(492,171)		(105,683)		(367,150)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	866,904		(257,838)		1,632,512		(23,754)		124,416		(26,840)
	878,377		(208,656)		1,695,523		161,006		131,992		13,635
	878,377		597,778		1,695,523		1,061,398		975,952		146,625
	3,628		7,533		14,980		15,743		(10,424)		(1,651)
	68,281		45,516		140,615		62,348		(37,996)		(1,596)
	110,198		81,957		204,905		144,607		276,676		44,415
	182,107		135,006		360,500		222,698		228,256		41,168
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	182,107		135,006		360,500		222,698		228,256		41,168
	897,335		1,482,971		1,784,774		904,784		188,256		223,200
	(194)		(1,402)		(16)		(1,726)		—		(379)
	(58)		(75)		(713)		(143)		(219)		(41)
	(9,068)		(40,300)		(244,151)		(76,443)		(39,409)		(21,805)
	—		—		(581)		(3,171)		—		(963)
	(7,064)		(4,642)		(13,620)		(10,375)		(4,979)		(819)
	(114,773)		(317,802)		(564,787)		(20,879)		(137,217)		(13,207)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	766,178		1,118,750		960,906		792,047		6,432		185,986
	948,285		1,253,756		1,321,406		1,014,745		234,688		227,154
$	1,826,662	$	1,851,534	$	3,016,929	$	2,076,143	$	1,210,640	$	373,779

55

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		American Funds Insurance Series High-Income Bond Class 2 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk Asset Allocation Fund Class P2 Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	364,164	$	62,127
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		59,814		189
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		(9,258)		4,261
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		52,138		6,611
	Net gains (losses) on investments		102,694		11,061
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			102,694		11,061
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		1,036,274		234,303
	Administration charges		(64)		(90)
	Contingent sales charges		(29)		(16)
	Contract terminations		(27,802)		(8,686)
	Death benefit payments		(1,862)		(3,237)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(11,801)		—
	Transfers to other contracts		(141,530)		(19,909)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			853,186		202,365
Total increase (decrease)			955,880		213,426
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			1,320,044		275,553
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		80,769		(2,073)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		40,888		6,908
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		(40,504)		43,816
	Net gains (losses) on investments		81,153		48,651
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			81,153		48,651
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		656,318		506,516
	Administration charges		(6)		(191)
	Contingent sales charges		(87)		(11)
	Contract terminations		(110,750)		(5,794)
	Death benefit payments		—		—
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(16,592)		(4,046)
	Transfers to other contracts		(491,042)		(27,172)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			37,841		469,302
Total increase (decrease)			118,994		517,953
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	1,439,038	$	793,506
(1) Represented the operations of BlackRock Value Opportunities Class III Division until November 4, 2017. See accompanying notes.

56

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk Growth Fund Class P2 Division		American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk International Fund Class P2 Division		American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund Class 2 Division		American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund Class 4 Division		BlackRock Advantage U.S. Total Market Class III Division (1)		BlackRock Global Allocation Class III Division
$	148,405	$	37,589	$	440,766	$	393,506	$	826	$	522,246
	(1,650)		(119)		(1,351)		(2,577)		—		(6)
	13,285		611		(9,071)		(8,895)		1,005		(7,579)
	(9,308)		(2,138)		36,070		28,452		(988)		45,664
	2,327		(1,646)		25,648		16,980		17		38,079
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	2,327		(1,646)		25,648		16,980		17		38,079
	16,255		8,021		823,198		33,646		30,166		490,365
	(290)		(75)		(2)		(558)		(4)		(16)
	—		—		(173)		(6)		—		(106)
	—		—		(21,172)		(3,296)		—		(12,767)
	—		—		(404)		—		—		—
	(200)		(100)		(1,775)		(331)		—		(10,582)
	(1,972)		(2,316)		(70,932)		(111,186)		(163)		(31,008)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	13,793		5,530		728,740		(81,731)		29,999		435,886
	16,120		3,884		754,388		(64,751)		30,016		473,965
	164,525		41,473		1,195,154		328,755		30,842		996,211
	(2,918)		(445)		(7,003)		(750)		780		(626)
	7,434		595		30,404		721		32,313		15,891
	61,663		14,468		343,973		109,294		(23,241)		114,634
	66,179		14,618		367,374		109,265		9,852		129,899
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	66,179		14,618		367,374		109,265		9,852		129,899
	439,843		67,724		494,496		323,558		138,016		216,746
	(518)		(52)		(33)		(690)		(79)		(130)
	(11)		(3)		(437)		(48)		(2)		(322)
	(6,135)		(1,748)		(85,993)		(25,880)		(931)		(51,770)
	—		—		(5,372)		—		—		—
	(200)		(100)		(6,515)		(580)		(1,003)		(12,377)
	(5,753)		(2,162)		(220,859)		(31,311)		(26,264)		(10,019)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	427,226		63,659		175,287		265,049		109,737		142,128
	493,405		78,277		542,661		374,314		119,589		272,027
$	657,930	$	119,750	$	1,737,815	$	703,069	$	150,431	$	1,268,238

57

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		BlackRock iShares Alternative Strategies Class III Division		BlackRock iShares Dynamic Allocation Class III Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	129,148	$	60,297
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		12,293		538
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		1,414		(103)
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		(13,836)		3,229
	Net gains (losses) on investments		(129)		3,664
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			(129)		3,664
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		595,410		42,740
	Administration charges		(11)		—
	Contingent sales charges		(49)		—
	Contract terminations		(4,246)		—
	Death benefit payments		(4,124)		—
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(1,537)		—
	Transfers to other contracts		(82,322)		(44)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			503,121		42,696
Total increase (decrease)			502,992		46,360
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			632,140		106,657
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		8,980		1,655
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		6,378		143
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		55,401		20,972
	Net gains (losses) on investments		70,759		22,770
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			70,759		22,770
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		139,446		137,714
	Administration charges		(72)		(10)
	Contingent sales charges		(78)		—
	Contract terminations		(9,896)		(30)
	Death benefit payments		(12,810)		—
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(1,387)		—
	Transfers to other contracts		(63,211)		(604)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			51,992		137,070
Total increase (decrease)			122,751		159,840
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	754,891	$	266,497
See accompanying notes.

58

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
BlackRock iShares Dynamic Fixed Income Class III Division		BlackRock iShares Equity Appreciation Class III Division		Calvert EAFE International Index Class F Division		Calvert Russell 2000 Small Cap Index Class F Division		Calvert S&P MidCap 400 Index Class F Division		ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Class II Division
$	110,754	$	110,952	$	14,972	$	103,122	$	480,283	$	8,536
	6,677		2,580		348		(753)		(3,114)		(152)
	(357)		(1,787)		(482)		9,048		19,000		411
	(12,157)		32,208		17		10,527		86,103		646
	(5,837)		33,001		(117)		18,822		101,989		905
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(5,837)		33,001		(117)		18,822		101,989		905
	857,756		367,103		8,306		128,058		283,427		3,712
	(23)		(46)		(52)		(134)		(530)		(9)
	(83)		—		—		(78)		(77)		—
	(7,282)		—		—		(41,860)		(41,216)		—
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(2,493)		—		—		(4,799)		(304)		—
	(80,468)		(14,170)		(4,576)		(47,911)		(72,883)		(551)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	767,407		352,887		3,678		33,276		168,417		3,152
	761,570		385,888		3,561		52,098		270,406		4,057
	872,324		496,840		18,533		155,220		750,689		12,593
	5,062		2,031		336		311		(2,886)		(2,059)
	3,758		5,634		(6)		28,379		76,556		8,157
	4,631		112,902		6,090		29,385		109,198		33,268
	13,451		120,567		6,420		58,075		182,868		39,366
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	13,451		120,567		6,420		58,075		182,868		39,366
	244,466		226,588		87,597		613,532		1,178,605		323,943
	(30)		(131)		(43)		(600)		(1,179)		(191)
	(18)		(46)		—		(496)		(1,046)		—
	(4,052)		(12,045)		—		(32,904)		(103,038)		—
	—		(308)		—		(942)		(944)		—
	(15,648)		(15,974)		—		(5,994)		(5,266)		(1,338)
	(363,383)		(9,217)		(1,278)		(12,478)		(46,980)		(1,119)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(138,665)		188,867		86,276		560,118		1,020,152		321,295
	(125,214)		309,434		92,696		618,193		1,203,020		360,661
$	747,110	$	806,274	$	111,229	$	773,413	$	1,953,709	$	373,254

59

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		Columbia Limited Duration Credit Class 2 Division		Columbia Small Cap Value Class 2 Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	140,265	$	75,095
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		1,108		(1,072)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		(1,283)		3,586
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		2,366		37,111
	Net gains (losses) on investments		2,191		39,625
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			2,191		39,625
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		129,765		165,090
	Administration charges		(19)		(56)
	Contingent sales charges		(583)		—
	Contract terminations		(52,963)		—
	Death benefit payments		—		—
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(440)		—
	Transfers to other contracts		(32,815)		(35,915)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			42,945		129,119
Total increase (decrease)			45,136		168,744
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			185,401		243,839
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		1,391		(2,906)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		(94)		28,244
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		(363)		24,143
	Net gains (losses) on investments		934		49,481
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			934		49,481
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		126,242		236,237
	Administration charges		(31)		(179)
	Contingent sales charges		(7)		(96)
	Contract terminations		(856)		(18,924)
	Death benefit payments		—		—
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		—		(551)
	Transfers to other contracts		(103,255)		(30,007)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			22,093		186,480
Total increase (decrease)			23,027		235,961
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	208,428	$	479,800
See accompanying notes.

60

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Core Plus Bond Class 1 Division		Core Plus Bond Class 2 Division		Delaware Limited Term Diversified Income Service Class Division		Delaware Small Cap Value Service Class Division		Deutsche Alternative Asset Allocation Class B Division		Deutsche Equity 500 Index Class B2 Division
$	151,327,795	$	18,626	$	226,690	$	1,008,617	$	40,290	$	678,440
	2,528,738		(98)		140		(11,144)		211		1,792
	854,404		492		1,527		65,702		(137)		39,793
	767,565		(3,161)		(4,794)		319,598		1,277		34,284
	4,150,707		(2,767)		(3,127)		374,156		1,351		75,869
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	4,150,707		(2,767)		(3,127)		374,156		1,351		75,869
	11,411,351		216,975		1,147,184		1,141,745		3,975		337,935
	(242,467)		(52)		(44)		(30)		(48)		(781)
	(75,130)		—		(2,028)		(814)		—		(279)
	(12,102,565)		—		(179,817)		(75,202)		—		(148,765)
	(1,473,773)		—		—		—		—		—
	(3,670,043)		—		(880)		(8,329)		(1,440)		(1,590)
	(11,081,588)		(11,355)		(256,963)		(191,968)		(1,673)		(21,497)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(17,234,215)		205,568		707,452		865,402		814		165,023
	(13,083,508)		202,801		704,325		1,239,558		2,165		240,892
	138,244,287		221,427		931,015		2,248,175		42,455		919,332
	2,060,813		6,677		2,988		(22,546)		285		286
	458,682		70		(2,102)		119,378		(146)		47,815
	2,059,673		5,187		5,145		149,982		2,045		151,289
	4,579,168		11,934		6,031		246,814		2,184		199,390
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	4,579,168		11,934		6,031		246,814		2,184		199,390
	13,456,822		430,017		175,988		1,108,866		2,230		383,565
	(266,113)		(163)		(33)		(314)		(67)		(1,307)
	(63,100)		(148)		(3)		(328)		—		(96)
	(13,756,596)		(20,365)		(1,077)		(46,560)		—		(48,571)
	(1,420,473)		—		—		(272)		—		(14,722)
	(3,293,498)		(704)		(462)		(23,536)		(1,440)		(3,131)
	(5,746,055)		(49,873)		(809,226)		(806,943)		(4,936)		(110,926)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(11,089,013)		358,764		(634,813)		230,913		(4,213)		204,812
	(6,509,845)		370,698		(628,782)		477,727		(2,029)		404,202
$	131,734,442	$	592,125	$	302,233	$	2,725,902	$	40,426	$	1,323,534

61

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value Class B Division		Diversified Balanced Class 1 Division (1)
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	952,631	$	—
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(12,467)		—
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		72,261		—
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		84,838		—
	Net gains (losses) on investments		144,632		—
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			144,632		—
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		301,455		—
	Administration charges		(194)		—
	Contingent sales charges		(230)		—
	Contract terminations		(23,642)		—
	Death benefit payments		(12,282)		—
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(5,620)		—
	Transfers to other contracts		(199,880)		—
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			59,607		—
Total increase (decrease)			204,239		—
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			1,156,870		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(13,042)		243,513
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		20,094		400,980
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		91,694		824,378
	Net gains (losses) on investments		98,746		1,468,871
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			98,746		1,468,871
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		161,986		28,019,830
	Administration charges		(366)		(6,118)
	Contingent sales charges		(210)		(735)
	Contract terminations		(28,048)		(1,480,623)
	Death benefit payments		—		(115,635)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(5,921)		(296,164)
	Transfers to other contracts		(141,171)		(392,488)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(13,730)		25,728,067
Total increase (decrease)			85,016		27,196,938
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	1,241,886	$	27,196,938
(1) Commenced operations May 26, 2017. (2) Commenced operations April 4, 2017. See accompanying notes.

62

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Diversified Balanced Class 2 Division		Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Class 2 Division		Diversified Balanced Volatility Control Class 2 Division (2)		Diversified Growth Class 2 Division		Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Class 2 Division		Diversified Growth Volatility Control Class 2 Division (2)
$	1,030,996,862	$	138,377,896	$	—	$	3,202,277,009	$	252,642,046	$	—
	(2,093,248)		(1,132,429)		—		(6,217,015)		(2,385,120)		—
	25,523,263		1,490,559		—		62,576,355		2,893,813		—
	32,597,740		6,945,344		—		163,417,887		16,589,135		—
	56,027,755		7,303,474		—		219,777,227		17,097,828		—
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	56,027,755		7,303,474		—		219,777,227		17,097,828		—
	132,420,776		40,076,309		—		434,075,589		68,160,816		—
	(8,228,133)		(1,323,186)		—		(26,730,115)		(2,280,562)		—
	(469,629)		(61,897)		—		(1,158,329)		(103,683)		—
	(40,601,783)		(4,851,867)		—		(100,595,454)		(6,258,029)		—
	(5,462,618)		(649,784)		—		(10,914,082)		(949,384)		—
	(19,057,843)		(2,577,154)		—		(43,786,714)		(2,709,192)		—
	(45,863,486)		(7,570,438)		—		(83,703,198)		(11,986,760)		—
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	12,737,284		23,041,983		—		167,187,697		43,873,206		—
	68,765,039		30,345,457		—		386,964,924		60,971,034		—
	1,099,761,901		168,723,353		—		3,589,241,933		313,613,080		—
	(712,679)		(250,949)		(174,597)		(2,614,472)		(661,789)		(814,945)
	46,807,023		3,032,898		29,841		141,113,779		6,401,403		20,891
	58,826,703		12,868,839		1,345,675		310,919,366		31,745,758		7,796,559
	104,921,047		15,650,788		1,200,919		449,418,673		37,485,372		7,002,505
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	104,921,047		15,650,788		1,200,919		449,418,673		37,485,372		7,002,505
	66,283,201		17,124,060		35,716,554		229,577,810		36,070,872		167,237,045
	(11,326,797)		(1,979,909)		(72,452)		(38,648,111)		(3,524,313)		(346,003)
	(484,481)		(56,088)		(385)		(1,188,333)		(101,161)		(2,452)
	(59,112,264)		(5,596,522)		(43,991)		(148,435,318)		(11,719,785)		(279,952)
	(4,056,921)		(1,021,758)		—		(9,731,353)		(402,009)		—
	(22,153,297)		(3,252,207)		(37,062)		(53,166,873)		(3,806,172)		(249,903)
	(42,740,288)		(8,514,858)		(224,476)		(70,177,985)		(12,661,407)		(1,662,470)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(73,590,847)		(3,297,282)		35,338,188		(91,770,163)		3,856,025		164,696,265
	31,330,200		12,353,506		36,539,107		357,648,510		41,341,397		171,698,770
$	1,131,092,101	$	181,076,859	$	36,539,107	$	3,946,890,443	$	354,954,477	$	171,698,770

63

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		Diversified Income Class 2 Division		Diversified International Class 1 Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	198,790,685	$	136,018,971
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(943,501)		1,261,720
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		4,677,139		3,957,572
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		5,024,183		(6,592,841)
	Net gains (losses) on investments		8,757,821		(1,373,549)
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			8,757,821		(1,373,549)
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		93,616,168		7,001,303
	Administration charges		(1,765,980)		(77,340)
	Contingent sales charges		(159,272)		(63,815)
	Contract terminations		(12,828,604)		(13,035,888)
	Death benefit payments		(129,478)		(831,765)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(3,721,060)		(1,629,403)
	Transfers to other contracts		(28,537,204)		(8,027,846)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			46,474,570		(16,664,754)
Total increase (decrease)			55,232,391		(18,038,303)
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			254,023,076		117,980,668
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(85,782)		647,629
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		8,254,930		6,370,866
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		9,741,974		23,491,720
	Net gains (losses) on investments		17,911,122		30,510,215
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			17,911,122		30,510,215
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		62,591,445		5,122,434
	Administration charges		(2,637,115)		(84,072)
	Contingent sales charges		(153,159)		(45,853)
	Contract terminations		(18,567,485)		(13,041,299)
	Death benefit payments		(1,178,863)		(1,098,673)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(4,589,326)		(1,472,503)
	Transfers to other contracts		(39,222,833)		(6,684,864)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(3,757,336)		(17,304,830)
Total increase (decrease)			14,153,786		13,205,385
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	268,176,862	$	131,186,053
See accompanying notes.

64

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Diversified International Class 2 Division		Dreyfus IP MidCap Stock Service Shares Division		Dreyfus IP Technology Growth Service Shares Division		Equity Income Class 1 Division		Equity Income Class 2 Division		Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class Division
$	210,196	$	43,675	$	6,205,084	$	207,673,737	$	1,006,029	$	42,170,547
	1,842		(1,366)		(94,571)		2,583,057		14,702		(236,857)
	(1,609)		20,692		528,890		20,702,273		53,650		4,342,169
	(1,448)		7,218		(249,360)		3,016,984		76,221		(1,686,160)
	(1,215)		26,544		184,959		26,302,314		144,573		2,419,152
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(1,215)		26,544		184,959		26,302,314		144,573		2,419,152
	17,737		367,755		1,550,335		12,154,857		345,840		1,015,304
	(316)		(103)		(450)		(518,145)		(1,020)		(6,704)
	(50)		(98)		(6,064)		(153,660)		(172)		(3,835)
	(26,605)		(52,398)		(529,837)		(17,901,867)		(91,541)		(3,672,589)
	—		—		(2,801)		(1,616,359)		—		(95,353)
	—		—		(51,908)		(5,614,159)		(12,885)		(511,071)
	(2,299)		(280,261)		(884,935)		(21,525,868)		(127,882)		(1,923,053)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(11,533)		34,895		74,340		(35,175,201)		112,340		(5,197,301)
	(12,748)		61,439		259,299		(8,872,887)		256,913		(2,778,149)
	197,448		105,114		6,464,383		198,800,850		1,262,942		39,392,398
	2,858		(566)		(125,726)		1,613,686		17,129		(163,922)
	2,560		3,451		587,093		22,556,426		101,396		3,860,581
	67,665		14,996		2,230,415		10,408,628		201,731		3,803,807
	73,083		17,881		2,691,782		34,578,740		320,256		7,500,466
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	73,083		17,881		2,691,782		34,578,740		320,256		7,500,466
	546,024		52,734		3,058,657		5,804,400		1,073,757		974,749
	(444)		(157)		(932)		(578,167)		(1,826)		(7,046)
	(114)		(20)		(2,025)		(128,009)		(120)		(3,039)
	(61,122)		(10,731)		(256,281)		(19,922,685)		(57,629)		(3,858,513)
	(20,504)		—		(24,342)		(1,655,525)		—		(274,416)
	(817)		(2,094)		(73,471)		(5,239,438)		(16,670)		(455,139)
	(49,355)		(929)		(1,603,544)		(14,106,158)		(72,696)		(1,320,502)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	413,668		38,803		1,098,062		(35,825,582)		924,816		(4,943,906)
	486,751		56,684		3,789,844		(1,246,842)		1,245,072		2,556,560
$	684,199	$	161,798	$	10,254,227	$	197,554,008	$	2,508,014	$	41,948,958

65

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2 Division		Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Service Class 2 Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	50,809,499	$	31,471,745
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(400,870)		215,888
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		6,917,824		1,765,302
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		(3,667,574)		2,603,294
	Net gains (losses) on investments		2,849,380		4,584,484
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			2,849,380		4,584,484
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		5,034,122		2,140,402
	Administration charges		(71,995)		(4,595)
	Contingent sales charges		(49,879)		(20,786)
	Contract terminations		(4,538,646)		(3,990,962)
	Death benefit payments		(191,142)		(159,385)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(748,048)		(363,821)
	Transfers to other contracts		(4,884,812)		(2,027,297)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(5,450,400)		(4,426,444)
Total increase (decrease)			(2,601,020)		158,040
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			48,208,479		31,629,785
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(327,204)		44,249
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		6,255,278		858,992
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		3,172,919		2,418,651
	Net gains (losses) on investments		9,100,993		3,321,892
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			9,100,993		3,321,892
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		4,172,898		1,497,158
	Administration charges		(85,156)		(5,448)
	Contingent sales charges		(38,594)		(9,180)
	Contract terminations		(4,964,472)		(2,815,374)
	Death benefit payments		(133,079)		(128,976)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(704,486)		(349,434)
	Transfers to other contracts		(2,993,924)		(1,262,752)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(4,746,813)		(3,074,006)
Total increase (decrease)			4,354,180		247,886
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	52,562,659	$	31,877,671
(1) Commenced operations February 8, 2016. See accompanying notes.

66

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Initial Class Division (1)		Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Service Class Division (1)		Fidelity VIP Growth Service Class Division		Fidelity VIP Growth Service Class 2 Division		Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class Division		Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class 2 Division
$	—	$	—	$	14,192,952	$	9,985,318	$	69,447	$	19,266,260
	(364,883)		(27,445)		(166,478)		(135,354)		(1,639)		(227,238)
	—		1		2,018,084		1,678,730		3,654		1,329,970
	—		—		(1,987,894)		(1,648,216)		63,348		984,040
	(364,883)		(27,444)		(136,288)		(104,840)		65,363		2,086,772
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(364,883)		(27,444)		(136,288)		(104,840)		65,363		2,086,772
	77,663,254		7,084,731		699,700		1,472,598		428,662		4,075,097
	(25,563)		(1,065)		(2,288)		(1,037)		—		(2,504)
	(38,033)		(542)		(1,836)		(9,324)		—		(15,746)
	(6,472,581)		(289,060)		(1,758,421)		(814,732)		—		(1,417,715)
	(233,976)		—		(79,249)		(46,249)		—		(35,663)
	(708,242)		(2)		(125,211)		(56,569)		—		(122,367)
	(22,369,989)		(2,901,863)		(810,253)		(1,564,534)		—		(2,494,883)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	47,814,870		3,892,199		(2,077,558)		(1,019,847)		428,662		(13,781)
	47,449,987		3,864,755		(2,213,846)		(1,124,687)		494,025		2,072,991
	47,449,987		3,864,755		11,979,106		8,860,631		563,472		21,339,251
	(237,803)		(29,050)		(161,798)		(145,418)		(1,959)		(222,476)
	—		—		1,589,025		1,310,806		27,096		1,207,601
	(54)		—		2,440,232		1,755,162		85,105		3,105,502
	(237,857)		(29,050)		3,867,459		2,920,550		110,242		4,090,627
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(237,857)		(29,050)		3,867,459		2,920,550		110,242		4,090,627
	18,297,216		7,553,914		830,295		1,377,786		—		3,665,387
	(35,966)		(2,782)		(3,331)		(1,409)		—		(3,428)
	(51,350)		(11,310)		(827)		(7,672)		—		(13,739)
	(12,205,023)		(3,838,092)		(1,050,374)		(970,868)		—		(1,749,080)
	(378,959)		—		(84,213)		(33,930)		—		(23,514)
	(852,006)		(121)		(126,715)		(67,908)		—		(141,431)
	(17,466,559)		(4,453,311)		(453,055)		(528,942)		—		(1,166,435)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(12,692,647)		(751,702)		(888,220)		(232,943)		—		567,760
	(12,930,504)		(780,752)		2,979,239		2,687,607		110,242		4,658,387
$	34,519,483	$	3,084,003	$	14,958,345	$	11,548,238	$	673,714	$	25,997,638

67

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		Fidelity VIP Overseas Service Class 2 Division		Franklin Global Real Estate VIP Class 2 Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	31,476,924	$	496,713
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(71,305)		(727)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		1,081,611		1,124
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		(3,010,806)		(6,874)
	Net gains (losses) on investments		(2,000,500)		(6,477)
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			(2,000,500)		(6,477)
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		4,799,820		212,249
	Administration charges		(83,811)		(482)
	Contingent sales charges		(29,831)		(83)
	Contract terminations		(2,676,594)		(20,222)
	Death benefit payments		(201,398)		—
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(771,973)		(196)
	Transfers to other contracts		(4,199,982)		(68,991)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(3,163,769)		122,275
Total increase (decrease)			(5,164,269)		115,798
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			26,312,655		612,511
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(74,667)		11,192
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		2,060,633		556
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		4,987,065		43,611
	Net gains (losses) on investments		6,973,031		55,359
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			6,973,031		55,359
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		2,756,586		114,302
	Administration charges		(94,845)		(586)
	Contingent sales charges		(25,112)		(156)
	Contract terminations		(3,200,078)		(26,514)
	Death benefit payments		(232,520)		—
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(707,261)		(391)
	Transfers to other contracts		(3,334,268)		(39,297)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(4,837,498)		47,358
Total increase (decrease)			2,135,533		102,717
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	28,448,188	$	715,228
See accompanying notes.

68

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Franklin Rising Dividends VIP Class 4 Division		Franklin Small Cap Value VIP Class 2 Division		Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value Institutional Shares Division		Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value Service Shares Division		Goldman Sachs VIT Multi-Strategy Alternatives Portfolio Service Shares Division		Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights Institutional Shares Division
$	469,916	$	3,252,241	$	14,901,640	$	468,946	$	12,179	$	6,193,049
	(335)		(26,222)		(16,557)		(1,127)		(122)		(16,236)
	40,605		481,751		193,924		(34,465)		(418)		185,703
	36,118		520,702		1,387,312		88,776		534		1,052,343
	76,388		976,231		1,564,679		53,184		(6)		1,221,810
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	76,388		976,231		1,564,679		53,184		(6)		1,221,810
	374,688		2,056,174		1,310,201		100,319		608		718,509
	(679)		(184)		(762)		(267)		—		(97)
	(122)		(1,383)		(19,263)		(161)		(20)		(5,226)
	(65,351)		(147,666)		(1,687,858)		(85,986)		(10,621)		(460,589)
	—		(17,439)		(71,312)		—		—		(29,277)
	(5,369)		(22,587)		(111,099)		—		(1,600)		(45,462)
	(41,884)		(565,950)		(1,669,821)		(77,413)		(540)		(674,757)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	261,283		1,300,965		(2,249,914)		(63,508)		(12,173)		(496,899)
	337,671		2,277,196		(685,235)		(10,324)		(12,179)		724,911
	807,587		5,529,437		14,216,405		458,622		—		6,917,960
	1,911		(46,516)		(96,697)		(3,873)		22		(59,931)
	26,214		113,984		1,503,920		24,465		—		896,498
	148,110		348,953		(171,231)		25,721		(1)		(199,509)
	176,235		416,421		1,235,992		46,313		21		637,058
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	176,235		416,421		1,235,992		46,313		21		637,058
	484,132		828,455		978,196		101,775		1,519		423,828
	(1,254)		(148)		(604)		(422)		—		(100)
	(176)		(3,087)		(15,912)		(111)		—		(3,567)
	(56,004)		(410,557)		(2,020,242)		(29,362)		—		(453,567)
	(28,884)		(6,517)		(62,059)		—		—		(14,966)
	(903)		(24,001)		(101,929)		(500)		—		(52,226)
	(42,098)		(1,432,819)		(715,903)		(18,151)		—		(602,459)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	354,813		(1,048,674)		(1,938,453)		53,229		1,519		(703,057)
	531,048		(632,253)		(702,461)		99,542		1,540		(65,999)
$	1,338,635	$	4,897,184	$	13,513,944	$	558,164	$	1,540	$	6,851,961

69

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights Service Shares Division		Government & High Quality Bond Class 1 Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	107,122	$	121,664,052
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(1,943)		2,544,025
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		15,911		(422,316)
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		32,643		(1,398,353)
	Net gains (losses) on investments		46,611		723,356
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			46,611		723,356
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		222,347		12,945,849
	Administration charges		(68)		(128,846)
	Contingent sales charges		(8)		(50,828)
	Contract terminations		(4,268)		(10,834,964)
	Death benefit payments		—		(1,319,167)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		—		(2,734,786)
	Transfers to other contracts		(272,750)		(10,230,665)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(54,747)		(12,353,407)
Total increase (decrease)			(8,136)		(11,630,051)
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			98,986		110,034,001
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(1,029)		2,717,386
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		23,032		(1,074,041)
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		(4,729)		(1,046,629)
	Net gains (losses) on investments		17,274		596,716
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			17,274		596,716
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		83,591		9,824,226
	Administration charges		(132)		(139,581)
	Contingent sales charges		(3)		(40,299)
	Contract terminations		(1,373)		(11,143,845)
	Death benefit payments		—		(1,580,573)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		—		(2,424,802)
	Transfers to other contracts		(11,582)		(6,877,916)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			70,501		(12,382,790)
Total increase (decrease)			87,775		(11,786,074)
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	186,761	$	98,247,927
See accompanying notes.

70

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Government & High Quality Bond Class 2 Division		Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Series F Division		Guggenheim Investments Global Managed Futures Strategy Division		Guggenheim Investments Long Short Equity Division		Guggenheim Investments Multi-Hedge Strategies Division		Income Class 1 Division
$	1,002,555	$	787,211	$	114,058	$	177,354	$	87,800	$	582,115
	36,290		40,136		2,620		(1,954)		(2,230)		80,325
	(15,444)		(2,717)		(9,626)		(2,657)		(100)		(8,309)
	(21,520)		30,925		(14,440)		2,294		(642)		(40,355)
	(674)		68,344		(21,446)		(2,317)		(2,972)		31,661
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(674)		68,344		(21,446)		(2,317)		(2,972)		31,661
	840,772		936,451		95,911		53,783		388,569		4,564,533
	(1,444)		(183)		(103)		(86)		(77)		(30)
	(222)		(398)		(36)		(205)		(30)		(469)
	(118,258)		(39,333)		(17,963)		(34,024)		(2,883)		(45,957)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(20,711)		(5,706)		(622)		(349)		(628)		(15,251)
	(359,710)		(148,485)		(26,387)		(67,201)		(31,656)		(447,260)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	340,427		742,346		50,800		(48,082)		353,295		4,055,566
	339,753		810,690		29,354		(50,399)		350,323		4,087,227
	1,342,308		1,597,901		143,412		126,955		438,123		4,669,342
	38,666		29,872		246		(1,219)		(6,627)		142,155
	(20,989)		4,226		(12,371)		1,033		(54)		11,340
	(14,676)		4,375		20,325		16,581		17,859		12,096
	3,001		38,473		8,200		16,395		11,178		165,591
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	3,001		38,473		8,200		16,395		11,178		165,591
	379,704		1,270,254		6,003		20,793		109,466		1,457,057
	(1,708)		(276)		(97)		(113)		(99)		(60)
	(414)		(455)		(49)		(13)		(15)		(992)
	(163,498)		(72,228)		(9,739)		(6,712)		(6,963)		(206,965)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(30,284)		(12,296)		(216)		(218)		(550)		(29,313)
	(114,641)		(996,053)		(29,612)		(16,158)		(14,507)		(962,977)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	69,159		188,946		(33,710)		(2,421)		87,332		256,750
	72,160		227,419		(25,510)		13,974		98,510		422,341
$	1,414,468	$	1,825,320	$	117,902	$	140,929	$	536,633	$	5,091,683

71

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		Income Class 2 Division		International Emerging Markets Class 1 Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	17,265	$	50,664,749
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		24,285		(106,566)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		2,263		(2,157,544)
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		(12,937)		6,218,114
	Net gains (losses) on investments		13,611		3,954,004
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			13,611		3,954,004
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		808,880		5,631,951
	Administration charges		(167)		(6,073)
	Contingent sales charges		(122)		(33,604)
	Contract terminations		(65,141)		(4,908,619)
	Death benefit payments		—		(149,899)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		—		(401,324)
	Transfers to other contracts		(328,597)		(5,325,111)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			414,853		(5,192,679)
Total increase (decrease)			428,464		(1,238,675)
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			445,729		49,426,074
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		23,642		(61,290)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		(7,434)		2,120,938
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		3,443		16,092,740
	Net gains (losses) on investments		19,651		18,152,388
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			19,651		18,152,388
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		615,281		5,360,398
	Administration charges		(367)		(8,077)
	Contingent sales charges		(84)		(29,711)
	Contract terminations		(44,804)		(5,602,342)
	Death benefit payments		—		(413,958)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(882)		(410,480)
	Transfers to other contracts		(174,519)		(6,721,549)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			394,625		(7,825,719)
Total increase (decrease)			414,276		10,326,669
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	860,005	$	59,752,743
See accompanying notes.

72

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
International Emerging Markets Class 2 Division		Invesco American Franchise Series I Division		Invesco Balanced-Risk Allocation Series II Division		Invesco Core Equity Series I Division		Invesco Global Health Care Series I Division		Invesco Global Health Care Series II Division
$	33,123	$	4,368,724	$	191,276	$	17,819,731	$	10,562,192	$	814,219
	(83)		(51,809)		(2,252)		(95,527)		(108,354)		(12,544)
	(370)		606,828		(8,035)		1,868,642		2,185,655		(44,426)
	4,581		(534,066)		27,433		(302,595)		(3,382,595)		(24,204)
	4,128		20,953		17,146		1,470,520		(1,305,294)		(81,174)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	4,128		20,953		17,146		1,470,520		(1,305,294)		(81,174)
	80,229		227,267		38,699		269,066		960,088		644,324
	(15)		(792)		(202)		(2,576)		(1,431)		(1,130)
	(1)		(342)		(38)		(1,653)		(965)		(174)
	(285)		(327,484)		(20,247)		(1,582,706)		(890,867)		(92,631)
	—		(39,460)		(3,241)		(123,721)		(7,403)		—
	—		(49,134)		—		(257,193)		(118,787)		(2,472)
	(1,927)		(322,127)		(20,453)		(691,778)		(1,721,008)		(518,881)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	78,001		(512,072)		(5,482)		(2,390,561)		(1,780,373)		29,036
	82,129		(491,119)		11,664		(920,041)		(3,085,667)		(52,138)
	115,252		3,877,605		202,940		16,899,690		7,476,525		762,081
	1,596		(52,793)		6,438		(46,444)		(72,280)		(10,905)
	7,837		590,152		11,638		1,561,035		722,137		29,261
	97,757		429,012		1,436		345,440		365,545		89,315
	107,190		966,371		19,512		1,860,031		1,015,402		107,671
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	107,190		966,371		19,512		1,860,031		1,015,402		107,671
	796,825		186,130		50,641		445,239		583,929		271,202
	(269)		(911)		(263)		(2,404)		(1,255)		(1,838)
	(16)		(251)		(9)		(1,327)		(676)		(113)
	(1,929)		(319,284)		(4,991)		(1,684,725)		(779,136)		(55,964)
	—		(96,495)		—		(135,720)		(50,348)		—
	(407)		(62,613)		—		(227,731)		(106,354)		(1,749)
	(81,904)		(82,718)		(1,558)		(389,060)		(680,299)		(53,377)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	712,300		(376,142)		43,820		(1,995,728)		(1,034,139)		158,161
	819,490		590,229		63,332		(135,697)		(18,737)		265,832
$	934,742	$	4,467,834	$	266,272	$	16,763,993	$	7,457,788	$	1,027,913

73

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		Invesco International Growth Series I Division		Invesco International Growth Series II Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	10,160,725	$	428,869
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(6,164)		(95)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		134,570		(6,563)
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		(308,118)		(1,775)
	Net gains (losses) on investments		(179,712)		(8,433)
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			(179,712)		(8,433)
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		1,255,781		112,664
	Administration charges		(14,193)		(330)
	Contingent sales charges		(5,861)		(57)
	Contract terminations		(512,127)		(30,326)
	Death benefit payments		—		—
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(90,171)		(1,211)
	Transfers to other contracts		(1,142,086)		(83,227)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(508,657)		(2,487)
Total increase (decrease)			(688,369)		(10,920)
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			9,472,356		417,949
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(3,595)		1,019
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		625,792		2,425
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		1,265,162		96,580
	Net gains (losses) on investments		1,887,359		100,024
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			1,887,359		100,024
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		763,895		193,118
	Administration charges		(15,793)		(484)
	Contingent sales charges		(8,974)		(134)
	Contract terminations		(1,135,706)		(11,629)
	Death benefit payments		(22,127)		—
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(94,815)		(7,154)
	Transfers to other contracts		(1,318,589)		(26,474)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(1,832,109)		147,243
Total increase (decrease)			55,250		247,267
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	9,527,606	$	665,216
(1) Represented the operations of Janus Aspen Enterprise Service Shares Division until May 13, 2017. (2) Represented the operations of Janus Aspen Flexible Bond Service Shares Division until May 13, 2017. See accompanying notes.

74

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Invesco Mid Cap Growth Series I Division		Invesco Small Cap Equity Series I Division		Invesco Technology Series I Division		Invesco Value Opportunities Series I Division		Janus Henderson Enterprise Service Shares Division (1)		Janus Henderson Flexible Bond Service Shares Division (2)
$	1,594,437	$	7,927,985	$	3,452,392	$	4,445,303	$	8,794,398	$	796,255
	(17,252)		(107,865)		(38,414)		(44,844)		(50,529)		17,893
	707,513		480,442		238,954		1,421,247		1,389,778		(2,026)
	(712,657)		369,136		(293,796)		(698,104)		(470,216)		(39,047)
	(22,396)		741,713		(93,256)		678,299		869,033		(23,180)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(22,396)		741,713		(93,256)		678,299		869,033		(23,180)
	116,897		693,365		254,175		566,629		513,772		1,409,114
	(190)		(6,994)		(184)		(11,622)		(2,549)		(597)
	(179)		(4,767)		(353)		(4,890)		(913)		(194)
	(171,013)		(632,953)		(337,928)		(427,264)		(874,415)		(95,375)
	(7,066)		(46,030)		(4,743)		(20,660)		(20,601)		(3,184)
	(18,254)		(94,515)		(33,569)		(73,940)		(60,097)		(4,108)
	(390,288)		(877,838)		(546,756)		(593,505)		(522,172)		(145,591)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(470,093)		(969,732)		(669,358)		(565,252)		(966,975)		1,160,065
	(492,489)		(228,019)		(762,614)		113,047		(97,942)		1,136,885
	1,101,948		7,699,966		2,689,778		4,558,350		8,696,456		1,933,140
	(15,353)		(110,489)		(43,440)		(46,386)		(71,517)		26,446
	182,604		543,883		318,145		82,415		1,545,432		(9,552)
	54,010		478,000		625,794		605,470		615,286		21,710
	221,261		911,394		900,499		641,499		2,089,201		38,604
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	221,261		911,394		900,499		641,499		2,089,201		38,604
	181,711		553,725		794,665		246,797		459,960		600,924
	(206)		(8,981)		(282)		(13,604)		(2,435)		(919)
	(149)		(3,804)		(277)		(3,230)		(767)		(280)
	(188,862)		(671,080)		(351,498)		(408,710)		(973,844)		(97,126)
	—		(1,309)		(29,135)		(19,482)		(18,522)		—
	(17,099)		(102,338)		(45,325)		(66,970)		(61,674)		(14,781)
	(89,720)		(523,029)		(266,170)		(549,771)		(413,079)		(294,919)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(114,325)		(756,816)		101,978		(814,970)		(1,010,361)		192,899
	106,936		154,578		1,002,477		(173,471)		1,078,840		231,503
$	1,208,884	$	7,854,544	$	3,692,255	$	4,384,879	$	9,775,296	$	2,164,643

75

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		LargeCap Growth Class 1 Division		LargeCap Growth Class 2 Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	49,543,081	$	442,067
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(437,826)		(5,089)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		2,836,336		(13,002)
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		(5,445,756)		(5,229)
	Net gains (losses) on investments		(3,047,246)		(23,320)
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			(3,047,246)		(23,320)
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		3,153,392		361,389
	Administration charges		(29,896)		(397)
	Contingent sales charges		(18,266)		(380)
	Contract terminations		(5,859,745)		(202,634)
	Death benefit payments		(412,469)		—
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(601,898)		(1,910)
	Transfers to other contracts		(2,405,065)		(267,460)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(6,173,947)		(111,392)
Total increase (decrease)			(9,221,193)		(134,712)
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			40,321,888		307,355
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(396,229)		(4,483)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		2,946,872		9,579
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		10,242,408		111,167
	Net gains (losses) on investments		12,793,051		116,263
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			12,793,051		116,263
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		2,112,519		314,906
	Administration charges		(32,062)		(674)
	Contingent sales charges		(9,197)		(59)
	Contract terminations		(3,783,753)		(31,436)
	Death benefit payments		(382,142)		—
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(575,641)		(3,816)
	Transfers to other contracts		(2,073,598)		(21,027)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(4,743,874)		257,894
Total increase (decrease)			8,049,177		374,157
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	48,371,065	$	681,512
See accompanying notes.

76

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
LargeCap Growth I Class 1 Division		LargeCap Growth I Class 2 Division		LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 1 Division		LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 2 Division		LargeCap Value Class 1 Division		LargeCap Value Class 2 Division
$	105,641,855	$	490,954	$	92,317,286	$	150,988	$	79,222,760	$	10,361
	(1,281,333)		(4,186)		313,646		3,011		512,620		35
	11,991,263		(45,672)		8,550,924		17,020		2,124,394		377
	(10,989,531)		63,377		(188,275)		23,392		2,046,436		1,656
	(279,601)		13,519		8,676,295		43,423		4,683,450		2,068
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(279,601)		13,519		8,676,295		43,423		4,683,450		2,068
	4,625,058		399,572		8,574,568		726,822		3,914,255		43,482
	(27,091)		(136)		(46,340)		(275)		(47,430)		(26)
	(22,438)		(19)		(39,864)		(191)		(26,555)		—
	(8,379,317)		(9,938)		(7,620,120)		(101,879)		(8,144,463)		(179)
	(874,187)		—		(788,537)		—		(1,079,842)		—
	(988,357)		(232)		(1,209,170)		(877)		(1,090,972)		—
	(5,175,177)		(766,594)		(6,993,776)		(52,034)		(2,926,955)		(83)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(10,841,509)		(377,347)		(8,123,239)		571,566		(9,401,962)		43,194
	(11,121,110)		(363,828)		553,056		614,989		(4,718,512)		45,262
	94,520,745		127,126		92,870,342		765,977		74,504,248		55,623
	(1,343,021)		(4,266)		333,061		17,881		570,037		1,668
	10,107,471		26,229		8,176,820		71,064		4,910,994		9,588
	20,061,177		65,761		9,376,808		252,908		5,157,100		14,505
	28,825,627		87,724		17,886,689		341,853		10,638,131		25,761
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	28,825,627		87,724		17,886,689		341,853		10,638,131		25,761
	3,325,404		518,780		8,528,674		2,320,602		2,030,162		245,227
	(28,376)		(453)		(51,674)		(1,452)		(55,180)		(191)
	(22,554)		(30)		(32,551)		(2,698)		(12,254)		(1)
	(8,760,176)		(15,889)		(8,327,175)		(132,036)		(6,284,281)		(546)
	(567,145)		—		(286,337)		(6,415)		(564,285)		—
	(1,033,184)		(970)		(1,269,966)		(4,440)		(1,046,592)		(1,200)
	(4,096,406)		(13,827)		(4,927,180)		(46,348)		(2,236,620)		(99)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(11,182,437)		487,611		(6,366,209)		2,127,213		(8,169,050)		243,190
	17,643,190		575,335		11,520,480		2,469,066		2,469,081		268,951
$	112,163,935	$	702,461	$	104,390,822	$	3,235,043	$	76,973,329	$	324,574

77

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		MFS International Value Service Class Division		MFS New Discovery Service Class Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	1,563,353	$	1,253,361
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		1,128		(14,581)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		75,712		(86,098)
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		(3,909)		141,978
	Net gains (losses) on investments		72,931		41,299
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			72,931		41,299
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		2,655,953		234,923
	Administration charges		(613)		(89)
	Contingent sales charges		(224)		(411)
	Contract terminations		(43,572)		(72,390)
	Death benefit payments		—		(11,065)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(20,711)		(13,223)
	Transfers to other contracts		(919,373)		(401,098)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			1,671,460		(263,353)
Total increase (decrease)			1,744,391		(222,054)
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			3,307,744		1,031,307
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		7,433		(17,026)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		221,878		16,349
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		865,803		263,843
	Net gains (losses) on investments		1,095,114		263,166
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			1,095,114		263,166
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		3,850,283		303,618
	Administration charges		(1,250)		(127)
	Contingent sales charges		(1,094)		(314)
	Contract terminations		(288,046)		(39,867)
	Death benefit payments		—		—
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(35,757)		(21,395)
	Transfers to other contracts		(1,229,260)		(39,340)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			2,294,876		202,575
Total increase (decrease)			3,389,990		465,741
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	6,697,734	$	1,497,048
(1) Commenced operations May 23, 2016. See accompanying notes.

78

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
MFS Utilities Service Class Division		MFS Value Service Class Division		MidCap Class 1 Division		Multi-Asset Income Class 1 Division (1)		Multi-Asset Income Class 2 Division (1)		Neuberger Berman AMT Large Cap Value Class I Division
$	10,898,121	$	5,167,926	$	339,892,141	$	—	$	—	$	4,047,878
	265,030		18,843		(2,948,315)		(618)		—		(27,525)
	(74,483)		700,798		76,313,465		(74)		—		582,370
	805,522		(77,828)		(45,577,816)		645		—		421,981
	996,069		641,813		27,787,334		(47)		—		976,826
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	996,069		641,813		27,787,334		(47)		—		976,826
	2,685,902		1,860,590		12,388,654		210,380		—		998,272
	(1,401)		(186)		(273,416)		—		—		(860)
	(9,677)		(3,479)		(129,138)		(21)		—		(7,057)
	(1,073,751)		(304,020)		(29,521,158)		(19,979)		—		(616,620)
	(13,740)		—		(2,175,286)		—		—		(6,890)
	(86,362)		(72,709)		(4,686,174)		(590)		—		(18,700)
	(1,565,712)		(1,509,739)		(19,020,230)		(19,316)		—		(380,267)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(64,741)		(29,543)		(43,416,748)		170,474		—		(32,122)
	931,328		612,270		(15,629,414)		170,427		—		944,704
	11,829,449		5,780,196		324,262,727		170,427		—		4,992,582
	351,510		15,082		(2,607,109)		530		(1)		(40,734)
	(113,320)		369,630		44,640,452		1,617		—		428,225
	1,283,547		489,048		30,724,255		13,675		49		124,352
	1,521,737		873,760		72,757,598		15,822		48		511,843
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	1,521,737		873,760		72,757,598		15,822		48		511,843
	1,769,494		1,075,241		11,283,093		7,429		13,763		231,916
	(1,790)		(335)		(295,954)		(30)		—		(853)
	(8,035)		(4,924)		(110,634)		(2)		—		(3,936)
	(1,034,106)		(623,142)		(31,046,790)		(260)		—		(498,069)
	(6,057)		—		(2,400,922)		—		—		(39,092)
	(105,114)		(68,910)		(4,723,769)		(3,482)		—		(20,802)
	(689,574)		(792,978)		(17,878,139)		(29,067)		—		(611,659)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(75,182)		(415,048)		(45,173,115)		(25,412)		13,763		(942,495)
	1,446,555		458,712		27,584,483		(9,590)		13,811		(430,652)
$	13,276,004	$	6,238,908	$	351,847,210	$	160,837	$	13,811	$	4,561,930

79

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		Neuberger Berman AMT Mid Cap Growth Portfolio Class S Division		Neuberger Berman AMT Socially Responsive Class I Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	2,745,675	$	5,077,342
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(35,449)		(36,291)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		77,355		461,609
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		7,209		(72,636)
	Net gains (losses) on investments		49,115		352,682
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			49,115		352,682
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		395,379		332,815
	Administration charges		(2,481)		(14,813)
	Contingent sales charges		(3,334)		(5,215)
	Contract terminations		(293,323)		(455,656)
	Death benefit payments		—		(11,876)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(22,156)		(118,700)
	Transfers to other contracts		(421,322)		(593,209)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(347,237)		(866,654)
Total increase (decrease)			(298,122)		(513,972)
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			2,447,553		4,563,370
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(35,262)		(41,108)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		84,268		502,769
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		461,386		224,431
	Net gains (losses) on investments		510,392		686,092
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			510,392		686,092
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		360,076		212,616
	Administration charges		(2,469)		(17,542)
	Contingent sales charges		(4,181)		(4,049)
	Contract terminations		(541,181)		(512,387)
	Death benefit payments		(27,665)		(17,222)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(17,781)		(113,367)
	Transfers to other contracts		(126,238)		(442,376)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(359,439)		(894,327)
Total increase (decrease)			150,953		(208,235)
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	2,598,506	$	4,355,135
See accompanying notes.

80

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap Service Shares Division		PIMCO All Asset Administrative Class Division		PIMCO All Asset Advisor Class Division		PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy M Class Division		PIMCO High Yield Administrative Class Division		PIMCO Low Duration Advisor Class Division
$	561,373	$	4,147,238	$	—	$	12,559	$	15,655,710	$	360,732
	(5,910)		44,907		675		(81)		688,459		34
	(22,082)		(210,507)		78		(1,417)		(188,859)		(7,420)
	114,280		591,652		1,215		1,704		1,317,754		6,434
	86,288		426,052		1,968		206		1,817,354		(952)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	86,288		426,052		1,968		206		1,817,354		(952)
	113,601		428,785		51,229		32,342		7,527,227		318,009
	(70)		(118)		(13)		—		(1,252)		(28)
	(54)		(3,614)		—		(11)		(10,958)		(154)
	(51,524)		(315,772)		—		(6,026)		(1,078,729)		(20,162)
	—		(4,170)		—		—		(36,100)		—
	(2,355)		(50,188)		—		(800)		(228,570)		(5,929)
	(151,980)		(790,380)		(511)		(26,541)		(2,328,639)		(336,227)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(92,382)		(735,457)		50,705		(1,036)		3,842,979		(44,491)
	(6,094)		(309,405)		52,673		(830)		5,660,333		(45,443)
	555,279		3,837,833		52,673		11,729		21,316,043		315,289
	(3,797)		116,507		2,593		1,017		767,047		(342)
	32,263		(72,746)		280		(140)		(83,616)		(758)
	39,996		382,628		4,509		(865)		422,031		374
	68,462		426,389		7,382		12		1,105,462		(726)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	68,462		426,389		7,382		12		1,105,462		(726)
	83,556		255,465		38,497		490		3,311,815		226,717
	(108)		(86)		(29)		—		(2,115)		(40)
	(36)		(1,959)		—		—		(10,907)		(188)
	(46,045)		(247,953)		—		—		(1,411,094)		(32,384)
	—		—		—		—		(51,266)		(267)
	(1,202)		(61,170)		—		—		(313,950)		(623)
	(57,779)		(520,218)		(711)		(1,604)		(2,212,594)		(115,308)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(21,614)		(575,921)		37,757		(1,114)		(690,111)		77,907
	46,848		(149,532)		45,139		(1,102)		415,351		77,181
$	602,127	$	3,688,301	$	97,812	$	10,627	$	21,731,394	$	392,470

81

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		PIMCO Total Return Administrative Class Division		Principal Capital Appreciation Class 1 Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	27,066,926	$	116,745,107
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		176,374		(302,590)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		(296,729)		921,499
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		463,639		7,379,260
	Net gains (losses) on investments		343,284		7,998,169
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			343,284		7,998,169
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		3,932,950		7,925,340
	Administration charges		(2,520)		(190,108)
	Contingent sales charges		(21,304)		(76,968)
	Contract terminations		(2,000,572)		(10,028,274)
	Death benefit payments		(152,427)		(1,141,703)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(356,443)		(2,389,609)
	Transfers to other contracts		(2,819,732)		(9,232,571)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(1,420,048)		(15,133,893)
Total increase (decrease)			(1,076,764)		(7,135,724)
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			25,990,162		109,609,383
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		154,001		(152,418)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		(297,195)		2,313,452
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		1,015,550		17,218,286
	Net gains (losses) on investments		872,356		19,379,320
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			872,356		19,379,320
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		4,188,866		4,658,041
	Administration charges		(2,127)		(212,626)
	Contingent sales charges		(21,823)		(67,213)
	Contract terminations		(2,722,149)		(11,215,730)
	Death benefit payments		(33,930)		(764,030)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(428,581)		(2,259,867)
	Transfers to other contracts		(1,826,638)		(6,572,963)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(846,382)		(16,434,388)
Total increase (decrease)			25,974		2,944,932
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	26,016,136	$	112,554,315
See accompanying notes.

82

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Principal Capital Appreciation Class 2 Division		Principal LifeTime 2010 Class 1 Division		Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 1 Division		Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 2 Division		Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 1 Division		Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 2 Division
$	632,233	$	28,520,977	$	117,717,726	$	15,521	$	68,801,944	$	16,387
	(1,114)		200,965		591,619		70		106,401		139
	18,615		1,024,376		4,114,142		453		4,662,850		1,389
	43,982		(179,273)		(30,737)		81		(2,138,404)		879
	61,483		1,046,068		4,675,024		604		2,630,847		2,407
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	61,483		1,046,068		4,675,024		604		2,630,847		2,407
	569,906		2,417,910		9,314,862		464		4,243,168		67,980
	(640)		(73,730)		(425,978)		—		(270,318)		(40)
	(303)		(24,217)		(96,549)		—		(42,186)		—
	(161,426)		(2,330,017)		(9,003,730)		—		(4,133,534)		—
	—		(120,278)		(832,281)		—		(234,898)		—
	(1,874)		(1,163,603)		(3,500,869)		—		(1,068,712)		(945)
	(667,719)		(1,375,525)		(10,083,009)		(460)		(4,961,806)		(3,692)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(262,056)		(2,669,460)		(14,627,554)		4		(6,468,286)		63,303
	(200,573)		(1,623,392)		(9,952,530)		608		(3,837,439)		65,710
	431,660		26,897,585		107,765,196		16,129		64,964,505		82,097
	765		201,320		575,752		3,052		88,547		3,694
	16,032		2,333,106		4,660,759		3,080		2,618,624		8,745
	100,831		(94,688)		8,148,882		16,952		7,533,535		46,998
	117,628		2,439,738		13,385,393		23,084		10,240,706		59,437
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	117,628		2,439,738		13,385,393		23,084		10,240,706		59,437
	544,638		655,192		2,896,540		635,984		8,530,112		772,926
	(1,117)		(81,924)		(493,486)		(120)		(332,634)		(623)
	(127)		(22,565)		(66,066)		(31)		(38,075)		(38)
	(51,854)		(3,261,629)		(9,307,127)		(1,441)		(5,281,538)		(5,280)
	(957)		(158,043)		(88,096)		—		(254,056)		—
	(4,589)		(994,928)		(3,310,281)		—		(1,178,078)		(10,545)
	(36,111)		(1,175,993)		(5,887,743)		(197)		(8,186,305)		(46,221)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	449,883		(5,039,890)		(16,256,259)		634,195		(6,740,574)		710,219
	567,511		(2,600,152)		(2,870,866)		657,279		3,500,132		769,656
$	999,171	$	24,297,433	$	104,894,330	$	673,408	$	68,464,637	$	851,753

83

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 1 Division		Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 2 Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	13,718,518	$	494
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		8,408		(347)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		965,309		1,806
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		(418,422)		1,848
	Net gains (losses) on investments		555,295		3,307
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			555,295		3,307
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		1,245,774		156,906
	Administration charges		(5,015)		(24)
	Contingent sales charges		(12,878)		(75)
	Contract terminations		(1,210,098)		(39,925)
	Death benefit payments		(1,964)		—
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(29,911)		—
	Transfers to other contracts		(373,600)		—
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(387,692)		116,882
Total increase (decrease)			167,603		120,189
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			13,886,121		120,683
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(11,133)		1,070
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		536,684		6,100
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		1,979,817		36,412
	Net gains (losses) on investments		2,505,368		43,582
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			2,505,368		43,582
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		514,288		233,457
	Administration charges		(4,905)		(558)
	Contingent sales charges		(7,905)		(37)
	Contract terminations		(1,081,633)		(19,963)
	Death benefit payments		(154,297)		—
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(29,642)		—
	Transfers to other contracts		(463,308)		(308)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(1,227,402)		212,591
Total increase (decrease)			1,277,966		256,173
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	15,164,087	$	376,856
See accompanying notes.

84

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 1 Division		Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 2 Division		Principal LifeTime Strategic Income Class 1 Division		Real Estate Securities Class 1 Division		Real Estate Securities Class 2 Division		Rydex Basic Materials Division
$	8,936,895	$	25,451	$	17,075,093	$	81,336,745	$	1,732,909	$	—
	(7,877)		50		174,235		7,603		(5,944)		(1,995)
	610,752		1,522		443,415		11,562,947		155,183		4,582
	(258,009)		(5)		(65,598)		(8,121,242)		(152,839)		9,461
	344,866		1,567		552,052		3,449,308		(3,600)		12,048
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	344,866		1,567		552,052		3,449,308		(3,600)		12,048
	879,715		57,094		1,394,726		9,311,718		2,974,820		328,879
	(4,422)		(40)		(35,860)		(19,957)		(1,713)		(6)
	(4,378)		—		(13,270)		(40,585)		(829)		—
	(393,028)		—		(1,285,002)		(7,180,096)		(442,223)		—
	—		—		(183,689)		(710,925)		—		—
	(37,372)		—		(678,789)		(864,282)		(11,618)		—
	(480,280)		(6)		(733,660)		(7,727,991)		(296,676)		(1,062)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(39,765)		57,048		(1,535,544)		(7,232,118)		2,221,761		327,811
	305,101		58,615		(983,492)		(3,782,810)		2,218,161		339,859
	9,241,996		84,066		16,091,601		77,553,935		3,951,070		339,859
	(13,252)		3,611		139,438		274,282		2,145		(2,478)
	252,747		4,202		475,645		10,816,801		82,729		5,093
	1,665,168		61,882		461,286		(5,487,924)		62,286		69,026
	1,904,663		69,695		1,076,369		5,603,159		147,160		71,641
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	1,904,663		69,695		1,076,369		5,603,159		147,160		71,641
	796,107		642,804		1,110,256		5,625,419		820,956		48,152
	(4,214)		(618)		(40,351)		(15,384)		(2,262)		(115)
	(3,614)		(22)		(6,669)		(31,841)		(475)		(6)
	(501,336)		(11,753)		(1,164,080)		(7,500,315)		(253,463)		(2,959)
	—		—		(90,435)		(463,650)		—		—
	(37,286)		—		(606,580)		(788,294)		(15,181)		—
	(109,338)		(6,549)		(1,186,346)		(4,665,404)		(2,111,029)		(16,771)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	140,319		623,862		(1,984,205)		(7,839,469)		(1,561,454)		28,301
	2,044,982		693,557		(907,836)		(2,236,310)		(1,414,294)		99,942
$	11,286,978	$	777,623	$	15,183,765	$	75,317,625	$	2,536,776	$	439,801

85

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		Rydex Commodities Strategy Division		Rydex NASDAQ 100 Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	76,970	$	646,151
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(2,942)		(7,467)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		(4,605)		48,007
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		30,537		(19,101)
	Net gains (losses) on investments		22,990		21,439
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			22,990		21,439
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		414,915		128,092
	Administration charges		(7)		(773)
	Contingent sales charges		(1,241)		(56)
	Contract terminations		(108,430)		(29,816)
	Death benefit payments		—		—
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(383)		(1,992)
	Transfers to other contracts		(135,184)		(181,953)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			169,670		(86,498)
Total increase (decrease)			192,660		(65,059)
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			269,630		581,092
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(4,211)		(10,804)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		(3,731)		65,436
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		12,981		146,284
	Net gains (losses) on investments		5,039		200,916
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			5,039		200,916
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		106,384		662,863
	Administration charges		(9)		(1,420)
	Contingent sales charges		(186)		(75)
	Contract terminations		(29,946)		(37,422)
	Death benefit payments		—		—
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(2,088)		(960)
	Transfers to other contracts		(77,512)		(46,390)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(3,357)		576,596
Total increase (decrease)			1,682		777,512
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	271,312	$	1,358,604
See accompanying notes.

86

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 1 Division		SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 2 Division		SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio Class 1 Division		SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio Class 2 Division		SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio Class 1 Division		SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio Class 2 Division
$	598,643,366	$	3,759,160	$	150,875,233	$	3,002,012	$	100,958,357	$	5,521,966
	3,780,190		36,692		1,549,910		32,784		(20,146)		(1,817)
	47,862,357		(17,552)		6,777,881		85,187		7,671,391		213,408
	(22,647,532)		220,566		(1,536,046)		33,535		(2,525,153)		90,753
	28,995,015		239,706		6,791,745		151,506		5,126,092		302,344
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	28,995,015		239,706		6,791,745		151,506		5,126,092		302,344
	36,727,484		1,562,219		10,531,121		267,520		12,283,398		801,341
	(2,567,741)		(5,852)		(385,735)		(4,385)		(12,432)		(12,502)
	(591,420)		(496)		(145,772)		(507)		(86,116)		(477)
	(56,807,971)		(264,872)		(15,577,844)		(270,713)		(9,136,371)		(254,239)
	(3,532,938)		(9,476)		(601,054)		—		(144,134)		(9,490)
	(13,619,314)		(92,360)		(3,649,968)		(17,505)		(885,311)		(67,897)
	(46,071,264)		(1,536,849)		(10,117,855)		(54,183)		(9,167,902)		(468,050)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(86,463,164)		(347,686)		(19,947,107)		(79,773)		(7,148,868)		(11,314)
	(57,468,149)		(107,980)		(13,155,362)		71,733		(2,022,776)		291,030
	541,175,217		3,651,180		137,719,871		3,073,745		98,935,581		5,812,996
	3,740,916		50,979		1,707,546		64,928		103,204		20,611
	21,998,441		127,530		3,300,675		(16,261)		4,990,397		121,643
	43,013,767		538,177		7,632,647		290,776		12,066,901		1,015,640
	68,753,124		716,686		12,640,868		339,443		17,160,502		1,157,894
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	68,753,124		716,686		12,640,868		339,443		17,160,502		1,157,894
	33,722,654		5,563,270		7,340,485		2,622,098		6,733,464		2,386,466
	(3,001,980)		(8,873)		(439,968)		(7,125)		(11,967)		(19,978)
	(393,293)		(1,379)		(128,937)		(567)		(55,044)		(651)
	(54,236,599)		(249,009)		(18,577,945)		(217,385)		(8,568,406)		(271,826)
	(4,342,468)		(32,880)		(1,420,103)		(57,864)		(1,584,806)		(42,270)
	(13,534,018)		(111,544)		(3,359,004)		(14,059)		(893,682)		(65,476)
	(32,119,214)		(380,178)		(5,426,108)		(534,573)		(4,995,346)		(478,617)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(73,904,918)		4,779,407		(22,011,580)		1,790,525		(9,375,787)		1,507,648
	(5,151,794)		5,496,093		(9,370,712)		2,129,968		7,784,715		2,665,542
$	536,023,423	$	9,147,273	$	128,349,159	$	5,203,713	$	106,720,296	$	8,478,538

87

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		SAM Flexible Income Portfolio Class 1 Division		SAM Flexible Income Portfolio Class 2 Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	170,645,344	$	4,421,092
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		3,059,733		73,214
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		4,002,680		(43,380)
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		1,694,802		201,730
	Net gains (losses) on investments		8,757,215		231,564
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			8,757,215		231,564
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		22,113,236		1,215,683
	Administration charges		(237,173)		(4,655)
	Contingent sales charges		(143,347)		(2,519)
	Contract terminations		(14,769,194)		(1,343,642)
	Death benefit payments		(2,691,047)		(91,256)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(4,052,173)		(67,708)
	Transfers to other contracts		(15,457,280)		(61,330)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(15,236,978)		(355,427)
Total increase (decrease)			(6,479,763)		(123,863)
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			164,165,581		4,297,229
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		3,034,291		128,544
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		2,455,649		(34,136)
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		5,304,303		252,324
	Net gains (losses) on investments		10,794,243		346,732
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			10,794,243		346,732
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		20,050,954		5,069,721
	Administration charges		(253,764)		(7,661)
	Contingent sales charges		(108,619)		(1,870)
	Contract terminations		(16,213,458)		(776,356)
	Death benefit payments		(2,132,400)		(497,285)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(3,877,179)		(93,195)
	Transfers to other contracts		(12,720,115)		(241,125)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(15,254,581)		3,452,229
Total increase (decrease)			(4,460,338)		3,798,961
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	159,705,243	$	8,096,190
See accompanying notes.

88

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio Class 1 Division		SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio Class 2 Division		Short-Term Income Class 1 Division		Short-Term Income Class 2 Division		SmallCap Class 1 Division		SmallCap Class 2 Division
$	66,772,764	$	1,650,363	$	108,511,943	$	774,746	$	116,458,571	$	785,090
	(34,938)		(1,083)		723,718		12,478		(1,195,802)		(10,204)
	5,447,979		(9,742)		27,358		(13,026)		7,448,473		12,823
	(2,681,020)		90,513		24,748		8,372		9,897,300		146,041
	2,732,021		79,688		775,824		7,824		16,149,971		148,660
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	2,732,021		79,688		775,824		7,824		16,149,971		148,660
	6,813,435		1,508,489		17,746,454		934,543		6,860,115		320,798
	(10,331)		(1,752)		(297,075)		(1,279)		(94,655)		(1,101)
	(49,267)		(129)		(87,168)		(187)		(58,120)		(153)
	(4,852,442)		(68,839)		(9,754,607)		(100,005)		(11,096,356)		(81,518)
	(176,328)		(9,498)		(839,961)		(3,154)		(684,710)		—
	(419,727)		(27,983)		(3,539,062)		(7,359)		(1,592,611)		(22,058)
	(8,117,433)		(422,102)		(12,957,992)		(542,233)		(9,849,985)		(279,046)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(6,812,093)		978,186		(9,729,411)		280,326		(16,516,322)		(63,078)
	(4,080,072)		1,057,874		(8,953,587)		288,150		(366,351)		85,582
	62,692,692		2,708,237		99,558,356		1,062,896		116,092,220		870,672
	(40,639)		5,280		498,076		213		(1,062,459)		(8,827)
	4,140,609		78,527		102,246		9,738		4,737,378		6,025
	7,946,279		589,608		354,440		(1,086)		8,206,537		101,266
	12,046,249		673,415		954,762		8,865		11,881,456		98,464
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	12,046,249		673,415		954,762		8,865		11,881,456		98,464
	4,747,721		2,065,697		12,313,866		2,685,702		5,510,921		366,153
	(10,048)		(4,323)		(328,473)		(2,126)		(106,470)		(1,266)
	(58,530)		(556)		(68,965)		(3,669)		(42,393)		(163)
	(7,851,714)		(221,015)		(10,300,109)		(1,939,474)		(12,189,630)		(55,799)
	(115,748)		—		(1,074,986)		—		(616,602)		—
	(424,124)		(26,399)		(3,240,521)		(22,962)		(1,512,201)		(17,484)
	(4,643,457)		(117,141)		(10,447,820)		(316,538)		(6,932,169)		(246,915)
	—		—		—		—		—		—
	(8,355,900)		1,696,263		(13,147,008)		400,933		(15,888,544)		44,526
	3,690,349		2,369,678		(12,192,246)		409,798		(4,007,088)		142,990
$	66,383,041	$	5,077,915	$	87,366,110	$	1,472,694	$	112,085,132	$	1,013,662

89

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
		T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth Portfolio II Division		T. Rowe Price Health Sciences Portfolio II Division
Net assets as of January 1, 2016		$	16,983,602	$	35,402,743
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(240,478)		(417,513)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		1,359,449		3,547,505
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		(1,257,312)		(7,270,684)
	Net gains (losses) on investments		(138,341)		(4,140,692)
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			(138,341)		(4,140,692)
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		3,730,658		3,654,681
	Administration charges		(14,952)		(10,240)
	Contingent sales charges		(12,594)		(21,632)
	Contract terminations		(1,100,436)		(1,890,151)
	Death benefit payments		(59,886)		(7,670)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(178,992)		(265,941)
	Transfers to other contracts		(2,701,992)		(7,803,286)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(338,194)		(6,344,239)
Total increase (decrease)			(476,535)		(10,484,931)
Net assets as of December 31, 2016			16,507,067		24,917,812
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
	Net investment income (loss)		(286,678)		(398,096)
	Total realized gains (losses) on investments		1,414,233		2,947,066
	Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments		4,462,163		3,529,025
	Net gains (losses) on investments		5,589,718		6,077,995
Payment from affiliate			—		—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations			5,589,718		6,077,995
Policy related transactions:
	Purchase payments, less sales charges, per payment fees and applicable premium taxes		3,027,969		3,556,516
	Administration charges		(18,793)		(11,638)
	Contingent sales charges		(9,702)		(18,918)
	Contract terminations		(1,227,767)		(2,394,010)
	Death benefit payments		(38,345)		(65,568)
	Flexible withdrawal option payments		(202,518)		(271,615)
	Transfers to other contracts		(1,999,392)		(3,483,627)
	Annuity payments		—		—
Increase (decrease) in net assets from policy related transactions			(468,548)		(2,688,860)
Total increase (decrease)			5,121,170		3,389,135
Net assets as of December 31, 2017		$	21,628,237	$	28,306,947
See accompanying notes.

90

Principal Life Insurance Company
Separate Account B
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Templeton Global Bond VIP Class 4 Division		Templeton Growth VIP Class 2 Division		The Merger Fund Division		VanEck Global Hard Assets Class S Division
$	1,072,128	$	869,180	$	—	$	5,127,012
	(14,487)		9,776		—		(70,199)
	(38,664)		35,795		—		(518,970)
	73,599		24,739		—		2,838,392
	20,448		70,310		—		2,249,223
	—		—		—		—
	20,448		70,310		—		2,249,223
	371,701		27,980		—		2,591,022
	(614)		—		—		(626)
	(408)		(98)		—		(4,370)
	(143,578)		(74,885)		—		(452,858)
	—		(8,812)		—		(18,883)
	(1,442)		(9,457)		—		(43,067)
	(133,095)		(20,661)		—		(1,430,937)
	—		—		—		—
	92,564		(85,933)		—		640,281
	113,012		(15,623)		—		2,889,504
	1,185,140		853,557		—		8,016,516
	(20,464)		6,783		(29)		(89,672)
	(3,741)		17,515		—		(676,405)
	16,653		117,643		28		441,557
	(7,552)		141,941		(1)		(324,520)
	—		—		—		—
	(7,552)		141,941		(1)		(324,520)
	1,018,206		6,737		6,000		1,072,954
	(885)		—		—		(684)
	(168)		(97)		—		(3,339)
	(42,932)		(96,379)		—		(483,605)
	—		—		—		(8,205)
	(10,804)		(8,038)		—		(43,897)
	(114,625)		(7,081)		—		(2,387,285)
	—		—		—		—
	848,792		(104,858)		6,000		(1,854,061)
	841,240		37,083		5,999		(2,178,581)
$	2,026,380	$	890,640	$	5,999	$	5,837,935

91

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

1. Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B (“Separate Account B”) is a segregated investment account of Principal Life Insurance Company (“Principal Life”) and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a unit investment trust, with no stated limitations on the number of authorized units. As directed by eligible contractholders, each division of Separate Account B invests exclusively in shares representing interests in a corresponding investment option. As of December 31, 2017, contractholder investment options included the following diversified open–end management investment companies:

Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. – Class 1: (1)

Core Plus Bond Account

Diversified Balanced Account (12)

Diversified International Account

Equity Income Account

Government & High Quality Bond Account

Income Account (8)

International Emerging Markets Account

LargeCap Growth Account

LargeCap Growth Account I

LargeCap S&P 500 Index Account

LargeCap Value Account

MidCap Account

Multi-Asset Income Account (10)

Principal Capital Appreciation Account

Principal LifeTime 2010 Account

Principal LifeTime 2020 Account

Principal LifeTime 2030 Account

Principal LifeTime 2040 Account

Principal LifeTime 2050 Account

Principal LifeTime Strategic Income Account

Real Estate Securities Account

Short-Term Income Account

SmallCap Account

Strategic Asset Management (“SAM”) Balanced Portfolio

SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio

SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio

SAM Flexible Income Portfolio

SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio

92

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. – Class 2: (1)

Core Plus Bond Account (8)

Diversified Balanced Account

Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Account (3)

Diversified Balanced Volatility Control Account (11)

Diversified Growth Account

Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Account (3)

Diversified Growth Volatility Control Account (11)

Diversified Income Account

Diversified International Account (6)

Equity Income Account (6)

Government & High Quality Bond Account (6)

Income Account (8)

International Emerging Markets Account (8)

LargeCap Growth Account (6)

LargeCap Growth Account I (8)

LargeCap S&P 500 Index Account (8)

LargeCap Value Account (8)

Multi-Asset Income Account (10)

Principal Capital Appreciation Account (6)

Principal LifeTime 2020 Account (8)

Principal LifeTime 2030 Account (8)

Principal LifeTime 2040 Account (8)

Principal LifeTime 2050 Account (8)

Real Estate Securities Account (6)

Short-Term Income Account (6)

SmallCap Account (7)

SAM Balanced Portfolio (6)

SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio (6)

SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio (6)

SAM Flexible Income Portfolio (6)

SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio (6)

AllianceBernstein Variable Product Series Fund, Inc.:

Small Cap Growth Portfolio – Class A

Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio – Class A (2)

Alps/Red Rocks Listed Private Equity – Class III (8)

American Century Investments®:

VP Capital Appreciation Fund – Class I (4)

VP Income & Growth Fund – Class I

VP Inflation Protection Fund – Class II

VP Mid Cap Value Fund – Class II

VP Ultra® Fund – Class I

VP Ultra® Fund – Class II

VP Value Fund – Class II

93

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

American Funds Insurance Series:

Asset Allocation Fund – Class 2 (10)

Asset Allocation Fund – Class 4 (8)

Blue Chip Income and Growth Fund – Class 2 (10)

Blue Chip Income and Growth Fund – Class 4 (6)

Global Small Capitalization Fund – Class 2 (5)

Global Small Capitalization Fund – Class 4 (6)

High-Income Bond Fund – Class 2 (5)

Managed Risk Asset Allocation Fund – Class P2 (6)

Managed Risk Growth Fund – Class P2 (6)

Managed Risk International Fund – Class P2 (6)

New World Fund – Class 2 (5)

New World Fund – Class 4 (6)

BlackRock Variable Insurance Funds:

Advantage U.S Total Market V.I. Fund – Class III (8) (15)

Global Allocation V.I. Fund– Class III (8)

iShares Alternative Strategies V.I – Class III (8)

iShares Dynamic Allocation V.I. – Class III (8)

iShares Dynamic Fixed Income V.I. – Class III (8)

iShares Equity Appreciation V.I. – Class III (8)

Calvert VP Portfolio:

EAFE International Index – Class F (6)

Russell 2000 Small Cap Index – Class F (6)

S&P MidCap 400 Index – Class F (6)

ClearBridge Variable Small Cap Growth Portfolio – Class II (8)

Columbia Variable Portfolio:

Limited Duration Credit – Class 2 (8)

Small Cap Value – Class 2 (8)

Delaware VIP® Trust Series:

Limited Term Diversified Income – Service Class (8)

Small Cap Value – Service Class (2)

Deutsche Variable Series II:

Alternative Asset Allocation VIP – Class B (6)

Equity 500 Index VIP – Class B2 (6)

Small Mid Cap Value VIP – Class B (2)

Dreyfus Investment Portfolios:

MidCap Stock Portfolio – Service Shares (8)

Technology Growth Portfolio – Service Shares

Fidelity® Variable Insurance Products:

Contrafund® Portfolio – Service Class

Contrafund® Portfolio – Service Class 2

Equity-Income Portfolio – Service Class 2

Government Money Market Portfolio – Initial Class (9)

Government Money Market Portfolio – Service Class (9)

Growth Portfolio – Service Class

Growth Portfolio – Service Class 2

Mid Cap Portfolio – Service Class (5)

Mid Cap Portfolio – Service Class 2

Overseas Portfolio – Service Class 2

94

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust:

Franklin Global Real Estate VIP Fund – Class 2 (6)

Franklin Rising Dividends VIP Fund – Class 4 (6)

Franklin Small Cap Value VIP Fund – Class 2

Templeton Global Bond VIP Fund – Class 4 (6)

Templeton Growth VIP Fund – Class 2

Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust:

Mid Cap Value Fund – Institutional Shares

Mid Cap Value Fund – Service Shares (6)

Multi-Strategy Alternatives Portfolio – Service Shares (8)

Small Cap Equity Insights Fund – Institutional Shares

Small Cap Equity Insights Fund – Service Shares (6)

Guggenheim Investments Variable Insurance Funds:

Floating Rate Strategies – Series F (6)

Global Managed Futures Strategy Fund (6)

Long Short Equity Fund (6)

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund (6)

Invesco V.I. Fund:

American Franchise Fund – Series I Shares

Balanced-Risk Allocation Fund – Series II Shares (6)

Core Equity Fund – Series I Shares

Global Health Care Fund – Series I Shares

Global Health Care Fund – Series II Shares (6)

International Growth Fund – Series I Shares

International Growth Fund – Series II Shares (6)

Mid Cap Growth Fund – Series I Shares

Small Cap Equity Fund – Series I Shares

Technology Fund – Series I Shares

Value Opportunities Fund – Series I Shares

Janus Henderson Series:

Enterprise Portfolio – Service Shares (13)

Flexible Bond Portfolio – Service Shares (6) (14)

MFS®:

International Value Portfolio – Service Class (6)

New Discovery Portfolio – Service Class (2)

Utilities Series – Service Class

Value Series – Service Class

Neuberger Berman Advisors Management Trust:

Large Cap Value Portfolio – Class I

Mid Cap Growth Portfolio – Class S (8)

Socially Responsive Portfolio – Class I

Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap Fund®/VA – Service Shares (2)

PIMCO:

All Asset Portfolio – Administrative Class

All Asset Portfolio – Advisor Class (8)

Commodity Real Return Strategy Portfolio – Class M (8)

High Yield Portfolio – Administrative Class

Low Duration Portfolio – Advisor Class (8)

Total Return Portfolio – Administrative Class

95

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Rydex V.I. Fund:

Basic Materials Fund (8)

Commodities Strategy Fund (6)

NASDAQ 100 Fund (6)

T. Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc.

Blue Chip Growth Portfolio – II

Health Sciences Portfolio – II

The Merger Fund VL (8)

VanEck VIP Global Hard Assets Fund – Class S Shares

(1)    Organized by Principal Life Insurance Company.

(2) Commencement of operations, May 20, 2013.

(3) Commencement of operations, December 2, 2013

(4) Commencement of operations, April 24, 2014.

(5) Commencement of operations, May 17, 2014.

(6) Commencement of operations, November 10, 2014.

(7) Commencement of operations, April 17, 2015.

(8) Commencement of operations, May 18, 2015.

(9) Commencement of operations, February 8, 2016.

(10) Commencement of operations, May 23, 2016.

(11) Commencement of operations, April 6, 2017.

(12) Commencement of operations, May 26, 2017.

(13) Represented the operations of Janus Aspen Enterprise Service Shares Division until May 13, 2017.

(14) Represented the operations of Janus Aspen Flexible Bond Service Shares Division until May 13, 2017.

(15) Represented the operations of BlackRock Value Opportunities Class III Division until November 4, 2017.

Commencement of operations date is the date the division became available to contractholders.

96

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

During 2017, the following divisions were liquidated and subsequently reinvested:

Date	Liquidation Division	Reinvested Division	Transferred Assets
May 27, 2017	Balanced Class 1 Division	Diversified Balanced Class 1 Division	$	27,697,338

The assets of Separate Account B are owned by Principal Life. The assets of Separate Account B support the following variable annuity contracts of Principal Life and may not be used to satisfy the liabilities arising from any other business of Principal Life:

• Bankers Flexible Annuity;

• Pension Builder Plus;

• Pension Builder Plus-Rollover IRA;

• Personal Variable;

• Premier Variable;

• Principal Freedom Variable Annuity;

• Principal Freedom Variable Annuity 2;

• Principal Investment Plus Variable Annuity;

• Principal Investment Plus Variable Annuity with Premium Payment Credit Rider;

• Principal Lifetime Income Solutions;

• Principal Lifetime Income Solutions II;

• Principal Pivot Series Variable Annuity;

• Principal Pivot Series Variable Annuity with Liquidity Max Rider;

• Principal Pivot Series Variable Annuity V2;

• The Principal Variable Annuity and

• The Principal Variable Annuity with Purchase Payment Credit Rider.

Principal Life no longer accepts contributions for Bankers Flexible Annuity contracts, Pension Builder Plus contracts and Pension Builder Plus-Rollover IRA contracts. Contractholders are given the option of withdrawing their funds or transferring to another contract. Contributions to the Personal Variable contracts are no longer accepted from new customers, only from existing customers.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements and accompanying notes of Separate Account B in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed. These estimates and assumptions could change in the future as more information becomes known, which could impact the amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and accompanying notes.

Transactions Affecting Comparability

Certain amounts within the statements of assets and liabilities and notes as of and for the year ending December 31, 2016, have been aggregated to eliminate product level detail to conform to 2017 presentation.

97

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Investments

Investments are stated at the closing net asset value (“NAV”) per share on December 31, 2017. Net realized capital gains and losses on sales of investments are determined on the basis of specific identification under the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Dividends and realized gains (losses) on investments are recognized on an accrual basis as of the ex-dividend date and are automatically reinvested in shares of the funds on the payable date.The NAV as of December 31, 2017, does not reflect $17,097,244 of accrued administrative fees that were reported in expense and liabilities for applicable separate accounts in the separate account annual statement filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels.The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety considering factors specific to the asset or liability.

• Level 1 – Fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

• Level 2 – Fair values are based on inputs other than quoted prices within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or

liability, either directly or indirectly.

• Level 3 – Fair values are based on at least one significant unobservable input for the asset or liability.

All investments of the open-end management investment companies listed above represent investments in mutual funds for which a daily NAV is calculated and published. Therefore, all investments are reflected in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

2. Expenses and Related Party Transactions

Principal Life is compensated for the following expenses:

Bankers Flexible Annuity contracts – Mortality and expense risks assumed by Principal Life are compensated for by a daily charge resulting in a reduction of the unit value equivalent to an annual rate of 0.48% of the asset value of each contract. An annual administration charge of $7 for each participant’s account is deducted as compensation for administrative expenses. This charge is collected by redeeming units of the separate account.

Pension Builder Plus and Pension Builder Plus – Rollover IRA contracts – Mortality and expense risks assumed by Principal Life are compensated for by a daily charge resulting in a reduction of the unit value equivalent to an annual rate of 1.50% (1.00% for a Rollover IRA) of the asset value of each contract. A contingent sales charge of up to 7.00% may be deducted from withdrawals made during the first ten years of a contract, except for withdrawals related to death or permanent disability. An annual administration charge will be deducted ranging from a minimum of $25 to a maximum of $275 depending upon the number of participants under the retirement plan and their participant investment account values.

98

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Personal Variable contracts – Mortality and expense risks assumed by Principal Life are compensated for by a daily charge resulting in a reduction of the unit value equivalent to an annual rate of 0.64% of the asset value of each contract. The contract provides for recordkeeping and other services and allows the contractholders, in their sole discretion, a customized plan-level service package and charges. An annual administration charge of $34 (increases to $37 if the benefit plan reports are distributed directly to the homes of plan participants) for each participant’s account plus 0.35% of the annual average balance of investment account values that correlate to a plan participant will be deducted on a quarterly basis.

Premier Variable contracts – Mortality and expense risks assumed by Principal Life are compensated for by a daily charge resulting in a reduction of the unit value equivalent to an annual rate of 0.42% of the asset value of each contract. The contract provides for recordkeeping and other services and allows the contractholders, in their sole discretion, a customized plan-level service package and charges. The amount varies by Plan document and contract account balance. The annual charge ranges from $2,250 to $25,316 plus $10 per participant. The amount varies by total plan participants. No contingent sales charges were provided for in these contracts.

Principal Freedom Variable Annuity – Mortality and expense risks assumed by Principal Life are compensated for by a daily charge resulting in a reduction of the unit value equivalent to an annual rate of 0.85% of the asset value of each contract. Principal Life reserves the right to increase this charge but guarantees it will not exceed 1.25% per year. A surrender charge up to 6.00% may be deducted from the withdrawals made during the first six years of a contract, except for withdrawals related to death, annuitization, permanent disability, confinement in a health facility or terminal illness. Principal Life reserves the right to charge an additional administrative fee of up to 0.15% of the asset value of each division. This fee is currently being waived.

Principal Freedom Variable Annuity 2 – Mortality and expense risks assumed by Principal Life are compensated for by a daily charge resulting in a reduction of the unit value equivalent to an annual rate of 0.95% of the asset value of each contract. Principal Life reserves the right to increase this charge but guarantees it will not exceed 1.25% per year. A surrender charge up to 3.00% may be deducted from the withdrawals made during the first three years of a contract, except for death, annuitization, permanent disability, confinement in a health facility or terminal illness. Principal Life reserves the right to charge an additional administrative fee of up to 0.15% of the asset value of each division. This fee is currently being waived.

Principal Investment Plus Variable Annuity – Mortality and expense risks assumed by Principal Life are compensated for by a daily charge resulting in a reduction of the unit value equivalent to an annual rate of 1.25% of the asset value of each contract. A surrender charge of up to 6.00% may be deducted from the withdrawals made during the first six years of a contract, except for death, annuitization, permanent disability, confinement in a health care facility or terminal illness. An annual administration charge of the lesser of 2.00% of the accumulated value or $30 is deducted at the end of the contract year. Principal Life reserves the right to charge an additional administrative fee of up to 0.15% of the asset value of each division. Currently, Principal Life is charging an annual rate of 0.15% of the asset value of each contract. This charge is deducted from the daily unit value. The product also contains an optional premium payment credit rider, which charges an annual rate of 0.60%. For electing participants, the rider is deducted from the daily unit value. For contracts with the premium payment credit rider, the maximum surrender charge is 8.00% from withdrawals made during the first eight years.

Principal Lifetime Income Solutions^SM – Mortality and expense risks assumed by Principal Life are compensated for by a daily charge resulting in a reduction of the unit value equivalent to an annual rate of 1.25% of the asset value of each contract. A surrender charge of up to 6.00% may be deducted from the withdrawals made during the first six years of a contract, except for death, annuitization, permanent disability, confinement in a health care facility or terminal illness. Principal Life reserves the right to charge an additional administration fee of up to 0.15% of the average daily net asset value of each division. Currently, Principal Life is charging an annual rate of 0.15% of the asset value of each contract. This charge is deducted from the daily unit value.

99

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Principal Lifetime Income Solutions II^SM – Mortality and expense risks assumed by Principal Life are compensated for by a daily charge resulting in a reduction of the unit value equivalent to an annual rate of 1.25% of the asset value of each contract. A surrender charge of up to 6.00% may be deducted from the withdrawals made during the first six years of a contract, except for death, annuitization, permanent disability, confinement in a health care facility or terminal illness. Principal Life reserves the right to charge an additional administration fee of up to 0.15% of the average daily net asset value of each division. Currently, Principal Life is charging an annual rate of 0.15% of the asset value of each contract. This charge is deducted from the daily unit value.

Principal Pivot Series Variable Annuity – Mortality and expense risks assumed by Principal Life are compensated for by a daily charge resulting in a reduction of the unit value equivalent to an annual rate of 1.00% of the asset value of each contract. A surrender charge of up to 6.00% may be deducted from the withdrawals made during the first six years of a contract, except for death, annuitization, permanent disability, confinement in a health care facility or terminal illness. An annual administration charge of the lesser of 2.00% of the accumulated value or $30 is deducted at the end of the contract year. Principal Life reserves the right to charge an additional administrative fee of up to 0.30% of the asset value of each division. Currently, Principal Life is charging an annual rate of 0.15% of the asset value of each contract. This charge is deducted from the daily unit value. The product also contains an optional liquidity max rider, which charges an annual rate of 0.25%. For electing participants, the rider is deducted from the daily unit value.

Principal Pivot Series Variable Annuity v2 – Mortality and expense risks assumed by Principal Life are compensated for by a daily charge resulting in a reduction of the unit value equivalent to an annual rate of 0.85% of the asset value of each contract. A surrender charge of up to 6.00% may be deducted from the withdrawals made during the first six years of a contract, except for death, annuitization, permanent disability, confinement in a health care facility or terminal illness. An annual administration charge of the lesser of 2.00% of the accumulated value or $30 is deducted at the end of the contract year. Principal Life reserves the right to charge an additional administrative fee of up to 0.30% of the asset value of each division. Currently, Principal Life is charging an annual rate of 0.15% of the asset value of each contract. This charge is deducted from the daily unit value.

The Principal Variable Annuity – Mortality and expense risks assumed by Principal Life are compensated for by a daily charge resulting in a reduction of the unit value equivalent to an annual rate of 1.25% of the asset value of each contract. A surrender charge of up to 6.00% may be deducted from the withdrawals made during the first six years of a contract, except for death, annuitization, permanent disability, confinement in a health care facility or terminal illness. Principal Life reserves the right to charge an additional administrative fee of up to 0.15% of the asset value of each division. Currently, Principal Life is charging an annual rate of 0.05% of the asset value of each contract. This charge is deducted from the daily unit value. The product also contains an optional purchase payment credit rider, which charges an annual rate of 0.60%. For electing participants, the rider is deducted from the daily unit value. For contracts with the purchase payment credit rider, the maximum surrender charge is 8.00% from withdrawals made during the first eight years.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, investment advisory and management fees were paid indirectly to Principal Global Investors, LLC (“Manager”) (wholly owned by Principal Financial Services, Inc.), in its capacity as advisor to Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. A portion of the management fee is paid by the Manager to the sub-advisor of each of the divisions, some of which are affiliates of the Manager. On March 1, 2016, the investment and advisory fees paid by each of the Principal LifeTime Accounts were eliminated. Prior to March 1, 2016, the annual rate paid by each of the Principal LifeTime Accounts was 0.03% of each of the Principal LifeTime Accounts’ average net assets. The annual rate paid by the SAM Portfolios is based upon the aggregate average daily net assets (“aggregate net assets”) of the SAM Portfolios. The investment advisory and management fee schedule for the SAM Portfolios is 0.25% of aggregate net assets up to the first $1 billion and 0.20% of aggregate net assets over $1 billion.

100

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

The annual rates used in this calculation for each of the other divisions are shown in the following tables:

		Net Assets of Accounts (in millions)
	First $100		Next $100		Next $100		Next $100		Thereafter
Core Plus Bond Account		0.50%		0.45%		0.40%		0.35%		0.30%
Equity Income Account		0.60		0.55		0.50		0.45		0.40
LargeCap Growth Account I		0.80		0.75		0.70		0.65		0.60
MidCap Account		0.65		0.60		0.55		0.50		0.45
Real Estate Securities Account		0.90		0.85		0.80		0.75		0.70
SmallCap Account		0.85		0.80		0.75		0.70		0.65
		Net Assets of Accounts (in millions)
	First $250		Next $250		Next $250		Next $250		Thereafter
Diversified International Account		0.85%		0.80%		0.75%		0.70%		0.65%
International Emerging Markets Account		1.25		1.20		1.15		1.10		1.05
LargeCap Value Account		0.60		0.55		0.50		0.45		0.40

	Net Assets of Accounts (in millions)
	First $500	Next $500	Next $1,000	Next $1,000	Over $3,000
LargeCap Growth Account	0.68%	0.63%	0.61%	0.56%	0.51%

	Net Assets of Accounts (in millions)
	First $200	Next $300	Over $500
Short-Term Income Account	0.50%	0.45%	0.40%
	Net Assets of Accounts (in millions)
	First $500	Over $500
Principal Capital Appreciation Account	0.625%	0.500%
	Net Assets of Accounts (in millions)
	First $2,000	Over $2,000
Government & High Quality Bond Account	0.50%	0.45%
Income Account	0.50%	0.45%

101

	All Net Assets
Diversified Balanced Account	0.05%
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Account	0.05
Diversified Growth Account	0.05
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Account	0.05
Diversified Income Account	0.05
LargeCap S&P 500 Index Account	0.25
Multi-Asset Income Account	0.03

The Manager has contractually agreed to limit the Separate Account’s management and investment advisory fees for certain of the divisions through the period ended April 30, 2018. The expense limit will reduce the Separate Account’s management and investment advisory fees by the following amounts:

LargeCap Growth Account I 0.016%

The Manager has contractually agreed to limit the expenses (excluding interest expense, expense related to fund investments, acquired fund fees and expenses and other extraordinary expenses) for certain classes of shares of certain of the divisions. The reductions and reimbursements are in amounts that maintain total operating expenses at or below certain limits. The limits are expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets attributable to each class of shares on an annualized basis during the reporting period. The operating expense limits were as follows:

	From January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017
	Class 1	Class 2	Expiration
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Account	N/A	0.31%	April 30, 2018
Diversified Balanced Volatility Control Account	N/A	0.39^	April 30, 2018
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Account	N/A	0.31	April 30, 2018
Diversified Growth Volatility Control Account	N/A	0.39^	April 30, 2018
International Emerging Markets Account	1.35%	1.60	April 30, 2018
Multi-Asset Income Account	0.08	0.33	April 30, 2018
^Period from March 31, 2017 to December 31, 2017

The Manager has contractually agreed to reduce the Short-Term Income Account’s expenses by 0.01% through the period ended April 30, 2018.

In addition, the Manager has voluntarily agreed to limit the expenses (excluding interest the Separate Accounts incur in connection with investments they make and acquired fund fees and expenses) attributable to Class 2 shares of certain of the Separate Accounts. The reductions and reimbursements are in amounts that maintain total operating expenses at or below certain limits. The limits are expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets on an annualized basis during the reporting period. The expense limit may be terminated at any time. The operating expense limits were as follows:

	Expense Limit
Diversified Balanced Account	0.31%
Diversified Growth Account	0.31
Diversified Income Account	0.31

3. Federal Income Taxes

The operations of Separate Account B are a part of the operations of Principal Life. Under current practice, no federal income taxes are allocated by Principal Life to the operations of Separate Account B.

102

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

4. Purchases and Sales of Investments

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments were as follows for the year ended December 31, 2017:

	2017
Division	Purchases		Sales
AllianceBernstein Small Cap Growth Class A	$	246,403	$	830,521
AllianceBernstein Small/Mid Cap Value Class A	$	2,102,798	$	1,325,064
Alps/Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Class III	$	93,044	$	15,783
American Century VP Capital Appreciation Class I	$	611,604	$	811,988
American Century VP Income & Growth Class I	$	822,102	$	2,146,332
American Century VP Inflation Protection Class II	$	7,220,025	$	10,423,403
American Century VP Mid Cap Value Class II	$	1,900,029	$	2,196,327
American Century VP Ultra Class I	$	425,367	$	501,522
American Century VP Ultra Class II	$	2,982,177	$	9,365,460
American Century VP Value Class II	$	1,098,249	$	2,469,042
American Funds Insurance Series Asset Allocation Fund Class 2	$	982,375	$	152,954
American Funds Insurance Series Asset Allocation Fund Class 4	$	1,543,826	$	377,257
American Funds Insurance Series Blue Chip Income and Growth Class 2	$	1,937,713	$	863,494
American Funds Insurance Series Blue Chip Income and Growth Class 4	$	990,252	$	130,600
American Funds Insurance Series Global Small Capitalization Fund Class 2	$	192,741	$	196,733
American Funds Insurance Series Global Small Capitalization Fund Class 4	$	223,945	$	39,610
American Funds Insurance Series High-Income Bond Class 2	$	757,062	$	638,452
American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk Asset Allocation Fund Class P2	$	513,008	$	42,198
American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk Growth Fund Class P2	$	447,335	$	16,659
American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk International Fund Class P2	$	68,653	$	4,872
American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund Class 2	$	509,875	$	341,590
American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund Class 4	$	328,483	$	64,185

103

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
	2017
Division	Purchases		Sales
BlackRock Advantage U.S. Total Market Class III	$	172,303	$	28,876
BlackRock Global Allocation Class III	$	246,878	$	90,809
BlackRock iShares Alternative Strategies Class III	$	157,990	$	97,019
BlackRock iShares Dynamic Allocation Class III	$	142,135	$	3,411
BlackRock iShares Dynamic Fixed Income Class III	$	257,972	$	391,576
BlackRock iShares Equity Appreciation Class III	$	238,705	$	47,807
Calvert EAFE International Index Class F	$	88,361	$	1,749
Calvert Russell 2000 Small Cap Index Class F	$	642,156	$	58,095
Calvert S&P MidCap 400 Index Class F	$	1,253,668	$	173,024
ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Class II	$	331,428	$	4,707
Columbia Limited Duration Credit Class 2	$	130,108	$	106,623
Columbia Small Cap Value Class 2	$	260,405	$	53,789
Core Plus Bond Class 1	$	17,326,280	$	26,354,480
Core Plus Bond Class 2	$	441,228	$	75,787
Delaware Limited Term Diversified Income Service Class	$	188,195	$	820,020
Delaware Small Cap Value Service Class	$	1,223,784	$	918,658
Deutsche Alternative Asset Allocation Class B	$	3,094	$	7,021
Deutsche Equity 500 Index Class B2	$	448,281	$	192,606
Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value Class B	$	193,559	$	193,282
Diversified Balanced Class 1	$	28,840,105	$	2,489,472
Diversified Balanced Class 2	$	97,283,513	$	156,026,627
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Class 2	$	20,628,010	$	22,941,544
Diversified Balanced Volatility Control Class 2	$	35,716,555	$	552,963
Diversified Growth Class 2	$	339,134,603	$	375,711,774
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Class 2	$	43,135,581	$	37,093,254

104

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
	2017
Division	Purchases		Sales
Diversified Growth Volatility Control Class 2	$	167,237,044	$	3,355,725
Diversified Income Class 2	$	68,430,805	$	69,970,718
Diversified International Class 1	$	7,433,046	$	24,090,248
Diversified International Class 2	$	552,870	$	136,343
Dreyfus IP MidCap Stock Service Shares	$	55,374	$	15,427
Dreyfus IP Technology Growth Service Shares	$	3,425,234	$	2,086,320
Equity Income Class 1	$	19,341,492	$	44,314,567
Equity Income Class 2	$	1,205,289	$	170,554
Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class	$	3,542,103	$	6,448,561
Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2	$	7,298,669	$	9,636,397
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Service Class 2	$	2,631,479	$	4,993,700
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Initial Class	$	18,550,028	$	31,480,479
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Service Class	$	7,566,564	$	8,347,316
Fidelity VIP Growth Service Class	$	1,838,453	$	1,897,629
Fidelity VIP Growth Service Class 2	$	2,126,396	$	1,764,604
Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class	$	31,194	$	5,801
Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class 2	$	4,842,591	$	3,437,287
Fidelity VIP Overseas Service Class 2	$	3,104,704	$	7,991,735
Franklin Global Real Estate VIP Class 2	$	134,059	$	75,509
Franklin Rising Dividends VIP Class 4	$	533,156	$	141,702
Franklin Small Cap Value VIP Class 2	$	1,201,688	$	1,949,075
Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value Institutional Shares	$	1,802,754	$	3,110,242
Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value Service Shares	$	134,253	$	55,055
Goldman Sachs VIT Multi-Strategy Alternatives Portfolio Service Shares	$	1,553	$	12
Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights Institutional Shares	$	1,200,237	$	1,222,967

105

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
	2017
Division	Purchases		Sales
Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights Service Shares	$	104,587	$	14,667
Government & High Quality Bond Class 1	$	13,920,145	$	23,585,550
Government & High Quality Bond Class 2	$	434,241	$	326,416
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Series F	$	1,325,903	$	1,107,085
Guggenheim Investments Global Managed Futures Strategy	$	7,949	$	41,413
Guggenheim Investments Long Short Equity	$	21,258	$	24,897
Guggenheim Investments Multi-Hedge Strategies	$	109,466	$	28,761
Income Class 1	$	1,668,407	$	1,269,502
Income Class 2	$	646,631	$	228,364
International Emerging Markets Class 1	$	6,064,397	$	13,951,405
International Emerging Markets Class 2	$	802,742	$	88,846
Invesco American Franchise Series I	$	529,124	$	618,546
Invesco Balanced-Risk Allocation Series II	$	73,648	$	9,834
Invesco Core Equity Series I	$	1,472,174	$	2,658,311
Invesco Global Health Care Series I	$	1,000,424	$	1,718,318
Invesco Global Health Care Series II	$	324,290	$	124,788
Invesco International Growth Series I	$	901,997	$	2,737,702
Invesco International Growth Series II	$	200,672	$	52,411
Invesco Mid Cap Growth Series I	$	255,793	$	311,388
Invesco Small Cap Equity Series I	$	898,075	$	1,421,029
Invesco Technology Series I	$	979,299	$	736,127
Invesco Value Opportunities Series I	$	263,789	$	1,125,146
Janus Henderson Enterprise Service Shares	$	1,072,357	$	1,590,324
Janus Henderson Flexible Bond Service Shares	$	654,078	$	434,733
LargeCap Growth Class 1	$	2,280,227	$	7,420,329

106

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
	2017
Division	Purchases		Sales
LargeCap Growth Class 2	$	315,628	$	62,217
LargeCap Growth I Class 1	$	8,664,315	$	15,883,862
LargeCap Growth I Class 2	$	543,250	$	35,435
LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 1	$	12,179,905	$	16,193,491
LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 2	$	2,411,459	$	215,570
LargeCap Value Class 1	$	7,549,481	$	11,117,384
LargeCap Value Class 2	$	258,177	$	3,611
MFS International Value Service Class	$	3,935,574	$	1,627,469
MFS New Discovery Service Class	$	328,609	$	118,069
MFS Utilities Service Class	$	2,306,094	$	2,029,766
MFS Value Service Class	$	1,415,147	$	1,577,702
MidCap Class 1	$	35,554,851	$	60,913,933
Multi-Asset Income Class 1	$	10,500	$	34,996
Multi-Asset Income Class 2	$	13,763	$	2
Neuberger Berman AMT Large Cap Value Class I	$	380,795	$	1,241,359
Neuberger Berman AMT Mid Cap Growth Portfolio Class S	$	410,479	$	754,777
Neuberger Berman AMT Socially Responsive Class I	$	390,603	$	1,169,764
Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap Service Shares	$	118,391	$	112,697
PIMCO All Asset Administrative Class	$	426,011	$	885,425
PIMCO All Asset Advisor Class	$	41,994	$	1,644
PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy M Class	$	1,642	$	1,739
PIMCO High Yield Administrative Class	$	4,399,258	$	4,322,321
PIMCO Low Duration Advisor Class	$	230,701	$	153,136
PIMCO Total Return Administrative Class	$	4,714,220	$	5,406,601
Principal Capital Appreciation Class 1	$	6,041,105	$	22,627,910

107

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
	2017
Division	Purchases		Sales
Principal Capital Appreciation Class 2	$	553,013	$	102,366
Principal LifeTime 2010 Class 1	$	1,578,518	$	6,054,636
Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 1	$	6,143,956	$	20,632,123
Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 2	$	644,105	$	3,853
Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 1	$	10,348,169	$	16,219,538
Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 2	$	787,901	$	67,498
Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 1	$	818,909	$	1,944,846
Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 2	$	240,179	$	23,990
Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 1	$	1,011,613	$	800,906
Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 2	$	655,076	$	22,798
Principal LifeTime Strategic Income Class 1	$	1,464,991	$	3,309,759
Real Estate Securities Class 1	$	14,174,121	$	14,511,324
Real Estate Securities Class 2	$	1,057,063	$	2,411,572
Rydex Basic Materials	$	52,170	$	25,033
Rydex Commodities Strategy	$	106,385	$	113,952
Rydex NASDAQ 100	$	728,253	$	97,071
SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 1	$	57,594,690	$	115,250,111
SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 2	$	5,833,493	$	853,959
SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio Class 1	$	12,304,699	$	31,242,358
SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio Class 2	$	2,776,245	$	875,652
SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio Class 1	$	10,566,912	$	17,601,930
SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio Class 2	$	2,656,779	$	960,952
SAM Flexible Income Portfolio Class 1	$	26,539,181	$	37,606,170
SAM Flexible Income Portfolio Class 2	$	5,309,178	$	1,683,137
SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio Class 1	$	7,432,229	$	14,061,282

108

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
	2017
Division	Purchases		Sales
SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio Class 2	$	2,225,792	$	413,369
Short-Term Income Class 1	$	14,104,508	$	26,753,441
Short-Term Income Class 2	$	2,710,743	$	2,309,598
SmallCap Class 1	$	5,919,396	$	22,870,399
SmallCap Class 2	$	367,419	$	331,719
T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth Portfolio II	$	3,283,601	$	3,783,195
T. Rowe Price Health Sciences Portfolio II	$	4,730,730	$	6,643,471
Templeton Global Bond VIP Class 4	$	1,023,294	$	189,878
Templeton Growth VIP Class 2	$	20,991	$	119,066
The Merger Fund	$	6,000	$	29
VanEck Global Hard Assets Class S	$	1,072,955	$	3,016,687

5. Changes in Units Outstanding

Transactions in units were as follows for each of the years ended December 31:

	2017			2016
Division	Purchases	Redemptions	Net increase (decrease)	Purchases	Redemptions	Net increase (decrease)
AllianceBernstein Small Cap Growth Class A	8,090	26,022	(17,932)	19,174	37,800	(18,626)
AllianceBernstein Small/Mid Cap Value Class A	130,258	87,939	42,319	105,872	59,353	46,519
Alps/Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Class III	8,038	1,461	6,577	670	162	508
American Century VP Capital Appreciation Class I	29,308	66,232	(36,924)	46,719	63,241	(16,522)
American Century VP Income & Growth Class I	15,496	101,153	(85,657)	14,192	128,081	(113,889)
American Century VP Inflation Protection Class II	470,731	753,224	(282,493)	389,792	978,306	(588,514)
American Century VP Mid Cap Value Class II	67,793	88,495	(20,702)	183,398	104,636	78,762
American Century VP Ultra Class I	12,818	23,101	(10,283)	12,550	51,335	(38,785)
American Century VP Ultra Class II	54,487	388,942	(334,455)	227,197	488,806	(261,609)

109

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
	2017			2016
Division	Purchases	Redemptions	Net increase (decrease)	Purchases	Redemptions	Net increase (decrease)
American Century VP Value Class II	53,733	97,731	(43,998)	45,369	125,002	(79,633)
American Funds Insurance Series Asset Allocation    Fund Class 2	78,815	11,403	67,412	83,125	513	82,612
American Funds Insurance Series Asset Allocation    Fund Class 4	140,157	35,014	105,143	18,106	44,093	(25,987)
American Funds Insurance Series Blue Chip Income    and Growth Class 2	152,791	70,280	82,511	155,981	4,207	151,774
American Funds Insurance Series Blue Chip Income    and Growth Class 4	85,087	9,433	75,654	73,423	72,729	694
American Funds Insurance Series Global Small    Capitalization Fund Class 2	17,391	18,125	(734)	36,137	20,886	15,251
American Funds Insurance Series Global Small    Capitalization Fund Class 4	19,831	3,301	16,530	44,950	43,627	1,323
American Funds Insurance Series High-Income Bond    Class 2	61,936	57,682	4,254	105,936	18,860	87,076
American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk    Asset Allocation Fund Class P2	47,546	3,419	44,127	23,633	3,163	20,470
American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk    Growth Fund Class P2	40,380	1,132	39,248	1,715	259	1,456
American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk    International Fund Class P2	6,123	418	5,705	953	295	658
American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund    Class 2	48,098	30,010	18,088	90,542	10,422	80,120
American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund    Class 4	30,253	5,815	24,438	4,013	12,945	(8,932)
BlackRock Advantage U.S. Total Market Class III	12,516	2,557	9,959	2,745	17	2,728
BlackRock Global Allocation Class III	21,262	7,222	14,040	54,412	5,828	48,584
BlackRock iShares Alternative Strategies Class III	13,582	8,479	5,103	60,417	9,306	51,111
BlackRock iShares Dynamic Allocation Class III	13,385	62	13,323	4,602	5	4,597
BlackRock iShares Dynamic Fixed Income Class III	24,551	38,592	(14,041)	86,135	9,195	76,940
BlackRock iShares Equity Appreciation Class III	22,491	3,621	18,870	42,240	1,578	40,662
Calvert EAFE International Index Class F	7,803	134	7,669	948	531	417
Calvert Russell 2000 Small Cap Index Class F	57,242	4,512	52,730	11,741	8,942	2,799

110

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
	2017			2016
Division	Purchases	Redemptions	Net increase (decrease)	Purchases	Redemptions	Net increase (decrease)
Calvert S&P MidCap 400 Index Class F	111,676	13,824	97,852	26,897	11,257	15,640
ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Class II	30,202	233	29,969	434	58	376
Columbia Limited Duration Credit Class 2	12,628	10,418	2,210	13,018	9,011	4,007
Columbia Small Cap Value Class 2	22,072	4,085	17,987	15,840	3,639	12,201
Core Plus Bond Class 1	782,095	1,115,469	(333,374)	555,470	1,272,470	(717,000)
Core Plus Bond Class 2	42,452	6,973	35,479	21,390	1,114	20,276
Delaware Limited Term Diversified Income Service    Class	17,689	81,438	(63,749)	115,337	44,240	71,097
Delaware Small Cap Value Service Class	76,924	60,580	16,344	90,287	23,280	67,007
Deutsche Alternative Asset Allocation Class B	230	673	(443)	416	337	79
Deutsche Equity 500 Index Class B2	35,570	15,164	20,406	32,221	16,644	15,577
Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value Class B	14,201	13,435	766	26,738	21,335	5,403
Diversified Balanced Class 1	2,786,389	207,848	2,578,541	—	—	—
Diversified Balanced Class 2	4,386,328	9,056,102	(4,669,774)	9,278,675	8,359,081	919,594
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Class 2	1,525,101	1,790,536	(265,435)	3,745,857	1,588,893	2,156,964
Diversified Balanced Volatility Control Class 2	3,440,732	35,814	3,404,918	—	—	—
Diversified Growth Class 2	14,052,113	18,979,407	(4,927,294)	28,355,581	17,396,584	10,958,997
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Class 2	3,157,350	2,738,562	418,788	6,346,908	2,246,096	4,100,812
Diversified Growth Volatility Control Class 2	15,973,893	239,033	15,734,860	—	—	—
Diversified Income Class 2	5,119,824	5,307,869	(188,045)	7,820,864	3,929,958	3,890,906
Diversified International Class 1	257,039	828,721	(571,682)	357,851	1,003,551	(645,700)
Diversified International Class 2	48,821	12,390	36,431	1,957	3,104	(1,147)
Dreyfus IP MidCap Stock Service Shares	5,087	1,248	3,839	39,624	34,369	5,255
Dreyfus IP Technology Growth Service Shares	102,477	67,755	34,722	69,191	64,851	4,340
Equity Income Class 1	361,630	2,407,337	(2,045,707)	827,173	3,204,543	(2,377,370)

111

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
	2017			2016
Division	Purchases	Redemptions	Net increase (decrease)	Purchases	Redemptions	Net increase (decrease)
Equity Income Class 2	99,843	12,968	86,875	33,436	22,823	10,613
Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class	39,724	218,292	(178,568)	43,092	262,828	(219,736)
Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2	227,096	348,457	(121,361)	246,884	482,874	(235,990)
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Service Class 2	74,239	225,999	(151,760)	122,564	375,575	(253,011)
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Initial Class	2,425,452	3,969,390	(1,543,938)	12,292,950	3,466,297	8,826,653
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Service    Class	846,823	927,807	(80,984)	712,377	321,086	391,291
Fidelity VIP Growth Service Class	44,750	93,791	(49,041)	48,024	186,515	(138,491)
Fidelity VIP Growth Service Class 2	57,747	65,923	(8,176)	74,053	124,899	(50,846)
Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class	—	—	—	42,103	—	42,103
Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class 2	195,028	110,340	84,688	192,646	192,022	624
Fidelity VIP Overseas Service Class 2	189,211	433,308	(244,097)	329,707	538,618	(208,911)
Franklin Global Real Estate VIP Class 2	11,222	6,593	4,629	21,705	8,872	12,833
Franklin Rising Dividends VIP Class 4	43,431	10,889	32,542	34,730	10,770	23,960
Franklin Small Cap Value VIP Class 2	37,888	85,046	(47,158)	101,603	39,684	61,919
Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value Institutional    Shares	38,957	116,098	(77,141)	60,595	163,011	(102,416)
Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value Service Shares	9,962	4,618	5,344	11,305	17,727	(6,422)
Goldman Sachs VIT Multi-Strategy Alternatives    Portfolio Service Shares	151	—	151	66	1,372	(1,306)
Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights    Institutional Shares	19,333	51,458	(32,125)	38,089	66,389	(28,300)
Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights    Service Shares	8,065	1,035	7,030	22,527	25,039	(2,512)
Government & High Quality Bond Class 1	1,090,569	1,938,374	(847,805)	1,361,200	2,274,209	(913,009)
Government & High Quality Bond Class 2	37,767	30,673	7,094	81,999	48,663	33,336
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Series F	123,324	104,690	18,634	91,943	19,309	72,634

112

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
	2017			2016
Division	Purchases	Redemptions	Net increase (decrease)	Purchases	Redemptions	Net increase (decrease)
Guggenheim Investments Global Managed Futures    Strategy	694	4,522	(3,828)	10,761	4,707	6,054
Guggenheim Investments Long Short Equity	1,995	2,220	(225)	5,531	10,500	(4,969)
Guggenheim Investments Multi-Hedge Strategies	10,999	2,213	8,786	39,467	3,560	35,907
Income Class 1	140,915	116,754	24,161	451,944	49,985	401,959
Income Class 2	60,422	21,258	39,164	80,795	38,392	42,403
International Emerging Markets Class 1	170,363	380,913	(210,550)	223,845	396,060	(172,215)
International Emerging Markets Class 2	70,689	7,528	63,161	9,750	255	9,495
Invesco American Franchise Series I	10,748	32,433	(21,685)	15,513	51,019	(35,506)
Invesco Balanced-Risk Allocation Series II	4,998	653	4,345	3,731	4,453	(722)
Invesco Core Equity Series I	26,157	145,327	(119,170)	17,918	174,924	(157,006)
Invesco Global Health Care Series I	40,163	75,605	(35,442)	62,492	134,473	(71,981)
Invesco Global Health Care Series II	26,037	11,115	14,922	69,326	63,552	5,774
Invesco International Growth Series I	66,347	220,947	(154,600)	119,910	167,734	(47,824)
Invesco International Growth Series II	18,659	4,566	14,093	11,967	12,298	(331)
Invesco Mid Cap Growth Series I	11,363	18,641	(7,278)	8,655	43,120	(34,465)
Invesco Small Cap Equity Series I	22,635	52,815	(30,180)	32,352	77,087	(44,735)
Invesco Technology Series I	69,109	60,860	8,249	28,113	101,139	(73,026)
Invesco Value Opportunities Series I	15,154	65,321	(50,167)	43,395	84,611	(41,216)
Janus Henderson Enterprise Service Shares	36,338	90,263	(53,925)	33,170	94,896	(61,726)
Janus Henderson Flexible Bond Service Shares	59,596	40,526	19,070	138,726	24,669	114,057
LargeCap Growth Class 1	202,409	366,442	(164,033)	397,353	744,841	(347,488)
LargeCap Growth Class 2	27,554	4,956	22,598	37,340	48,175	(10,835)
LargeCap Growth I Class 1	73,242	250,520	(177,278)	104,487	307,618	(203,131)
LargeCap Growth I Class 2	46,493	2,764	43,729	42,557	78,914	(36,357)

113

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
	2017			2016
Division	Purchases	Redemptions	Net increase (decrease)	Purchases	Redemptions	Net increase (decrease)
LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 1	484,735	810,072	(325,337)	566,256	1,025,061	(458,805)
LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 2	219,461	16,928	202,533	71,692	15,002	56,690
LargeCap Value Class 1	96,434	435,845	(339,411)	174,877	510,351	(335,474)
LargeCap Value Class 2	23,193	192	23,001	4,413	30	4,383
MFS International Value Service Class	347,657	135,563	212,094	271,607	95,983	175,624
MFS New Discovery Service Class	25,206	8,194	17,012	23,048	50,260	(27,212)
MFS Utilities Service Class	104,652	86,993	17,659	159,998	160,546	(548)
MFS Value Service Class	42,239	58,950	(16,711)	84,187	84,864	(677)
MidCap Class 1	156,879	644,956	(488,077)	201,033	764,691	(563,658)
Multi-Asset Income Class 1	666	3,058	(2,392)	20,244	3,847	16,397
Multi-Asset Income Class 2	1,293	—	1,293	—	—	—
Neuberger Berman AMT Large Cap Value Class I	10,840	54,522	(43,682)	52,557	56,715	(4,158)
Neuberger Berman AMT Mid Cap Growth Portfolio    Class S	32,547	65,866	(33,319)	40,668	78,415	(37,747)
Neuberger Berman AMT Socially Responsive Class I	8,641	46,059	(37,418)	16,060	58,378	(42,318)
Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap Service Shares	5,703	7,148	(1,445)	9,521	16,591	(7,070)
PIMCO All Asset Administrative Class	16,906	54,734	(37,828)	30,834	85,123	(54,289)
PIMCO All Asset Advisor Class	3,696	71	3,625	5,461	55	5,406
PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy M Class	61	204	(143)	3,989	4,293	(304)
PIMCO High Yield Administrative Class	248,859	264,839	(15,980)	545,176	278,960	266,216
PIMCO Low Duration Advisor Class	22,717	15,055	7,662	32,184	36,759	(4,575)
PIMCO Total Return Administrative Class	340,650	394,680	(54,030)	321,244	433,023	(111,779)
Principal Capital Appreciation Class 1	278,742	1,283,807	(1,005,065)	529,167	1,661,077	(1,131,910)
Principal Capital Appreciation Class 2	51,702	8,125	43,577	56,018	78,250	(22,232)
Principal LifeTime 2010 Class 1	40,546	352,643	(312,097)	161,091	337,121	(176,030)

114

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
	2017			2016
Division	Purchases	Redemptions	Net increase (decrease)	Purchases	Redemptions	Net increase (decrease)
Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 1	161,311	1,064,100	(902,789)	568,033	1,469,201	(901,168)
Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 2	59,929	167	59,762	49	51	(2)
Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 1	459,285	859,247	(399,962)	251,892	656,871	(404,979)
Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 2	73,243	5,974	67,269	7,179	487	6,692
Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 1	26,615	90,672	(64,057)	73,100	94,981	(21,881)
Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 2	22,362	1,829	20,533	16,562	4,110	12,452
Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 1	40,406	33,401	7,005	50,393	54,278	(3,885)
Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 2	60,727	1,756	58,971	5,957	4	5,953
Principal LifeTime Strategic Income Class 1	75,190	215,833	(140,643)	99,349	209,337	(109,988)
Real Estate Securities Class 1	101,184	245,028	(143,844)	177,113	310,479	(133,366)
Real Estate Securities Class 2	77,418	196,741	(119,323)	238,599	61,970	176,629
Rydex Basic Materials	4,761	1,810	2,951	34,277	109	34,168
Rydex Commodities Strategy	15,953	18,417	(2,464)	70,825	37,596	33,229
Rydex NASDAQ 100	58,580	6,671	51,909	11,827	20,061	(8,234)
SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 1	2,214,772	7,060,953	(4,846,181)	2,645,443	8,897,795	(6,252,352)
SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 2	525,095	72,220	452,875	158,319	188,004	(29,685)
SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio Class 1	493,623	1,974,838	(1,481,215)	760,438	2,231,746	(1,471,308)
SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio Class 2	251,948	77,568	174,380	27,459	34,392	(6,933)
SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio Class 1	442,151	1,054,762	(612,611)	908,850	1,455,752	(546,902)
SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio Class 2	223,616	79,279	144,337	80,319	81,406	(1,087)
SAM Flexible Income Portfolio Class 1	1,358,784	2,411,551	(1,052,767)	1,576,516	2,695,598	(1,119,082)
SAM Flexible Income Portfolio Class 2	491,145	152,680	338,465	122,052	157,100	(35,048)
SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio Class 1	320,250	868,588	(548,338)	518,092	1,046,120	(528,028)
SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio Class 2	192,987	33,503	159,484	150,782	54,501	96,281
Short-Term Income Class 1	1,053,629	2,181,704	(1,128,075)	1,522,747	2,371,018	(848,271)

115

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
	2017			2016
Division	Purchases	Redemptions	Net increase (decrease)	Purchases	Redemptions	Net increase (decrease)
Short-Term Income Class 2	268,088	227,683	40,405	93,423	65,151	28,272
SmallCap Class 1	240,963	926,398	(685,435)	352,269	1,178,563	(826,294)
SmallCap Class 2	35,213	30,073	5,140	36,895	40,500	(3,605)
T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth Portfolio II	110,273	126,092	(15,819)	166,014	179,791	(13,777)
T. Rowe Price Health Sciences Portfolio II	72,873	128,500	(55,627)	83,450	229,063	(145,613)
Templeton Global Bond VIP Class 4	104,439	17,639	86,800	40,938	31,062	9,876
Templeton Growth VIP Class 2	298	4,784	(4,486)	1,443	5,722	(4,279)
The Merger Fund	596	—	596	—	—	—
VanEck Global Hard Assets Class S	106,307	286,482	(180,175)	268,627	203,180	65,447

116

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

6. Financial Highlights

Principal Life sells a number of variable annuity products, which have unique combinations of features and fees that are charged against the contractholder’s account balance. Differences in the fee structures results in a variety of unit values, expense ratios and total returns.

Separate Account B has presented the following disclosures for 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 in accordance with the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies. The following table was developed by determining which products issued by Principal Life have the lowest and highest total return. Only product designs within each division that had units outstanding during the respective periods were considered when determining the lowest and highest total return. The summary may not reflect the minimum and maximum contract charges offered by Principal Life as the contractholder may not have selected all available and applicable contact options as discussed in Note 2.

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
AllianceBernstein Small Cap Growth Class A:
	2017	138	$	34.86	to	$	32.17	$	4,775	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	32.30	%	to	31.47	%
	2016	156	$	26.35	to	$	24.47	$	4,082	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	4.98	%	to	4.35	%
	2015	175	$	25.10	to	$	23.45	$	4,350	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	(2.64)	%	to	(3.18)	%
	2014	194	$	25.78	to	$	24.22	$	4,945	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	(3.16)	%	to	(3.77)	%
	2013	236	$	26.62	to	$	25.17	$	6,183	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	43.74	%	to	42.93	%
AllianceBernstein Small/Mid Cap Value Class A:
	2017	332	$	15.77	to	$	15.27	$	5,184	0.45	%	1.30% to 2.00%	11.69	%	to	10.89	%
	2016	290	$	14.12	to	$	13.77	$	4,055	0.59	%	1.30% to 2.00%	23.43	%	to	22.62	%
	2015	243	$	11.44	to	$	11.23	$	2,766	0.82	%	1.30% to 2.00%	(6.69)	%	to	(7.34)	%
	2014	190	$	12.26	to	$	12.12	$	2,320	0.76	%	1.30% to 2.00%	7.83	%	to	7.07	%
	2013 (4)	95	$	11.37	to	$	11.32	$	1,075	0.35	%	1.30% to 2.00%	13.25	%	to	12.75	%
Alps/Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Class III:
	2017	10	$	11.65	to	$	11.77	$	114	3.34	%	1.00% to 1.40%	16.50	%	to	23.25	%
	2016	3	$	9.59	to	$	9.55	$	30	0.83	%	1.15% to 1.40%	6.79	%	to	6.47	%
	2015 (10)	3	$	8.98	to	$	8.97	$	24	0.22	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(10.02)	%	to	(10.12)	%
American Century VP Capital Appreciation Class I:
	2017	177	$	13.27	to	$	12.98	$	2,339	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	20.09	%	to	19.41	%
	2016	214	$	11.05	to	$	10.87	$	2,357	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	1.84	%	to	1.21	%
	2015	230	$	10.85	to	$	10.74	$	2,496	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	0.46	%	to	(0.09)	%
	2014 (6)	241	$	10.80	to	$	10.75	$	2,604	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	9.87	%	to	9.36	%

117

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
American Century VP Income & Growth Class I:
	2017	500	$	23.18	to	$	19.67	$	11,044	2.34	%	0.85% to 1.90%	19.48	%	to	18.21	%
	2016	585	$	19.40	to	$	16.64	$	10,859	2.37	%	0.85% to 1.90%	12.53	%	to	11.38	%
	2015	699	$	17.24	to	$	14.94	$	11,548	2.10	%	0.85% to 1.90%	(6.41)	%	to	(7.43)	%
	2014	816	$	18.42	to	$	16.14	$	14,436	2.03	%	0.85% to 1.90%	11.50	%	to	10.40	%
	2013	942	$	16.52	to	$	14.62	$	14,985	2.19	%	0.85% to 1.90%	34.75	%	to	33.27	%
American Century VP Inflation Protection Class II:
	2017	3,220	$	10.13	to	$	12.25	$	42,539	2.56	%	1.00% to 2.00%	1.40	%	to	1.66	%
	2016	3,502	$	9.89	to	$	12.05	$	45,285	1.86	%	1.15% to 2.00%	3.24	%	to	2.29	%
	2015	4,091	$	9.58	to	$	11.78	$	51,380	2.04	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(3.62)	%	to	(4.38)	%
	2014	5,003	$	9.94	to	$	12.32	$	65,192	1.26	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(1.09)	%	to	(1.23)	%
	2013	6,186	$	12.87	to	$	12.17	$	78,840	1.62	%	1.40% to 2.00%	(9.68)	%	to	(10.18)	%
American Century VP Mid Cap Value Class II:
	2017	407	$	24.80	to	$	23.59	$	9,988	1.39	%	1.30% to 2.00%	10.03	%	to	9.26	%
	2016	427	$	22.54	to	$	21.59	$	9,556	1.54	%	1.30% to 2.00%	21.12	%	to	20.28	%
	2015	349	$	18.61	to	$	17.95	$	6,444	1.48	%	1.30% to 2.00%	(2.82)	%	to	(3.49)	%
	2014	280	$	19.15	to	$	18.60	$	5,329	1.02	%	1.30% to 2.00%	14.74	%	to	13.90	%
	2013	229	$	16.69	to	$	16.33	$	3,815	1.05	%	1.30% to 2.00%	28.29	%	to	27.48	%
American Century VP Ultra Class I:
	2017	171	$	22.15	to	$	20.05	$	3,782	0.36	%	1.30% to 1.90%	30.52	%	to	29.77	%
	2016	181	$	16.97	to	$	15.45	$	3,072	0.36	%	1.30% to 1.90%	3.10	%	to	2.45	%
	2015	220	$	16.46	to	$	15.08	$	3,618	0.45	%	1.30% to 1.90%	4.91	%	to	4.29	%
	2014	236	$	15.69	to	$	14.46	$	3,696	0.39	%	1.30% to 1.90%	8.58	%	to	7.91	%
	2013	284	$	14.45	to	$	13.40	$	4,100	0.56	%	1.30% to 1.90%	35.30	%	to	34.54	%
American Century VP Ultra Class II:
	2017	1,286	$	25.84	to	$	23.85	$	33,153	0.25	%	1.40% to 2.00%	30.18	%	to	29.41	%
	2016	1,620	$	19.85	to	$	18.43	$	32,114	0.20	%	1.40% to 2.00%	2.90	%	to	2.28	%
	2015	1,882	$	19.29	to	$	18.02	$	36,158	0.32	%	1.40% to 2.00%	4.55	%	to	3.92	%
	2014	2,449	$	18.45	to	$	17.34	$	44,865	0.24	%	1.40% to 2.00%	8.27	%	to	7.70	%
	2013	3,228	$	17.04	to	$	16.10	$	54,398	0.43	%	1.40% to 2.00%	35.13	%	to	34.28	%

118

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
American Century VP Value Class II:
	2017	663	$	10.63	to	$	23.33	$	16,007	1.50	%	1.00% to 1.90%	5.88	%	to	6.53	%
	2016	707	$	11.45	to	$	21.90	$	16,312	1.57	%	1.15% to 1.90%	18.90	%	to	18.00	%
	2015	787	$	9.63	to	$	18.56	$	15,478	1.99	%	1.15% to 1.90%	(5.12)	%	to	(5.79)	%
	2014	859	$	10.15	to	$	19.70	$	18,211	1.39	%	1.15% to 1.90%	(0.39)	%	to	10.74	%
	2013	1,035	$	19.07	to	$	17.79	$	19,713	1.49	%	1.30% to 1.90%	29.82	%	to	29.10	%
American Funds Insurance Series Asset Allocation Fund Class 2:
	2017	150	$	12.22	to	$	12.08	$	1,827	1.75	%	1.30% to 2.00%	14.74	%	to	13.85	%
	2016 (12)	83	$	10.65	to	$	10.61	$	878	4.92	%	1.30% to 2.00%	6.50	%	to	6.10	%
American Funds Insurance Series Asset Allocation Fund Class 4:
	2017	162	$	10.93	to	$	11.93	$	1,852	1.91	%	1.00% to 1.40%	9.19	%	to	14.38	%
	2016	57	$	10.48	to	$	10.43	$	598	1.31	%	1.15% to 1.40%	7.93	%	to	7.64	%
	2015 (10)	83	$	9.71	to	$	9.69	$	806	7.44	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(2.90)	%	to	(3.10)	%
American Funds Insurance Series Blue Chip Income and Growth Class 2:
	2017	234	$	12.92	to	$	12.78	$	3,017	2.04	%	1.30% to 2.00%	15.46	%	to	14.72	%
	2016 (12)	152	$	11.19	to	$	11.14	$	1,696	5.19	%	1.30% to 2.00%	12.01	%	to	11.51	%
American Funds Insurance Series Blue Chip Income and Growth Class 4:
	2017	169	$	11.15	to	$	13.12	$	2,076	2.33	%	1.00% to 1.40%	11.39	%	to	15.09	%
	2016	93	$	11.46	to	$	11.40	$	1,061	1.84	%	1.15% to 1.40%	17.06	%	to	16.92	%
	2015	92	$	9.79	to	$	9.75	$	900	2.51	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(4.30)	%	to	(4.60)	%
	2014 (8)	10	$	10.23	to	$	10.22	$	104	6.39	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(1.54)	%	to	(1.64)	%
American Funds Insurance Series Global Small Capitalization Fund Class 2:
	2017	105	$	12.69	to	$	10.75	$	1,211	0.42	%	1.30% to 2.00%	24.29	%	to	23.42	%
	2016	106	$	10.21	to	$	8.71	$	976	0.27	%	1.30% to 2.00%	0.79	%	to	—	%
	2015	91	$	10.13	to	$	8.71	$	844	—%		1.30% to 2.00%	(0.98)	%	to	(13.42)	%
	2014 (7)	9	$	10.23	to	$	10.20	$	96	0.28	%	1.30% to 1.90%	1.39	%	to	1.09	%
American Funds Insurance Series Global Small Capitalization Fund Class 4:
	2017	32	$	11.67	to	$	12.09	$	374	0.35	%	1.00% to 1.40%	16.35	%	to	23.87	%
	2016	15	$	9.81	to	$	9.76	$	147	0.05	%	1.15% to 1.40%	0.62	%	to	0.51	%
	2015	14	$	9.75	to	$	9.71	$	133	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(1.12)	%	to	(1.42)	%
	2014 (8)	1	$	9.86	to	$	9.85	$	8	0.15	%	1.15% to 1.40%	0.20	%	to	0.10	%

119

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
American Funds Insurance Series High-Income Bond Class 2:
	2017	132	$	10.87	to	$	10.64	$	1,439	6.53	%	1.30% to 1.90%	5.53	%	to	4.93	%
	2016	128	$	10.30	to	$	10.14	$	1,320	9.72	%	1.30% to 1.90%	16.12	%	to	15.49	%
	2015	41	$	8.87	to	$	8.78	$	364	6.87	%	1.30% to 1.90%	(8.46)	%	to	(9.02)	%
	2014 (7)	22	$	9.69	to	$	9.65	$	211	10.12	%	1.30% to 1.90%	(3.20)	%	to	(3.60)	%
American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk Asset Allocation Fund Class P2:
	2017	71	$	10.86	to	$	11.57	$	794	0.64	%	1.00% to 1.40%	8.38	%	to	13.21	%
	2016	27	$	10.28	to	$	10.22	$	276	1.31	%	1.15% to 1.40%	6.09	%	to	5.80	%
	2015	6	$	9.69	to	$	9.66	$	62	1.57	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(2.22)	%	to	(2.42)	%
	2014 (8)	—	$	9.91	to	$	9.90	$	—	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(1.10)	%	to	(1.20)	%
American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk Growth Fund Class P2:
	2017	56	$	11.53	to	$	12.19	$	658	0.29	%	1.00% to 1.40%	14.96	%	to	24.26	%
	2016	17	$	9.87	to	$	9.81	$	165	0.19	%	1.15% to 1.40%	1.33	%	to	1.03	%
	2015	15	$	9.74	to	$	9.71	$	148	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(0.41)	%	to	(0.72)	%
	2014 (8)	3				$	9.78	$	30	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(1.61)	%	to	(1.51)	%
American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk International Fund Class P2:
	2017	11	$	11.78	to	$	10.54	$	120	0.44	%	1.00% to 1.40%	17.80	%	to	26.84	%
	2016	5	$	8.36	to	$	8.31	$	41	0.92	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(4.13)	%	to	(4.37)	%
	2015	4	$	8.72	to	$	8.69	$	38	0.02	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(7.53)	%	to	(7.85)	%
	2014 (8)	2				$	9.43	$	18	—%		1.15% to 1.40%				(3.87)	%
American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund Class 2:
	2017	148	$	11.54	to	$	11.64	$	1,738	0.97	%	1.30% to 2.00%	27.80	%	to	26.80	%
	2016	130	$	9.03	to	$	9.18	$	1,195	1.17	%	1.30% to 2.00%	3.91	%	to	3.26	%
	2015	50	$	8.69	to	$	8.89	$	441	0.67	%	1.30% to 2.00%	(4.40)	%	to	(10.83)	%
	2014 (7)	17	$	9.09	to	$	9.06	$	152	2.00	%	1.30% to 1.90%	(9.55)	%	to	(9.85)	%
American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund Class 4:
	2017	61	$	11.65	to	$	11.30	$	703	1.02	%	1.00% to 1.40%	16.62	%	to	27.25	%
	2016	37	$	8.93	to	$	8.88	$	329	0.54	%	1.15% to 1.40%	3.84	%	to	3.62	%
	2015	46	$	8.60	to	$	8.57	$	394	0.63	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(4.44)	%	to	(4.78)	%
	2014 (8)	6				$	9.00	$	52	7.63	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(7.22)	%	to	(7.12)	%

120

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
BlackRock Advantage U.S. Total Market Class III:
	2017 (17)	13	$	11.64	to	$	12.28	$	150	2.43	%	1.00% to 1.40%	15.02	%	to	12.25	%
	2016	3	$	10.98	to	$	10.94	$	31	0.94	%	1.15% to 1.40%	22.00	%	to	21.69	%
	2015 (10)	—	$	9.00	to	$	8.99	$	1	0.94	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(10.89)	%	to	(10.99)	%
BlackRock Global Allocation Class III:
	2017	119	$	10.83	to	$	10.49	$	1,268	1.34	%	1.00% to 2.00%	8.19	%	to	11.36	%
	2016	105	$	9.55	to	$	9.42	$	996	1.36	%	1.15% to 2.00%	2.69	%	to	1.84	%
	2015 (10)	56	$	9.30	to	$	9.25	$	522	1.85	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(7.00)	%	to	(7.50)	%
BlackRock iShares Alternative Strategies Class III:
	2017	70	$	10.60	to	$	10.61	$	755	2.68	%	1.00% to 2.00%	5.68	%	to	10.18	%
	2016	65	$	9.76	to	$	9.63	$	632	5.30	%	1.15% to 2.00%	5.06	%	to	4.22	%
	2015 (10)	14	$	9.29	to	$	9.24	$	129	8.05	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(6.82)	%	to	(7.32)	%
BlackRock iShares Dynamic Allocation Class III:
	2017	25	$	11.00	to	$	10.65	$	266	2.33	%	1.00% to 2.00%	9.67	%	to	12.46	%
	2016	11	$	9.60	to	$	9.47	$	107	2.28	%	1.15% to 2.00%	4.92	%	to	4.07	%
	2015 (10)	7	$	9.15	to	$	9.10	$	60	6.90	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(8.32)	%	to	(8.82)	%
BlackRock iShares Dynamic Fixed Income Class III:
	2017	74	$	10.18	to	$	9.93	$	747	2.26	%	1.00% to 2.00%	1.70	%	to	1.53	%
	2016	88	$	9.91	to	$	9.78	$	872	2.37	%	1.15% to 2.00%	2.16	%	to	1.35	%
	2015 (10)	11	$	9.70	to	$	9.65	$	111	5.79	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(2.71)	%	to	(3.21)	%
BlackRock iShares Equity Appreciation Class III:
	2017	72	$	11.51	to	$	10.98	$	806	1.76	%	1.00% to 2.00%	14.64	%	to	19.09	%
	2016	53	$	9.34	to	$	9.22	$	497	2.22	%	1.15% to 2.00%	7.73	%	to	6.96	%
	2015 (10)	13	$	8.67	to	$	8.62	$	111	6.14	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(13.21)	%	to	(13.71)	%
Calvert EAFE International Index Class F:
	2017	10	$	11.56	to	$	10.86	$	111	1.76	%	1.00% to 1.40%	15.60	%	to	22.71	%
	2016	2	$	8.90	to	$	8.85	$	19	4.06	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(0.89)	%	to	(1.12)	%
	2015	2	$	8.98	to	$	8.95	$	15	0.04	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(2.92)	%	to	(3.24)	%
	2014 (8)	1				$	9.25	$	5	26.28	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(4.05)	%	to	(3.95)	%
Calvert Russell 2000 Small Cap Index Class F:
	2017	66	$	11.34	to	$	13.07	$	773	1.15	%	1.00% to 1.40%	12.39	%	to	12.48	%
	2016	13	$	11.69	to	$	11.62	$	155	0.52	%	1.15% to 1.40%	19.29	%	to	18.94	%
	2015	11	$	9.80	to	$	9.77	$	103	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(6.49)	%	to	(6.69)	%
	2014 (8)	2	$	10.48	to	$	10.47	$	21	2.65	%	1.15% to 1.40%	1.45	%	to	1.36	%

121

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
Calvert S&P MidCap 400 Index Class F:
	2017	162	$	11.22	to	$	13.20	$	1,954	0.93	%	1.00% to 1.40%	11.31	%	to	13.99	%
	2016	65	$	11.64	to	$	11.58	$	751	0.66	%	1.15% to 1.40%	18.53	%	to	18.28	%
	2015	49	$	9.82	to	$	9.79	$	480	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(4.01)	%	to	(4.21)	%
	2014 (8)	3	$	10.23	to	$	10.22	$	36	5.13	%	1.15% to 1.40%				(0.10)	%
ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Class II:
	2017	31	$	11.93	to	$	12.04	$	373	—%		1.00% to 1.40%	18.24	%	to	22.23	%
	2016	1	$	9.89	to	$	9.85	$	13	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	4.32	%	to	4.01	%
	2015 (10)	1	$	9.48	to	$	9.47	$	9	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(6.51)	%	to	(6.61)	%
Columbia Limited Duration Credit Class 2:
	2017	21	$	10.03	to	$	9.81	$	208	2.04	%	1.00% to 2.00%	0.30	%	to	(0.20)	%
	2016	19	$	9.97	to	$	9.83	$	185	2.33	%	1.15% to 2.00%	4.07	%	to	3.26	%
	2015 (10)	15	$	9.58	to	$	9.52	$	140	—%		1.15% to 2.00%	(4.20)	%	to	(4.80)	%
Columbia Small Cap Value Class 2:
	2017	38	$	11.53	to	$	13.37	$	480	0.33	%	1.00% to 1.40%	14.05	%	to	12.35	%
	2016	20	$	11.94	to	$	11.90	$	244	0.26	%	1.15% to 1.40%	31.21	%	to	30.91	%
	2015 (10)	8	$	9.10	to	$	9.09	$	75	0.73	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(9.90)	%	to	(9.91)	%
Core Plus Bond Class 1:
	2017	6,196	$	3.04	to	$	22.32	$	131,734	2.86	%	0.42% to 2.00%	4.37	%	to	2.76	%
	2016	6,529	$	2.91	to	$	21.72	$	138,244	3.07	%	0.43% to 2.00%	3.65	%	to	2.02	%
	2015	7,246	$	2.81	to	$	21.29	$	151,328	3.09	%	0.43% to 2.00%	(0.90)	%	to	(2.47)	%
	2014	8,648	$	2.83	to	$	21.83	$	180,940	3.11	%	0.44% to 2.00%	4.79	%	to	3.17	%
	2013	9,961	$	2.70	to	$	21.16	$	201,686	3.30	%	0.40% to 2.00%	(1.27)	%	to	(2.76)	%
Core Plus Bond Class 2:
	2017	58	$	10.24	to	$	10.25	$	592	2.77	%	1.00% to 1.40%	2.30	%	to	3.02	%
	2016	22	$	9.99	to	$	9.95	$	221	0.90	%	1.15% to 1.40%	2.67	%	to	2.37	%
	2015 (10)	2	$	9.73	to	$	9.72	$	19	6.38	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(2.31)	%	to	(2.41)	%
Delaware Limited Term Diversified Income Service Class:
	2017	30	$	10.03	to	$	9.79	$	302	1.90	%	1.00% to 2.00%	0.30	%	to	(0.10)	%
	2016	94	$	9.93	to	$	9.80	$	931	1.35	%	1.15% to 2.00%	0.51	%	to	(0.20)	%
	2015 (10)	23	$	9.88	to	$	9.82	$	227	1.11	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(1.00)	%	to	(1.60)	%

122

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
Delaware Small Cap Value Service Class:
	2017	176	$	15.66	to	$	15.17	$	2,726	0.66	%	1.30% to 2.00%	10.28	%	to	9.61	%
	2016	160	$	14.20	to	$	13.84	$	2,248	0.64	%	1.30% to 2.00%	29.44	%	to	28.51	%
	2015	93	$	10.97	to	$	10.77	$	1,009	0.42	%	1.30% to 2.00%	(7.66)	%	to	(8.34)	%
	2014	63	$	11.88	to	$	11.75	$	746	0.29	%	1.30% to 2.00%	4.21	%	to	3.52	%
	2013 (4)	23	$	11.40	to	$	11.35	$	262	—%		1.30% to 2.00%	13.66	%	to	13.16	%
Deutsche Alternative Asset Allocation Class B:
	2017	4	$	10.41	to	$	9.89	$	40	2.10	%	1.00% to 1.40%	4.00	%	to	5.55	%
	2016	5	$	9.42	to	$	9.37	$	42	1.90	%	1.15% to 1.40%	3.74	%	to	3.54	%
	2015	4	$	9.08	to	$	9.05	$	40	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(7.63)	%	to	(7.84)	%
	2014 (8)	—	$	9.83	to	$	9.82	$	—	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(1.60)	%	to	(1.70)	%
Deutsche Equity 500 Index Class B2:
	2017	103	$	11.39	to	$	13.32	$	1,324	1.21	%	1.00% to 1.40%	13.67	%	to	19.35	%
	2016	82	$	11.22	to	$	11.16	$	919	1.49	%	1.15% to 1.40%	9.89	%	to	9.63	%
	2015	67	$	10.21	to	$	10.18	$	678	1.24	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(0.39)	%	to	(0.59)	%
	2014 (8)	6	$	10.25	to	$	10.24	$	59	—%		1.15% to 1.40%				(0.49)	%
Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value Class B:
	2017	92	$	10.81	to	$	13.80	$	1,242	0.36	%	1.00% to 2.00%	7.24	%	to	7.98	%
	2016	91	$	11.23	to	$	12.78	$	1,157	0.22	%	1.15% to 2.00%	15.18	%	to	14.11	%
	2015	85	$	9.75	to	$	11.20	$	953	—%		1.15% to 2.00%	(3.37)	%	to	(4.11)	%
	2014	52	$	10.09	to	$	11.68	$	615	0.40	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(0.69)	%	to	3.00	%
	2013 (4)	13	$	11.39	to	$	11.34	$	146	—%		1.30% to 2.00%	13.56	%	to	13.06	%
Diversified Balanced Class 1:
	2017 (14)	2,579	$	10.60	to	$	10.50	$	27,197	2.47	%	0.53% to 1.90%	—	%	to	5.00	%
Diversified Balanced Class 2:
	2017	69,727	$	10.72	to	$	15.54	$	1,131,092	1.38	%	1.40% to 2.00%	6.99	%	to	9.28	%
	2016	74,396	$	14.83	to	$	14.22	$	1,099,762	1.25	%	1.40% to 2.00%	5.40	%	to	4.79	%
	2015	73,477	$	14.07	to	$	13.57	$	1,030,997	1.00	%	1.40% to 2.00%	(1.26)	%	to	(1.88)	%
	2014	71,134	$	14.25	to	$	13.83	$	1,011,135	0.89	%	1.40% to 2.00%	5.95	%	to	5.33	%
	2013	63,792	$	13.45	to	$	13.13	$	856,504	0.33	%	1.40% to 2.00%	11.43	%	to	10.80	%

123

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value											Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense		corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)		to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to		to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest		expense ratio
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Class 2:
	2017	15,118	$	10.71	to	$	11.72	$	181,077	1.29	%	1.00% to 2.00%		6.89	%	to	8.72	%
	2016	15,384	$	10.57	to	$	10.78	$	168,723	0.69	%	1.15% to 2.00%		5.17	%	to	4.26	%
	2015	13,227	$	10.05	to	$	10.34	$	138,378	0.84	%	1.15% to 2.00%		(1.08)	%	to	(1.90)	%
	2014	7,967	$	10.16	to	$	10.54	$	84,544	0.01	%	1.15% to 2.00%		(0.20)	%	to	4.77	%
	2013 (5)	87	$	10.07	to	$	10.06	$	877	—%		1.40% to 2.00%		0.90	%	to	0.80	%
Diversified Balanced Volatility Control Class 2:
	2017 (13)	3,405				$	10.73	$	36,539	—%		1.40	%				7.09	%
Diversified Growth Class 2:
	2017	219,749	$	10.93	to	$	17.19	$	3,946,890	1.36	%	1.40% to 2.00%		9.08	%	to	11.91	%
	2016	224,677	$	16.02	to	$	15.36	$	3,589,242	1.24	%	1.40% to 2.00%		6.66	%	to	6.00	%
	2015	213,718	$	15.02	to	$	14.49	$	3,202,277	1.03	%	1.40% to 2.00%		(1.18)	%	to	(1.83)	%
	2014	189,924	$	15.20	to	$	14.76	$	2,881,637	0.96	%	1.40% to 2.00%		6.29	%	to	5.73	%
	2013	154,283	$	14.30	to	$	13.96	$	2,202,298	0.45	%	1.40% to 2.00%		16.45	%	to	15.75	%
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Class 2:
	2017	28,510	$	10.89	to	$	12.19	$	354,954	1.24	%	1.00% to 2.00%		8.68	%	to	11.12	%
	2016	28,091	$	10.67	to	$	10.97	$	313,613	0.60	%	1.15% to 2.00%		6.38	%	to	5.38	%
	2015	23,991	$	10.03	to	$	10.41	$	252,642	1.04	%	1.15% to 2.00%		(1.08)	%	to	(1.89)	%
	2014	14,199	$	10.14	to	$	10.61	$	151,625	0.02	%	1.15% to 2.00%		(0.39)	%	to	4.95	%
	2013 (5)	393	$	10.12	to	$	10.11	$	3,979	—%		1.40% to 2.00%		1.40	%	to	1.30	%
Diversified Growth Volatility Control Class 2:
	2017 (13)	15,735				$	10.91	$	171,699	—%		1.40	%				8.77	%
Diversified Income Class 2:
	2017	20,774	$	10.54	to	$	12.59	$	268,177	1.38	%	1.40% to 2.00%		5.19	%	to	6.69	%
	2016	20,962	$	12.13	to	$	11.80	$	254,023	1.00	%	1.40% to 2.00%		4.03	%	to	3.42	%
	2015	17,071	$	11.66	to	$	11.41	$	198,791	0.78	%	1.40% to 2.00%		(1.19)	%	to	(1.81)	%
	2014	14,292	$	11.80	to	$	11.62	$	168,519	0.56	%	1.40% to 2.00%		5.36	%	to	4.78	%
	2013	10,017	$	11.20	to	$	11.09	$	112,081	0.11	%	1.40% to 2.00%		6.77	%	to	6.12	%

124

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
Diversified International Class 1:
	2017	4,720	$	4.08	to	$	30.30	$	131,186	1.81	%	0.43% to 2.00%	28.52	%	to	26.51	%
	2016	5,292	$	3.17	to	$	23.95	$	117,981	2.32	%	0.41% to 2.00%	(0.06)	%	to	(1.60)	%
	2015	5,938	$	3.17	to	$	24.34	$	136,019	2.51	%	0.44% to 2.00%	(0.77)	%	to	(2.33)	%
	2014	6,681	$	3.20	to	$	24.92	$	154,009	2.17	%	0.42% to 2.00%	(3.62)	%	to	(5.14)	%
	2013	7,605	$	3.32	to	$	26.27	$	183,015	2.83	%	0.42% to 2.00%	17.90	%	to	16.55	%
Diversified International Class 2:
	2017	58	$	11.83	to	$	11.51	$	684	1.86	%	1.00% to 1.40%	18.18	%	to	27.04	%
	2016	22	$	9.12	to	$	9.06	$	197	2.14	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(0.98)	%	to	(1.31)	%
	2015	23	$	9.21	to	$	9.18	$	210	3.16	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(1.81)	%	to	(2.03)	%
	2014 (8)	3	$	9.38	to	$	9.37	$	26	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(3.89)	%	to	(4.00)	%
Dreyfus IP MidCap Stock Service Shares:
	2017	14	$	11.23	to	$	11.93	$	162	0.69	%	1.00% to 1.40%	11.41	%	to	13.40	%
	2016	10	$	10.56	to	$	10.52	$	105	0.75	%	1.15% to 1.40%	13.92	%	to	13.61	%
	2015 (10)	5	$	9.27	to	$	9.26	$	44	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(8.13)	%	to	(8.23)	%
Dreyfus IP Technology Growth Service Shares:
	2017	305	$	34.03	to	$	31.40	$	10,254	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	40.39	%	to	39.56	%
	2016	271	$	24.24	to	$	22.50	$	6,464	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	2.93	%	to	2.32	%
	2015	266	$	23.55	to	$	21.99	$	6,205	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	4.43	%	to	3.78	%
	2014	226	$	22.55	to	$	21.19	$	5,041	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	5.13	%	to	4.49	%
	2013	217	$	21.45	to	$	20.28	$	4,605	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	30.71	%	to	30.00	%
Equity Income Class 1:
	2017	10,292	$	2.61	to	$	18.07	$	197,554	2.21	%	0.44% to 2.00%	20.57	%	to	18.73	%
	2016	12,338	$	2.17	to	$	15.22	$	198,801	2.68	%	0.39% to 2.00%	15.24	%	to	13.41	%
	2015	14,715	$	1.88	to	$	13.42	$	207,674	2.43	%	0.55% to 2.00%	(4.33)	%	to	(5.82)	%
	2014	17,409	$	1.97	to	$	14.25	$	258,967	2.35	%	0.27% to 2.00%	12.33	%	to	10.55	%
	2013	22,006	$	1.75	to	$	12.89	$	293,600	3.07	%	0.33% to 2.00%	26.77	%	to	24.90	%
Equity Income Class 2:
	2017	201	$	11.50	to	$	13.10	$	2,508	2.21	%	1.00% to 1.40%	14.66	%	to	19.09	%
	2016	115	$	11.06	to	$	11.00	$	1,263	2.61	%	1.15% to 1.40%	14.14	%	to	13.87	%
	2015	104	$	9.69	to	$	9.66	$	1,006	3.12	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(5.28)	%	to	(5.48)	%
	2014 (8)	8	$	10.23	to	$	10.22	$	81	—%		1.15% to 1.40%				(0.97)	%

125

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class:
	2017	1,388	$	30.23	to	$	27.28	$	41,949	0.89	%	1.30% to 1.90%	20.20	%	to	19.44	%
	2016	1,566	$	25.15	to	$	22.84	$	39,392	0.70	%	1.30% to 1.90%	6.52	%	to	5.89	%
	2015	1,786	$	23.61	to	$	21.57	$	42,171	0.90	%	1.30% to 1.90%	(0.76)	%	to	(1.33)	%
	2014	2,024	$	23.79	to	$	21.86	$	48,140	0.82	%	1.30% to 1.90%	10.39	%	to	9.74	%
	2013	2,372	$	21.55	to	$	19.92	$	51,076	0.93	%	1.30% to 1.90%	29.43	%	to	28.68	%
Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2:
	2017	1,967	$	11.28	to	$	26.63	$	52,563	0.77	%	1.00% to 2.00%	12.35	%	to	19.20	%
	2016	2,089	$	10.75	to	$	22.34	$	48,208	0.60	%	1.15% to 2.00%	6.54	%	to	5.58	%
	2015	2,325	$	10.09	to	$	21.16	$	50,809	0.80	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(0.79)	%	to	(1.58)	%
	2014	2,435	$	10.17	to	$	21.50	$	55,142	0.72	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(0.78)	%	to	9.47	%
	2013	2,712	$	20.78	to	$	19.64	$	55,840	0.81	%	1.40% to 2.00%	29.23	%	to	28.45	%
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Service Class 2:
	2017	1,472	$	21.75	to	$	19.72	$	31,878	1.49	%	1.30% to 2.00%	11.20	%	to	10.41	%
	2016	1,624	$	19.56	to	$	17.86	$	31,630	2.05	%	1.30% to 2.00%	16.15	%	to	15.37	%
	2015	1,877	$	16.84	to	$	15.48	$	31,472	2.86	%	1.30% to 2.00%	(5.45)	%	to	(6.12)	%
	2014	2,117	$	17.81	to	$	16.49	$	37,544	2.56	%	1.30% to 2.00%	7.03	%	to	6.32	%
	2013	2,399	$	16.64	to	$	15.51	$	39,708	2.19	%	1.30% to 2.00%	26.25	%	to	25.38	%
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Initial Class:
	2017	7,283	$	1.00	to	$	9.71	$	34,519	0.66	%	0.42% to 2.00%	0.21	%	to	(1.32)	%
	2016 (11)	8,827	$	1.00	to	$	0.99	$	47,450	0.22	%	0.59% to 2.19%	—	%	to	—	%
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Service Class:
	2017	310	$	9.96	to	$	9.94	$	3,084	0.42	%	1.00% to 1.40%	(0.40)	%	to	(0.60)	%
	2016 (11)	391	$	9.90	to	$	9.88	$	3,865	0.02	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(1.00)	%	to	(1.20)	%
Fidelity VIP Growth Service Class:
	2017	730	$	20.50	to	$	18.50	$	14,958	0.12	%	1.30% to 1.90%	33.29	%	to	32.43	%
	2016	779	$	15.38	to	$	13.97	$	11,979	—%		1.30% to 1.90%	(0.65)	%	to	(1.13)	%
	2015	917	$	15.48	to	$	14.13	$	14,193	0.16	%	1.30% to 1.90%	5.74	%	to	4.98	%
	2014	1,037	$	14.64	to	$	13.46	$	15,185	0.09	%	1.30% to 1.90%	9.75	%	to	9.16	%
	2013	1,248	$	13.34	to	$	12.33	$	16,637	0.18	%	1.30% to 1.90%	34.48	%	to	33.59	%
Fidelity VIP Growth Service Class 2:
	2017	421	$	27.61	to	$	25.48	$	11,548	0.08	%	1.40% to 2.00%	33.00	%	to	32.16	%
	2016	430	$	20.76	to	$	19.28	$	8,861	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	(0.86)	%	to	(1.43)	%
	2015	480	$	20.94	to	$	19.56	$	9,985	0.03	%	1.40% to 2.00%	5.39	%	to	4.77	%
	2014	481	$	19.87	to	$	18.67	$	9,442	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	9.48	%	to	8.80	%
	2013	467	$	18.15	to	$	17.16	$	8,346	0.05	%	1.40% to 2.00%	34.25	%	to	33.44	%

126

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value											Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense		corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)		to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to		to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest		expense ratio
Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class:
	2017	49				$	13.81	$	674	0.62	%	0.95	%				19.57	%
	2016	49				$	11.55	$	563	0.53	%	0.95	%				11.06	%
	2015	7				$	10.40	$	69	0.41	%	0.95	%				(2.44)	%
	2014 (7)	7				$	10.66	$	71	0.32	%	0.95	%				5.75	%
Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class 2:
	2017	914	$	11.55	to	$	30.46	$	25,998	0.49	%	1.00% to 2.00%		14.58	%	to	18.15	%
	2016	830	$	10.82	to	$	25.78	$	21,339	0.31	%	1.15% to 2.00%		10.63	%	to	9.70	%
	2015	829	$	9.78	to	$	23.50	$	19,266	0.27	%	1.15% to 2.00%		(2.78)	%	to	(3.57)	%
	2014	707	$	10.06	to	$	24.37	$	17,956	0.02	%	1.15% to 2.00%		(0.20)	%	to	3.92	%
	2013	623	$	24.80	to	$	23.45	$	15,323	0.29	%	1.40% to 2.00%		34.05	%	to	33.31	%
Fidelity VIP Overseas Service Class 2:
	2017	1,487	$	11.88	to	$	18.11	$	28,448	1.15	%	1.00% to 2.00%		18.92	%	to	27.45	%
	2016	1,731	$	9.02	to	$	14.21	$	26,313	1.18	%	1.15% to 2.00%		(6.33)	%	to	(7.12)	%
	2015	1,940	$	9.63	to	$	15.30	$	31,477	1.08	%	1.15% to 2.00%		2.12	%	to	1.26	%
	2014	2,368	$	9.43	to	$	15.11	$	37,741	1.04	%	1.15% to 2.00%		(3.38)	%	to	(10.11)	%
	2013	2,605	$	17.79	to	$	16.81	$	45,762	1.10	%	1.40% to 2.00%		28.54	%	to	27.74	%
Franklin Global Real Estate VIP Class 2:
	2017	66	$	10.70	to	$	10.18	$	715	3.04	%	1.00% to 2.00%		6.57	%	to	8.30	%
	2016	61	$	10.43	to	$	9.40	$	613	1.19	%	1.15% to 2.00%		(0.67)	%	to	(1.47)	%
	2015	48	$	10.50	to	$	9.54	$	497	3.78	%	1.15% to 2.00%		(0.57)	%	to	(4.02)	%
	2014 (8)	4	$	10.56	to	$	10.55	$	42	—%		1.15% to 1.40%		1.05	%	to	0.96	%
Franklin Rising Dividends VIP Class 4:
	2017	104	$	11.48	to	$	13.32	$	1,339	1.37	%	1.00% to 1.40%		14.46	%	to	18.82	%
	2016	72	$	11.28	to	$	11.21	$	808	1.21	%	1.15% to 1.40%		14.63	%	to	14.27	%
	2015	48	$	9.84	to	$	9.81	$	470	1.49	%	1.15% to 1.40%		(4.84)	%	to	(5.13)	%
	2014 (8)	7				$	10.34	$	71	—%		1.15% to 1.40%					(0.39)	%
Franklin Small Cap Value VIP Class 2:
	2017	206	$	24.11	to	$	22.88	$	4,897	0.52	%	1.30% to 2.00%		9.24	%	to	8.49	%
	2016	253	$	22.07	to	$	21.09	$	5,529	0.76	%	1.30% to 2.00%		28.46	%	to	27.59	%
	2015	191	$	17.18	to	$	16.53	$	3,252	0.62	%	1.30% to 2.00%		(8.57)	%	to	(9.23)	%
	2014	191	$	18.79	to	$	18.21	$	3,577	0.62	%	1.30% to 2.00%		(0.74)	%	to	(1.41)	%
	2013	185	$	18.93	to	$	18.47	$	3,494	1.17	%	1.30% to 2.00%		17.65	%	to	33.65	%

127

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value Institutional Shares:
	2017	509	$	26.77	to	$	24.60	$	13,514	0.71	%	1.30% to 2.00%	9.62	%	to	8.90	%
	2016	586	$	24.42	to	$	22.59	$	14,216	1.31	%	1.30% to 2.00%	12.07	%	to	11.28	%
	2015	689	$	21.79	to	$	20.30	$	14,902	0.38	%	1.30% to 2.00%	(10.40)	%	to	(11.04)	%
	2014	770	$	24.32	to	$	22.82	$	18,543	0.99	%	1.30% to 2.00%	12.07	%	to	11.32	%
	2013	842	$	21.70	to	$	20.50	$	18,015	0.83	%	1.30% to 2.00%	10.55	%	to	30.32	%
Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value Service Shares:
	2017	50	$	10.73	to	$	11.16	$	558	0.53	%	1.00% to 1.40%	6.55	%	to	9.30	%
	2016	45	$	10.26	to	$	10.21	$	459	1.08	%	1.15% to 1.40%	11.89	%	to	11.71	%
	2015	51	$	9.17	to	$	9.14	$	469	0.18	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(10.54)	%	to	(10.74)	%
	2014 (8)	2	$	10.25	to	$	10.24	$	17	5.08	%	1.15% to 1.40%	0.59	%	to	0.49	%
Goldman Sachs VIT Multi-Strategy Alternatives Portfolio Service Shares:
	2017	—	$	10.20	to	$	9.58	$	2	3.31	%	1.00% to 1.40%	2.00	%	to	3.90	%
	2016	—	$	9.26	to	$	9.22	$	—	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(0.86)	%	to	(1.18)	%
	2015 (10)	1	$	9.34	to	$	9.33	$	12	6.02	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(6.69)	%	to	(6.79)	%
Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights Institutional Shares:
	2017	291	$	23.78	to	$	21.85	$	6,852	0.53	%	1.30% to 2.00%	10.14	%	to	9.36	%
	2016	323	$	21.59	to	$	19.98	$	6,918	1.15	%	1.30% to 2.00%	21.57	%	to	20.80	%
	2015	351	$	17.76	to	$	16.54	$	6,193	0.28	%	1.30% to 2.00%	(3.37)	%	to	(4.12)	%
	2014	382	$	18.38	to	$	17.25	$	6,978	0.76	%	1.30% to 2.00%	5.57	%	to	4.86	%
	2013	417	$	17.41	to	$	16.45	$	7,164	0.99	%	1.30% to 2.00%	14.16	%	to	32.98	%
Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights Service Shares:
	2017	15	$	11.29	to	$	13.57	$	187	0.41	%	1.00% to 1.40%	11.67	%	to	9.61	%
	2016	8	$	12.45	to	$	12.38	$	99	0.39	%	1.15% to 1.40%	21.58	%	to	21.37	%
	2015	10	$	10.24	to	$	10.20	$	107	0.05	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(3.58)	%	to	(3.86)	%
	2014 (8)	—	$	10.62	to	$	10.61	$	5	6.02	%	1.15% to 1.40%	1.63	%	to	1.53	%
Government & High Quality Bond Class 1:
	2017	9,071	$	2.88	to	$	11.47	$	98,248	3.95	%	0.42% to 2.00%	1.45	%	to	(0.17)	%
	2016	9,919	$	2.84	to	$	11.49	$	110,034	3.50	%	0.51% to 2.00%	1.37	%	to	(0.17)	%
	2015	10,832	$	2.80	to	$	11.51	$	121,664	3.26	%	0.42% to 2.00%	0.37	%	to	(1.20)	%
	2014	12,521	$	2.79	to	$	11.65	$	141,359	3.77	%	0.43% to 2.00%	4.64	%	to	2.92	%
	2013	14,619	$	2.66	to	$	11.32	$	159,944	3.86	%	0.42% to 2.00%	(1.44)	%	to	(2.83)	%

128

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
Government & High Quality Bond Class 2:
	2017	140	$	10.00	to	$	10.06	$	1,414	4.10	%	1.00% to 1.40%	—	%	to	0.10	%
	2016	133	$	10.11	to	$	10.05	$	1,342	3.82	%	1.15% to 1.40%	0.40	%	to	0.10	%
	2015	100	$	10.07	to	$	10.04	$	1,003	3.74	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(0.49)	%	to	(0.79)	%
	2014 (8)	2				$	10.12	$	20	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	—	%	to	0.10	%
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Series F:
	2017	172	$	10.17	to	$	10.44	$	1,825	2.85	%	1.00% to 2.00%	1.70	%	to	1.36	%
	2016	154	$	10.62	to	$	10.30	$	1,598	5.18	%	1.15% to 2.00%	7.27	%	to	6.40	%
	2015	81	$	9.90	to	$	9.68	$	787	2.66	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(0.40)	%	to	(3.20)	%
	2014 (8)	1	$	9.94	to	$	9.93	$	13	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(0.80)	%	to	(0.90)	%
Guggenheim Investments Global Managed Futures Strategy:
	2017	13	$	10.60	to	$	8.56	$	118	1.54	%	1.00% to 2.00%	5.79	%	to	6.60	%
	2016	17	$	8.82	to	$	8.03	$	143	3.42	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(15.68)	%	to	(16.53)	%
	2015	11	$	10.46	to	$	9.62	$	114	3.08	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(2.70)	%	to	(3.99)	%
	2014 (8)	2	$	10.75	to	$	10.74	$	21	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	5.50	%	to	5.40	%
Guggenheim Investments Long Short Equity:
	2017	12	$	11.54	to	$	10.93	$	141	0.36	%	1.00% to 2.00%	15.05	%	to	12.56	%
	2016	12	$	10.40	to	$	9.71	$	127	—%		1.15% to 2.00%	(0.57)	%	to	(1.32)	%
	2015	17	$	10.46	to	$	9.84	$	177	—%		1.15% to 2.00%	0.10	%	to	(2.09)	%
	2014 (8)	4	$	10.45	to	$	10.44	$	43	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	2.96	%	to	2.86	%
Guggenheim Investments Multi-Hedge Strategies:
	2017	53	$	10.29	to	$	9.87	$	537	—%		1.00% to 2.00%	2.80	%	to	1.65	%
	2016	45	$	10.16	to	$	9.71	$	438	0.11	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(1.65)	%	to	(2.51)	%
	2015	9	$	10.33	to	$	9.96	$	88	0.63	%	1.15% to 2.00%	0.68	%	to	(0.60)	%
	2014 (8)	1	$	10.26	to	$	10.25	$	8	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	2.29	%	to	2.30	%
Income Class 1:
	2017	486	$	10.52	to	$	10.33	$	5,092	4.43	%	1.30% to 2.00%	3.75	%	to	3.09	%
	2016	462	$	10.14	to	$	10.02	$	4,669	4.48	%	1.30% to 2.00%	4.43	%	to	3.62	%
	2015 (10)	60	$	9.71	to	$	9.67	$	582	4.78	%	1.30% to 2.00%	(2.61)	%	to	(3.01)	%

129

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
Income Class 2:
	2017	83	$	10.25	to	$	10.42	$	860	5.10	%	1.00% to 1.40%	2.30	%	to	3.37	%
	2016	44	$	10.12	to	$	10.08	$	446	7.41	%	1.15% to 1.40%	4.33	%	to	4.02	%
	2015 (10)	2	$	9.70	to	$	9.69	$	17	11.21	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(2.71)	%	to	(2.81)	%
International Emerging Markets Class 1:
	2017	1,609	$	4.74	to	$	36.52	$	59,753	1.25	%	0.42% to 2.00%	40.25	%	to	38.07	%
	2016	1,820	$	3.38	to	$	26.45	$	49,426	1.16	%	0.40% to 2.00%	8.94	%	to	7.22	%
	2015	1,992	$	3.10	to	$	24.67	$	50,665	1.67	%	0.41% to 2.00%	(14.17)	%	to	(15.51)	%
	2014	2,140	$	3.62	to	$	29.20	$	64,255	0.91	%	0.41% to 2.00%	(4.15)	%	to	(5.65)	%
	2013	2,369	$	3.77	to	$	30.95	$	74,988	2.37	%	0.40% to 2.00%	(5.42)	%	to	(6.47)	%
International Emerging Markets Class 2:
	2017	77	$	12.33	to	$	11.61	$	935	1.45	%	1.00% to 1.40%	23.80	%	to	38.54	%
	2016	14	$	8.41	to	$	8.38	$	115	1.15	%	1.15% to 1.40%	7.82	%	to	7.71	%
	2015 (10)	4	$	7.80	to	$	7.78	$	33	1.58	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(21.84)	%	to	(21.97)	%
Invesco American Franchise Series I:
	2017	237	$	18.85	to	$	18.22	$	4,468	0.08	%	1.30% to 1.90%	25.67	%	to	24.97	%
	2016	259	$	15.00	to	$	14.58	$	3,878	—%		1.30% to 1.90%	0.94	%	to	0.34	%
	2015	294	$	14.86	to	$	14.53	$	4,369	—%		1.30% to 1.90%	3.70	%	to	3.05	%
	2014	321	$	14.33	to	$	14.10	$	4,607	0.04	%	1.30% to 1.90%	7.02	%	to	6.33	%
	2013	385	$	13.39	to	$	13.26	$	5,160	0.43	%	1.30% to 1.90%	38.33	%	to	37.55	%
Invesco Balanced-Risk Allocation Series II:
	2017	24	$	10.62	to	$	11.31	$	266	4.11	%	1.00% to 1.40%	6.09	%	to	8.33	%
	2016	19	$	10.50	to	$	10.44	$	203	0.21	%	1.15% to 1.40%	10.18	%	to	9.89	%
	2015	20	$	9.53	to	$	9.50	$	191	4.91	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(5.46)	%	to	(5.75)	%
	2014 (8)	—				$	10.08	$	—	—%		1.15% to 1.40%				(0.69)	%
Invesco Core Equity Series I:
	2017	944	$	17.76	to	$	16.02	$	16,764	1.02	%	1.30% to 1.90%	11.77	%	to	11.02	%
	2016	1,063	$	15.89	to	$	14.43	$	16,900	0.75	%	1.30% to 1.90%	8.84	%	to	8.17	%
	2015	1,220	$	14.60	to	$	13.34	$	17,820	1.11	%	1.30% to 1.90%	(7.01)	%	to	(7.49)	%
	2014	1,369	$	15.70	to	$	14.42	$	21,497	0.83	%	1.30% to 1.90%	6.73	%	to	6.11	%
	2013	1,606	$	14.71	to	$	13.59	$	23,623	1.34	%	1.30% to 1.90%	27.69	%	to	26.77	%
Invesco Global Health Care Series I:
	2017	353	$	22.90	to	$	11.04	$	7,458	0.36	%	1.30% to 2.00%	14.33	%	to	13.58	%
	2016	389	$	20.03	to	$	9.72	$	7,477	—%		1.30% to 2.00%	(12.61)	%	to	(2.70)	%
	2015	461	$	22.92	to	$	21.00	$	10,562	—%		1.30% to 1.90%	1.82	%	to	1.25	%
	2014	485	$	22.51	to	$	20.74	$	10,917	—%		1.30% to 1.90%	18.10	%	to	17.37	%
	2013	551	$	19.06	to	$	17.67	$	10,479	0.69	%	1.30% to 1.90%	38.82	%	to	37.94	%

130

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
Invesco Global Health Care Series II:
	2017	98	$	10.61	to	$	10.40	$	1,028	0.09	%	1.00% to 1.40%	6.10	%	to	13.91	%
	2016	83	$	9.18	to	$	9.13	$	762	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(12.74)	%	to	(12.88)	%
	2015	78	$	10.52	to	$	10.48	$	814	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	1.74	%	to	1.45	%
	2014 (8)	7	$	10.34	to	$	10.33	$	71	—%		1.15% to 1.40%				0.39	%
Invesco International Growth Series I:
	2017	752	$	12.73	to	$	12.01	$	9,528	1.41	%	1.40% to 2.00%	21.35	%	to	20.58	%
	2016	906	$	10.49	to	$	9.96	$	9,472	1.38	%	1.40% to 2.00%	(1.87)	%	to	(2.45)	%
	2015	954	$	10.69	to	$	10.21	$	10,161	1.50	%	1.40% to 2.00%	(3.69)	%	to	(4.31)	%
	2014	943	$	11.10	to	$	10.67	$	10,425	1.67	%	1.40% to 2.00%	(1.07)	%	to	(1.66)	%
	2013	791	$	11.22	to	$	10.85	$	8,853	1.35	%	1.40% to 2.00%	17.61	%	to	16.92	%
Invesco International Growth Series II:
	2017	60	$	11.31	to	$	10.93	$	665	1.39	%	1.00% to 1.40%	13.21	%	to	21.04	%
	2016	46	$	9.08	to	$	9.03	$	418	1.21	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(1.84)	%	to	(2.06)	%
	2015	46	$	9.25	to	$	9.22	$	429	1.81	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(3.75)	%	to	(3.96)	%
	2014 (8)	3	$	9.61	to	$	9.60	$	32	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(3.12)	%	to	(3.23)	%
Invesco Mid Cap Growth Series I:
	2017	71	$	16.97	to	$	16.40	$	1,209	—%		1.30% to 1.90%	20.87	%	to	20.15	%
	2016	78	$	14.04	to	$	13.65	$	1,102	—%		1.30% to 1.90%	(0.50)	%	to	(1.16)	%
	2015	113	$	14.11	to	$	13.81	$	1,594	—%		1.30% to 1.90%	(0.14)	%	to	(0.65)	%
	2014	110	$	14.13	to	$	13.90	$	1,554	—%		1.30% to 1.90%	6.64	%	to	5.95	%
	2013	126	$	13.25	to	$	13.12	$	1,672	0.39	%	1.30% to 1.90%	35.34	%	to	34.56	%
Invesco Small Cap Equity Series I:
	2017	297	$	26.74	to	$	24.57	$	7,855	—%		1.30% to 2.00%	12.59	%	to	11.78	%
	2016	327	$	23.75	to	$	21.98	$	7,700	—%		1.30% to 2.00%	10.62	%	to	9.85	%
	2015	372	$	21.47	to	$	20.01	$	7,928	—%		1.30% to 2.00%	(6.77)	%	to	(7.40)	%
	2014	408	$	23.03	to	$	21.61	$	9,327	—%		1.30% to 2.00%	1.05	%	to	0.37	%
	2013	469	$	22.79	to	$	21.53	$	10,623	0.01	%	1.30% to 2.00%	35.74	%	to	34.82	%

131

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
Invesco Technology Series I:
	2017	292	$	12.65	to	$	11.44	$	3,692	—%		1.30% to 1.90%	33.44	%	to	32.56	%
	2016	284	$	9.48	to	$	8.63	$	2,690	—%		1.30% to 1.90%	(2.07)	%	to	(2.60)	%
	2015	357	$	9.68	to	$	8.86	$	3,452	—%		1.30% to 1.90%	5.45	%	to	4.73	%
	2014	411	$	9.18	to	$	8.46	$	3,772	—%		1.30% to 1.90%	9.68	%	to	9.02	%
	2013	410	$	8.37	to	$	7.76	$	3,426	—%		1.30% to 1.90%	23.45	%	to	22.78	%
Invesco Value Opportunities Series I:
	2017	247	$	17.90	to	$	16.52	$	4,385	0.39	%	1.40% to 2.00%	15.78	%	to	15.12	%
	2016	297	$	15.46	to	$	14.35	$	4,558	0.41	%	1.40% to 2.00%	16.68	%	to	15.91	%
	2015	338	$	13.25	to	$	12.38	$	4,445	2.63	%	1.40% to 2.00%	(11.67)	%	to	(12.14)	%
	2014	360	$	15.00	to	$	14.09	$	5,348	1.37	%	1.40% to 2.00%	5.19	%	to	4.53	%
	2013	401	$	14.26	to	$	13.48	$	5,666	1.46	%	1.40% to 2.00%	32.04	%	to	31.13	%
Janus Henderson Enterprise Service Shares:
	2017 (15)	465	$	21.04	to	$	18.98	$	9,775	0.52	%	1.30% to 1.90%	25.46	%	to	24.70	%
	2016	519	$	16.77	to	$	15.22	$	8,696	0.71	%	1.30% to 1.90%	10.69	%	to	9.97	%
	2015	580	$	15.15	to	$	13.84	$	8,794	0.76	%	1.30% to 1.90%	2.43	%	to	1.84	%
	2014	643	$	14.79	to	$	13.59	$	9,503	0.03	%	1.30% to 1.90%	10.79	%	to	10.13	%
	2013	744	$	13.35	to	$	12.34	$	9,931	0.36	%	1.30% to 1.90%	30.37	%	to	29.62	%
Janus Henderson Flexible Bond Service Shares:
	2017 (16)	213	$	10.13	to	$	9.99	$	2,165	2.61	%	1.00% to 2.00%	1.30	%	to	1.32	%
	2016	194	$	10.03	to	$	9.86	$	1,933	3.06	%	1.15% to 2.00%	1.01	%	to	(1.40)	%
	2015	80	$	9.93	to	$	9.90	$	796	2.28	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(1.19)	%	to	(1.39)	%
	2014 (8)	7	$	10.05	to	$	10.04	$	73	4.49	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(0.10)	%	to	(0.20)	%
LargeCap Growth Class 1:
	2017	2,338	$	4.40	to	$	33.97	$	48,371	0.37	%	0.43% to 2.00%	34.32	%	to	32.23	%
	2016	2,502	$	3.27	to	$	25.69	$	40,322	0.27	%	0.40% to 2.00%	(5.53)	%	to	(7.02)	%
	2015	2,849	$	3.46	to	$	27.63	$	49,543	0.14	%	0.47% to 2.00%	4.54	%	to	2.91	%
	2014	3,191	$	3.31	to	$	26.85	$	53,469	0.54	%	0.41% to 2.00%	10.65	%	to	8.92	%
	2013	3,571	$	2.99	to	$	24.65	$	55,522	1.44	%	0.42% to 2.00%	33.35	%	to	31.40	%

132

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
LargeCap Growth Class 2:
	2017	54	$	12.08	to	$	12.92	$	682	0.16	%	1.00% to 1.40%	20.32	%	to	32.65	%
	2016	31	$	9.80	to	$	9.74	$	307	0.10	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(6.40)	%	to	(6.70)	%
	2015	42	$	10.47	to	$	10.44	$	442	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	3.46	%	to	3.26	%
	2014 (8)	1	$	10.12	to	$	10.11	$	6	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(0.39)	%	to	(0.49)	%
LargeCap Growth I Class 1:
	2017	1,778	$	2.98	to	$	69.15	$	112,164	0.03	%	0.42% to 2.00%	33.15	%	to	31.07	%
	2016	1,955	$	2.24	to	$	52.76	$	94,521	—%		0.41% to 2.00%	0.84	%	to	(0.73)	%
	2015	2,158	$	2.22	to	$	53.15	$	105,642	0.23	%	0.45% to 2.00%	7.32	%	to	5.62	%
	2014	2,292	$	2.07	to	$	50.32	$	109,226	0.12	%	0.41% to 2.00%	8.16	%	to	6.47	%
	2013	2,572	$	1.91	to	$	47.26	$	114,518	0.38	%	0.40% to 2.00%	35.57	%	to	33.54	%
LargeCap Growth I Class 2:
	2017	57	$	12.12	to	$	13.08	$	702	—%		1.00% to 1.40%	21.08	%	to	31.46	%
	2016	13	$	9.99	to	$	9.95	$	127	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	—	%	to	(0.30)	%
	2015 (10)	49	$	9.99	to	$	9.98	$	491	0.50	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(0.60)	%	to	(0.70)	%
LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 1:
	2017	5,160	$	2.70	to	$	19.07	$	104,391	1.65	%	0.42% to 2.00%	20.98	%	to	19.11	%
	2016	5,486	$	2.23	to	$	16.01	$	92,870	1.66	%	0.39% to 2.00%	11.12	%	to	9.36	%
	2015	5,945	$	2.01	to	$	14.64	$	92,317	1.44	%	0.48% to 2.00%	0.72	%	to	(0.88)	%
	2014	6,500	$	1.99	to	$	14.77	$	102,363	1.24	%	0.37% to 2.00%	12.81	%	to	11.05	%
	2013	7,202	$	1.76	to	$	13.30	$	101,189	1.22	%	0.40% to 2.00%	31.49	%	to	29.50	%
LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 2:
	2017	275	$	11.40	to	$	12.65	$	3,235	2.08	%	1.00% to 1.40%	13.77	%	to	19.57	%
	2016	72	$	10.63	to	$	10.58	$	766	2.04	%	1.15% to 1.40%	10.04	%	to	9.75	%
	2015 (10)	16	$	9.66	to	$	9.64	$	151	2.15	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(3.69)	%	to	(3.89)	%
LargeCap Value Class 1:
	2017	2,537	$	6.53	to	$	43.03	$	76,973	2.00	%	0.41% to 2.00%	16.34	%	to	14.53	%
	2016	2,870	$	64.98	to	$	37.57	$	74,504	1.93	%	0.24% to 2.00%	7.67	%	to	6.04	%
	2015	3,206	$	5.21	to	$	35.43	$	79,223	1.69	%	0.46% to 2.00%	(1.51)	%	to	(3.06)	%
	2014	3,695	$	61.32	to	$	36.55	$	91,485	2.20	%	0.09% to 2.00%	10.64	%	to	8.97	%
	2013	4,234	$	4.78	to	$	33.54	$	95,526	2.52	%	0.43% to 2.00%	30.28	%	to	28.36	%

133

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
LargeCap Value Class 2:
	2017	28	$	11.32	to	$	11.69	$	325	2.25	%	1.00% to 1.40%	12.64	%	to	14.83	%
	2016	5	$	10.22	to	$	10.18	$	56	1.51	%	1.15% to 1.40%	6.68	%	to	6.49	%
	2015 (10)	1	$	9.58	to	$	9.56	$	10	1.46	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(4.68)	%	to	(4.88)	%
MFS International Value Service Class:
	2017	548	$	11.76	to	$	11.95	$	6,698	1.47	%	1.00% to 2.00%	17.72	%	to	24.35	%
	2016	336	$	10.61	to	$	9.61	$	3,308	1.38	%	1.15% to 2.00%	2.61	%	to	1.69	%
	2015	160	$	10.34	to	$	9.45	$	1,563	2.01	%	1.15% to 2.00%	5.19	%	to	(5.41)	%
	2014 (8)	6				$	9.83	$	61	—%		1.15% to 1.40%				(2.09)	%
MFS New Discovery Service Class:
	2017	110	$	12.00	to	$	13.54	$	1,497	—%		1.00% to 2.00%	19.05	%	to	23.77	%
	2016	93	$	9.84	to	$	10.94	$	1,031	—%		1.15% to 2.00%	7.54	%	to	6.73	%
	2015	121	$	9.15	to	$	10.25	$	1,253	—%		1.15% to 2.00%	(9.50)	%	to	(4.12)	%
	2014	88	$	10.81	to	$	10.69	$	944	—%		1.30% to 2.00%	(8.70)	%	to	(9.33)	%
	2013 (4)	51	$	11.84	to	$	11.79	$	598	—%		1.30% to 2.00%	17.00	%	to	16.50	%
MFS Utilities Service Class:
	2017	643	$	10.57	to	$	22.34	$	13,276	4.13	%	1.00% to 2.00%	5.38	%	to	12.26	%
	2016	626	$	9.08	to	$	19.90	$	11,829	3.68	%	1.15% to 2.00%	9.93	%	to	9.04	%
	2015	626	$	8.26	to	$	18.25	$	10,898	4.07	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(15.71)	%	to	(16.48)	%
	2014	550	$	9.80	to	$	21.85	$	12,181	2.02	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(2.68)	%	to	10.24	%
	2013	425	$	20.38	to	$	19.82	$	8,631	2.03	%	1.40% to 2.00%	18.70	%	to	17.98	%
MFS Value Service Class:
	2017	226	$	27.68	to	$	26.29	$	6,239	1.70	%	1.40% to 2.00%	15.72	%	to	15.05	%
	2016	243	$	23.92	to	$	22.85	$	5,780	1.80	%	1.40% to 2.00%	12.20	%	to	11.52	%
	2015	244	$	21.32	to	$	20.49	$	5,168	2.12	%	1.40% to 2.00%	(2.34)	%	to	(2.89)	%
	2014	238	$	21.83	to	$	21.10	$	5,175	1.34	%	1.40% to 2.00%	8.66	%	to	7.98	%
	2013	222	$	20.09	to	$	19.54	$	4,442	1.11	%	1.40% to 2.00%	33.84	%	to	33.02	%

134

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
MidCap Class 1:
	2017	3,871	$	13.16	to	$	99.32	$	351,847	0.54	%	0.43% to 2.00%	24.99	%	to	23.04	%
	2016	4,359	$	10.53	to	$	80.72	$	324,263	0.41	%	0.40% to 2.00%	9.91	%	to	8.17	%
	2015	4,922	$	9.58	to	$	74.62	$	339,892	0.51	%	0.48% to 2.00%	1.22	%	to	(0.36)	%
	2014	5,671	$	9.46	to	$	74.89	$	389,291	0.51	%	0.40% to 2.00%	12.51	%	to	10.75	%
	2013	6,669	$	8.41	to	$	67.62	$	412,319	1.44	%	0.43% to 2.00%	33.37	%	to	31.38	%
Multi-Asset Income Class 1:
	2017	14	$	11.50	to	$	11.37	$	161	1.71	%	1.30% to 2.00%	10.58	%	to	9.75	%
	2016 (12)	16	$	10.40	to	$	10.36	$	170	—%		1.30% to 2.00%	4.10	%	to	3.70	%
Multi-Asset Income Class 2:
	2017	1	$	10.68	to	$	11.44	$	14	—%		1.00% to 1.40%	6.69	%	to	10.32	%
	2016 (12)	—	$	10.39	to	$	10.37	$	—	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	4.00	%	to	3.80	%
Neuberger Berman AMT Large Cap Value Class I:
	2017	196	$	23.36	to	$	21.56	$	4,562	0.57	%	1.40% to 2.00%	11.77	%	to	11.13	%
	2016	240	$	20.90	to	$	19.40	$	4,993	0.77	%	1.40% to 2.00%	25.60	%	to	24.84	%
	2015	244	$	16.64	to	$	15.54	$	4,048	0.76	%	1.40% to 2.00%	(13.02)	%	to	(13.57)	%
	2014	276	$	19.13	to	$	17.98	$	5,241	0.72	%	1.40% to 2.00%	8.32	%	to	7.66	%
	2013	312	$	17.66	to	$	16.70	$	5,443	1.11	%	1.40% to 2.00%	29.38	%	to	28.66	%
Neuberger Berman AMT Mid Cap Growth Portfolio Class S:
	2017	215	$	11.77	to	$	11.95	$	2,599	—%		1.00% to 2.00%	17.00	%	to	22.19	%
	2016	249	$	9.46	to	$	9.78	$	2,448	—%		1.15% to 2.00%	2.94	%	to	2.09	%
	2015 (10)	286	$	9.19	to	$	9.58	$	2,746	—%		1.15% to 2.00%	(8.83)	%	to	(4.49)	%
Neuberger Berman AMT Socially Responsive Class I:
	2017	167	$	26.24	to	$	24.22	$	4,355	0.50	%	1.40% to 2.00%	16.78	%	to	16.11	%
	2016	204	$	22.47	to	$	20.86	$	4,563	0.67	%	1.40% to 2.00%	8.34	%	to	7.69	%
	2015	246	$	20.74	to	$	19.37	$	5,077	0.55	%	1.40% to 2.00%	(1.85)	%	to	(2.47)	%
	2014	290	$	21.13	to	$	19.86	$	6,077	0.35	%	1.40% to 2.00%	8.81	%	to	8.23	%
	2013	387	$	19.42	to	$	18.35	$	7,439	0.68	%	1.40% to 2.00%	35.80	%	to	34.93	%

135

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
Oppenheimer Main Street Small Cap Service Shares:
	2017	39	$	15.39	to	$	14.97	$	602	0.64	%	1.30% to 1.90%	12.42	%	to	11.80	%
	2016	41	$	13.69	to	$	13.39	$	555	0.25	%	1.30% to 1.90%	16.21	%	to	15.43	%
	2015	48	$	11.78	to	$	11.60	$	561	0.70	%	1.30% to 1.90%	(7.32)	%	to	(7.86)	%
	2014	52	$	12.71	to	$	12.59	$	658	0.67	%	1.30% to 1.90%	10.23	%	to	9.57	%
	2013 (4)	33	$	11.53	to	$	11.49	$	378	0.06	%	1.30% to 1.90%	15.07	%	to	14.67	%
PIMCO All Asset Administrative Class:
	2017	230	$	16.09	to	$	15.28	$	3,688	4.55	%	1.40% to 2.00%	11.97	%	to	11.29	%
	2016	268	$	14.37	to	$	13.73	$	3,838	2.58	%	1.40% to 2.00%	11.31	%	to	10.73	%
	2015	322	$	12.91	to	$	12.40	$	4,147	3.26	%	1.40% to 2.00%	(10.22)	%	to	(10.79)	%
	2014	366	$	14.38	to	$	13.90	$	5,247	5.21	%	1.40% to 2.00%	(0.90)	%	to	(1.56)	%
	2013	346	$	14.51	to	$	14.12	$	4,994	4.45	%	1.40% to 2.00%	(1.09)	%	to	(1.60)	%
PIMCO All Asset Advisor Class:
	2017	9	$	10.71	to	$	10.89	$	98	5.25	%	1.00% to 1.40%	7.21	%	to	11.81	%
	2016	5	$	9.78	to	$	9.74	$	53	6.46	%	1.15% to 1.40%	11.52	%	to	11.31	%
	2015 (10)	—	$	8.77	to	$	8.75	$	—	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(12.12)	%	to	(12.32)	%
PIMCO Commodity Real Return Strategy M Class:
	2017	1	$	10.24	to	$	8.21	$	11	11.10	%	1.00% to 1.40%	2.40	%	to	0.49	%
	2016	1	$	8.20	to	$	8.17	$	12	0.93	%	1.15% to 1.40%	13.26	%	to	13.16	%
	2015 (10)	2	$	7.24	to	$	7.22	$	13	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(27.45)	%	to	(27.66)	%
PIMCO High Yield Administrative Class:
	2017	1,441	$	10.34	to	$	14.94	$	21,731	4.86	%	1.00% to 2.00%	3.40	%	to	4.48	%
	2016	1,457	$	10.68	to	$	14.30	$	21,316	5.15	%	1.15% to 2.00%	11.13	%	to	10.25	%
	2015	1,190	$	9.61	to	$	12.97	$	15,656	5.25	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(2.73)	%	to	(3.57)	%
	2014	1,160	$	9.88	to	$	13.45	$	16,015	5.25	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(1.20)	%	to	1.28	%
	2013	1,048	$	13.60	to	$	13.28	$	14,204	5.56	%	1.40% to 2.00%	4.37	%	to	3.75	%
PIMCO Low Duration Advisor Class:
	2017	40	$	10.00	to	$	9.69	$	392	1.22	%	1.00% to 2.00%	—	%	to	(0.82)	%
	2016	32	$	9.90	to	$	9.77	$	315	1.41	%	1.15% to 2.00%	0.10	%	to	(0.71)	%
	2015 (10)	37	$	9.89	to	$	9.84	$	361	11.09	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(1.10)	%	to	(1.60)	%

136

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
PIMCO Total Return Administrative Class:
	2017	2,027	$	10.22	to	$	12.36	$	26,016	2.02	%	1.00% to 2.00%	2.20	%	to	2.83	%
	2016	2,081	$	10.19	to	$	12.02	$	25,990	2.08	%	1.15% to 2.00%	1.49	%	to	0.67	%
	2015	2,192	$	10.04	to	$	11.94	$	27,067	4.91	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(0.69)	%	to	(1.57)	%
	2014	2,330	$	10.11	to	$	12.13	$	29,159	2.19	%	1.15% to 2.00%	(0.30)	%	to	2.19	%
	2013	2,556	$	12.21	to	$	11.87	$	31,116	2.20	%	1.40% to 2.00%	(3.17)	%	to	(3.81)	%
Principal Capital Appreciation Class 1:
	2017	6,546	$	21.57	to	$	19.46	$	112,554	1.25	%	0.95% to 2.00%	19.63	%	to	18.37	%
	2016	7,551	$	18.03	to	$	16.44	$	109,609	1.12	%	0.95% to 2.00%	8.09	%	to	6.96	%
	2015	8,683	$	16.68	to	$	15.37	$	116,745	0.32	%	0.95% to 2.00%	1.21	%	to	0.13	%
	2014	1,161	$	16.48	to	$	15.35	$	18,505	3.13	%	0.95% to 2.00%	11.35	%	to	10.19	%
	2013	1,169	$	14.80	to	$	13.93	$	16,817	6.72	%	0.95% to 2.00%	31.44	%	to	30.19	%
Principal Capital Appreciation Class 2:
	2017	82	$	11.38	to	$	13.21	$	999	1.27	%	1.00% to 1.40%	13.57	%	to	18.79	%
	2016	39	$	11.19	to	$	11.12	$	432	1.17	%	1.15% to 1.40%	7.60	%	to	7.34	%
	2015	61	$	10.40	to	$	10.36	$	632	0.05	%	1.15% to 1.40%	0.78	%	to	0.48	%
	2014 (8)	19	$	10.32	to	$	10.31	$	192	—%		1.15% to 1.40%				(0.29)	%
Principal LifeTime 2010 Class 1:
	2017	1,437	$	15.25	to	$	15.71	$	24,297	2.18	%	0.95% to 2.00%	10.43	%	to	9.25	%
	2016	1,749	$	13.81	to	$	14.38	$	26,898	2.11	%	0.95% to 2.00%	4.23	%	to	3.16	%
	2015	1,925	$	13.25	to	$	13.94	$	28,521	2.18	%	0.95% to 2.00%	(2.14)	%	to	(3.13)	%
	2014	2,223	$	13.54	to	$	14.39	$	33,743	2.17	%	0.95% to 2.00%	3.83	%	to	2.71	%
	2013	2,531	$	13.04	to	$	14.01	$	36,994	2.38	%	0.95% to 2.00%	9.76	%	to	8.77	%
Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 1:
	2017	5,445	$	16.87	to	$	17.91	$	104,894	1.94	%	0.95% to 2.00%	13.91	%	to	12.71	%
	2016	6,348	$	14.81	to	$	15.89	$	107,765	1.93	%	0.95% to 2.00%	4.74	%	to	3.72	%
	2015	7,249	$	14.14	to	$	15.32	$	117,718	2.54	%	0.95% to 2.00%	(2.01)	%	to	(3.10)	%
	2014	8,649	$	14.43	to	$	15.81	$	143,695	2.31	%	0.95% to 2.00%	4.72	%	to	3.60	%
	2013	11,078	$	13.78	to	$	15.26	$	176,094	2.14	%	0.95% to 2.00%	14.93	%	to	13.88	%

137

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 2:
	2017	61	$	10.96	to	$	11.05	$	673	2.29	%	1.00% to 1.40%	9.38	%	to	13.10	%
	2016	2	$	9.81	to	$	9.77	$	16	1.84	%	1.15% to 1.40%	4.36	%	to	4.16	%
	2015 (10)	2	$	9.40	to	$	9.38	$	16	6.44	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(6.00)	%	to	(6.20)	%
Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 1:
	2017	3,430	$	17.46	to	$	18.54	$	68,465	1.55	%	0.95% to 2.00%	17.10	%	to	15.95	%
	2016	3,830	$	14.91	to	$	15.99	$	64,965	1.63	%	0.95% to 2.00%	4.85	%	to	3.76	%
	2015	4,235	$	14.22	to	$	15.41	$	68,802	2.56	%	0.95% to 2.00%	(2.00)	%	to	(3.02)	%
	2014	4,403	$	14.51	to	$	15.89	$	73,233	2.15	%	0.95% to 2.00%	5.07	%	to	3.99	%
	2013	4,540	$	13.81	to	$	15.28	$	72,233	1.94	%	0.95% to 2.00%	17.93	%	to	16.73	%
Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 2:
	2017	76	$	11.20	to	$	11.30	$	852	1.91	%	1.00% to 1.40%	11.78	%	to	16.37	%
	2016	8	$	9.75	to	$	9.71	$	82	1.50	%	1.15% to 1.40%	4.39	%	to	4.07	%
	2015 (10)	2	$	9.34	to	$	9.33	$	16	3.07	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(6.69)	%	to	(6.79)	%
Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 1:
	2017	718	$	18.18	to	$	19.64	$	15,164	1.32	%	0.95% to 2.00%	19.53	%	to	18.24	%
	2016	782	$	15.21	to	$	16.61	$	13,886	1.47	%	0.95% to 2.00%	4.46	%	to	3.36	%
	2015	804	$	14.56	to	$	16.07	$	13,719	2.40	%	0.95% to 2.00%	(1.82)	%	to	(2.78)	%
	2014	833	$	14.83	to	$	16.53	$	14,504	2.00	%	0.95% to 2.00%	5.25	%	to	4.09	%
	2013	787	$	14.09	to	$	15.88	$	13,053	1.57	%	0.95% to 2.00%	21.26	%	to	20.21	%
Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 2:
	2017	33	$	11.37	to	$	11.46	$	377	1.58	%	1.00% to 1.40%	13.47	%	to	18.76	%
	2016	13	$	9.69	to	$	9.65	$	121	0.38	%	1.15% to 1.40%	3.97	%	to	3.65	%
	2015 (10)	—	$	9.32	to	$	9.31	$	—	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(6.89)	%	to	(6.99)	%
Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 1:
	2017	523	$	18.46	to	$	20.03	$	11,287	1.27	%	0.95% to 2.00%	20.97	%	to	19.73	%
	2016	516	$	15.26	to	$	16.73	$	9,242	1.32	%	0.95% to 2.00%	4.59	%	to	3.46	%
	2015	520	$	14.59	to	$	16.17	$	8,937	2.52	%	0.95% to 2.00%	(1.62)	%	to	(2.65)	%
	2014	493	$	14.83	to	$	16.61	$	8,618	2.19	%	0.95% to 2.00%	5.18	%	to	4.07	%
	2013	501	$	14.10	to	$	15.96	$	8,354	1.58	%	0.95% to 2.00%	22.61	%	to	21.46	%

138

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 2:
	2017	68	$	11.47	to	$	11.59	$	778	1.95	%	1.00% to 1.40%	14.47	%	to	20.23	%
	2016	9	$	9.68	to	$	9.64	$	84	1.23	%	1.15% to 1.40%	3.97	%	to	3.77	%
	2015 (10)	3	$	9.31	to	$	9.29	$	25	3.71	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(7.09)	%	to	(7.29)	%
Principal LifeTime Strategic Income Class 1:
	2017	1,004	$	13.98	to	$	14.01	$	15,184	2.32	%	0.95% to 2.00%	7.79	%	to	6.62	%
	2016	1,144	$	12.97	to	$	13.14	$	16,092	2.46	%	0.95% to 2.00%	3.76	%	to	2.74	%
	2015	1,254	$	12.50	to	$	12.79	$	17,075	2.13	%	0.95% to 2.00%	(1.88)	%	to	(2.96)	%
	2014	1,565	$	12.74	to	$	13.18	$	21,738	2.51	%	0.95% to 2.00%	3.58	%	to	2.49	%
	2013	1,813	$	12.30	to	$	12.86	$	24,406	2.72	%	0.95% to 2.00%	4.15	%	to	3.21	%
Real Estate Securities Class 1:
	2017	1,312	$	5.78	to	$	54.10	$	75,318	1.74	%	0.41% to 2.00%	8.74	%	to	7.02	%
	2016	1,456	$	5.32	to	$	50.55	$	77,554	1.38	%	0.42% to 2.00%	5.40	%	to	3.76	%
	2015	1,589	$	5.04	to	$	48.72	$	81,337	1.51	%	0.46% to 2.00%	3.77	%	to	2.14	%
	2014	1,761	$	4.86	to	$	47.70	$	87,932	1.59	%	0.38% to 2.00%	32.26	%	to	30.19	%
	2013	1,880	$	3.67	to	$	36.64	$	72,398	1.29	%	0.49% to 2.00%	3.66	%	to	2.15	%
Real Estate Securities Class 2:
	2017	206	$	10.62	to	$	13.05	$	2,537	1.35	%	1.00% to 1.40%	5.67	%	to	7.41	%
	2016	325	$	12.21	to	$	12.15	$	3,951	1.02	%	1.15% to 1.40%	4.27	%	to	4.11	%
	2015	148	$	11.71	to	$	11.67	$	1,733	1.89	%	1.15% to 1.40%	2.81	%	to	2.55	%
	2014 (8)	16	$	11.39	to	$	11.38	$	181	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	3.45	%	to	3.36	%
Rydex Basic Materials:
	2017	37	$	11.36	to	$	11.90	$	440	0.69	%	1.00% to 1.40%	12.92	%	to	19.72	%
	2016	34	$	9.98	to	$	9.94	$	340	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	29.44	%	to	29.09	%
	2015 (10)	—	$	7.71	to	$	7.70	$	—	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(22.75)	%	to	(22.85)	%
Rydex Commodities Strategy:
	2017	44	$	10.89	to	$	7.09	$	271	—%		1.00% to 2.00%	8.04	%	to	2.31	%
	2016	46	$	5.06	to	$	6.93	$	270	—%		1.15% to 2.00%	9.29	%	to	8.28	%
	2015	13	$	4.63	to	$	6.40	$	77	—%		1.15% to 2.00%	(34.60)	%	to	(35.81)	%
	2014 (8)	2	$	7.08	to	$	7.07	$	11	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(20.00)	%	to	(20.11)	%

139

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
Rydex NASDAQ 100:
	2017	103	$	11.69	to	$	14.82	$	1,359	—%		1.00% to 1.40%	16.90	%	to	29.32	%
	2016	51	$	11.53	to	$	11.46	$	581	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	4.82	%	to	4.47	%
	2015	59	$	11.00	to	$	10.97	$	646	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	7.00	%	to	6.71	%
	2014 (8)	9				$	10.28	$	97	—%		1.15% to 1.40%				(1.34)	%
SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 1:
	2017	32,925	$	2.44	to	$	15.39	$	536,023	2.11	%	0.41% to 2.00%	14.73	%	to	12.91	%
	2016	37,771	$	2.12	to	$	13.63	$	541,175	2.10	%	0.42% to 2.00%	6.38	%	to	4.69	%
	2015	44,023	$	2.00	to	$	13.02	$	598,643	2.90	%	0.42% to 2.00%	(1.23)	%	to	(2.76)	%
	2014	49,402	$	2.02	to	$	13.39	$	687,748	2.66	%	0.48% to 2.00%	6.37	%	to	4.69	%
	2013	58,685	$	1.90	to	$	12.79	$	775,903	2.43	%	0.57% to 2.00%	15.50	%	to	15.54	%
SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 2:
	2017	807	$	10.96	to	$	11.66	$	9,147	2.00	%	1.00% to 1.40%	9.38	%	to	13.31	%
	2016	354	$	10.35	to	$	10.29	$	3,651	2.15	%	1.15% to 1.40%	5.40	%	to	5.11	%
	2015	383	$	9.82	to	$	9.79	$	3,759	3.22	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(2.19)	%	to	(2.39)	%
	2014 (8)	63	$	10.04	to	$	10.03	$	634	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(0.69)	%	to	(0.79)	%
SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio Class 1:
	2017	8,225	$	16.26	to	$	14.68	$	128,349	2.70	%	0.95% to 2.00%	10.39	%	to	9.31	%
	2016	9,706	$	14.73	to	$	13.43	$	137,720	2.52	%	0.95% to 2.00%	5.36	%	to	4.27	%
	2015	11,177	$	13.98	to	$	12.88	$	150,875	3.19	%	0.95% to 2.00%	(1.69)	%	to	(2.79)	%
	2014	12,217	$	14.22	to	$	13.25	$	168,582	2.97	%	0.95% to 2.00%	5.18	%	to	4.17	%
	2013	13,493	$	13.52	to	$	12.72	$	177,876	2.87	%	0.95% to 2.00%	10.46	%	to	9.37	%
SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio Class 2:
	2017	473	$	10.69	to	$	11.24	$	5,204	2.97	%	1.00% to 1.40%	6.79	%	to	9.66	%
	2016	299	$	10.31	to	$	10.25	$	3,074	2.30	%	1.15% to 1.40%	4.88	%	to	4.59	%
	2015	306	$	9.83	to	$	9.80	$	3,002	3.57	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(2.09)	%	to	(2.29)	%
	2014 (8)	55	$	10.04	to	$	10.03	$	553	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(0.50)	%	to	(0.59)	%
SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio Class 1:
	2017	6,430	$	17.35	to	$	15.66	$	106,720	1.54	%	0.95% to 2.00%	18.67	%	to	17.48	%
	2016	7,042	$	14.62	to	$	13.33	$	98,936	1.43	%	0.95% to 2.00%	5.94	%	to	4.88	%
	2015	7,589	$	13.80	to	$	12.71	$	100,958	2.27	%	0.95% to 2.00%	(1.99)	%	to	(3.05)	%
	2014	7,463	$	14.08	to	$	13.11	$	101,757	1.82	%	0.95% to 2.00%	6.42	%	to	5.30	%
	2013	6,963	$	13.23	to	$	12.45	$	89,642	1.82	%	0.95% to 2.00%	21.94	%	to	20.76	%

140

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio Class 2:
	2017	707	$	11.28	to	$	12.12	$	8,479	1.46	%	1.00% to 1.40%	12.57	%	to	17.78	%
	2016	562	$	10.35	to	$	10.29	$	5,813	1.16	%	1.15% to 1.40%	5.61	%	to	5.32	%
	2015	564	$	9.80	to	$	9.77	$	5,522	2.62	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(2.49)	%	to	(2.79)	%
	2014 (8)	43				$	10.05	$	430	—%		1.15% to 1.40%				(0.79)	%
SAM Flexible Income Portfolio Class 1:
	2017	10,450	$	15.94	to	$	14.38	$	159,705	3.30	%	0.95% to 2.00%	7.41	%	to	6.28	%
	2016	11,503	$	14.84	to	$	13.53	$	164,166	3.29	%	0.95% to 2.00%	6.00	%	to	4.88	%
	2015	12,622	$	14.00	to	$	12.90	$	170,645	3.57	%	0.95% to 2.00%	(2.23)	%	to	(3.23)	%
	2014	13,335	$	14.32	to	$	13.33	$	185,235	3.60	%	0.95% to 2.00%	5.06	%	to	3.90	%
	2013	13,976	$	13.63	to	$	12.83	$	185,636	3.43	%	0.95% to 2.00%	6.73	%	to	5.68	%
SAM Flexible Income Portfolio Class 2:
	2017	757	$	10.47	to	$	10.92	$	8,096	3.56	%	1.00% to 1.40%	4.60	%	to	6.64	%
	2016	419	$	10.30	to	$	10.24	$	4,297	3.02	%	1.15% to 1.40%	5.53	%	to	5.24	%
	2015	454	$	9.76	to	$	9.73	$	4,421	4.01	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(2.69)	%	to	(2.89)	%
	2014 (8)	42	$	10.03	to	$	10.02	$	418	—%		1.15% to 1.40%				(0.50)	%
SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio Class 1:
	2017	3,988	$	17.47	to	$	15.77	$	66,383	1.41	%	0.95% to 2.00%	21.07	%	to	19.83	%
	2016	4,536	$	14.43	to	$	13.16	$	62,693	1.44	%	0.95% to 2.00%	5.10	%	to	4.03	%
	2015	5,064	$	13.73	to	$	12.65	$	66,773	2.26	%	0.95% to 2.00%	(2.49)	%	to	(3.58)	%
	2014	4,851	$	14.08	to	$	13.12	$	65,972	1.52	%	0.95% to 2.00%	7.65	%	to	6.58	%
	2013	4,539	$	13.08	to	$	12.31	$	57,654	1.43	%	0.95% to 2.00%	26.25	%	to	24.97	%
SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio Class 2:
	2017	425	$	11.44	to	$	12.25	$	5,078	1.34	%	1.00% to 1.40%	14.17	%	to	20.22	%
	2016	265	$	10.25	to	$	10.19	$	2,708	1.10	%	1.15% to 1.40%	4.70	%	to	4.41	%
	2015	169	$	9.79	to	$	9.76	$	1,650	2.36	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(2.97)	%	to	(3.17)	%
	2014 (8)	62	$	10.09	to	$	10.08	$	624	—%		1.15% to 1.40%	(0.69)	%	to	(0.79)	%

141

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value										Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense	corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)	to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to	to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest	expense ratio
Short-Term Income Class 1:
	2017	7,454	$	12.23	to	$	11.09	$	87,366	1.92	%	0.85% to 2.00%	1.58	%	to	0.36	%
	2016	8,582	$	12.04	to	$	11.05	$	99,558	2.09	%	0.85% to 2.00%	1.26	%	to	0.09	%
	2015	9,431	$	11.89	to	$	11.04	$	108,512	2.61	%	0.85% to 2.00%	(0.17)	%	to	(1.25)	%
	2014	11,376	$	11.91	to	$	11.18	$	131,612	1.68	%	0.85% to 2.00%	0.85	%	to	(0.27)	%
	2013	13,303	$	11.81	to	$	11.21	$	153,216	1.87	%	0.85% to 2.00%	0.34	%	to	(0.80)	%
Short-Term Income Class 2:
	2017	147	$	10.02	to	$	10.01	$	1,473	1.44	%	1.00% to 1.40%	0.20	%	to	0.30	%
	2016	106	$	10.03	to	$	9.98	$	1,063	2.38	%	1.15% to 1.40%	0.80	%	to	0.60	%
	2015	78	$	9.95	to	$	9.92	$	775	3.33	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(0.60)	%	to	(0.80)	%
	2014 (8)	9	$	10.01	to	$	10.00	$	94	—%		1.15% to 1.40%				(0.10)	%
SmallCap Class 1:
	2017	4,394	$	2.84	to	$	23.71	$	112,085	0.37	%	0.41% to 2.00%	12.40	%	to	10.64	%
	2016	5,080	$	2.53	to	$	21.43	$	116,092	0.25	%	0.37% to 2.00%	16.90	%	to	15.09	%
	2015	5,906	$	2.16	to	$	18.62	$	116,459	0.08	%	0.55% to 2.00%	(0.50)	%	to	(2.10)	%
	2014	1,636	$	2.17	to	$	19.02	$	33,528	0.35	%	0.45% to 2.00%	4.45	%	to	2.81	%
	2013	1,736	$	2.08	to	$	18.50	$	34,644	0.33	%	0.38% to 2.00%	47.19	%	to	21.95	%
SmallCap Class 2:
	2017	88	$	11.12	to	$	11.70	$	1,014	0.15	%	1.00% to 1.40%	10.10	%	to	11.01	%
	2016	82	$	10.58	to	$	10.54	$	871	0.09	%	1.15% to 1.40%	15.75	%	to	15.57	%
	2015 (9)	86	$	9.14	to	$	9.12	$	785	0.09	%	1.15% to 1.40%	(7.21)	%	to	(7.41)	%
T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth Portfolio II:
	2017	685	$	31.81	to	$	29.36	$	21,628	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	33.94	%	to	33.15	%
	2016	701	$	23.75	to	$	22.05	$	16,507	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	(0.88)	%	to	(1.47)	%
	2015	715	$	23.96	to	$	22.38	$	16,984	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	9.26	%	to	8.59	%
	2014	581	$	21.93	to	$	20.61	$	12,613	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	7.34	%	to	6.73	%
	2013	566	$	20.43	to	$	19.31	$	11,456	—%		1.40% to 2.00%	38.98	%	to	38.13	%

142

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

										For the year ended December 31,
		December 31,								except as noted
			Unit fair value											Total return (3)
			corresponding									Expense		corresponding
			to lowest					Net		Investment		ratio (2)		to lowest
		Units	to highest					assets		income		lowest to		to highest
Division		(000's)	expense ratio					(000's)		ratio (1)		highest		expense ratio
T. Rowe Price Health Sciences Portfolio II:
	2017	524	$	54.37	to	$	50.18	$	28,307	—%		1.40% to 2.00%		25.54	%	to	24.79	%
	2016	580	$	43.31	to	$	40.21	$	24,918	—%		1.40% to 2.00%		(11.95)	%	to	(12.49)	%
	2015	725	$	49.19	to	$	45.95	$	35,403	—%		1.40% to 2.00%		10.89	%	to	10.24	%
	2014	686	$	44.36	to	$	41.68	$	30,107	—%		1.40% to 2.00%		29.40	%	to	28.64	%
	2013	631	$	34.28	to	$	32.40	$	21,393	—%		1.40% to 2.00%		48.59	%	to	47.68	%
Templeton Global Bond VIP Class 4:
	2017	213	$	9.70	to	$	9.39	$	2,026	—%		1.00% to 2.00%		(3.10)	%	to	(0.32)	%
	2016	126	$	9.37	to	$	9.42	$	1,185	—%		1.15% to 2.00%		1.63	%	to	0.86	%
	2015	116	$	9.22	to	$	9.34	$	1,072	6.23	%	1.15% to 2.00%		(5.44)	%	to	(6.60)	%
	2014 (8)	7	$	9.75	to	$	9.74	$	68	—%		1.15% to 1.40%		(2.30)	%	to	(2.31)	%
Templeton Growth VIP Class 2:
	2017	36				$	25.03	$	891	1.61	%	0.85	%				17.46	%
	2016	40				$	21.31	$	854	2.01	%	0.85	%				8.72	%
	2015	44				$	19.60	$	869	2.66	%	0.85	%				(7.28)	%
	2014	45				$	21.14	$	960	1.34	%	0.85	%				(3.65)	%
	2013	49				$	21.94	$	1,071	2.65	%	0.85	%				29.82	%
The Merger Fund:
	2017	1	$	10.07	to	$	9.85	$	6	—%		1.00% to 1.40%		0.60	%	to	1.23	%
	2016	—	$	9.77	to	$	9.73	$	—	—%		1.15% to 1.40%		1.24	%	to	0.93	%
	2015 (10)	—	$	9.65	to	$	9.64	$	—	—%		1.15% to 1.40%		(3.50)	%	to	(3.60)	%
VanEck Global Hard Assets Class S:
	2017	550	$	10.05	to	$	10.32	$	5,838	—%		1.00% to 2.00%		(0.59)	%	to	(3.82)	%
	2016	730	$	7.08	to	$	10.73	$	8,017	0.37	%	1.15% to 2.00%		41.60	%	to	40.45	%
	2015	665	$	5.00	to	$	7.64	$	5,127	0.03	%	1.15% to 2.00%		(34.30)	%	to	(34.92)	%
	2014	591	$	7.61	to	$	11.74	$	7,087	—%		1.15% to 2.00%		(13.82)	%	to	(20.94)	%
	2013	584	$	15.27	to	$	14.85	$	8,885	0.49	%	1.30% to 2.00%		8.92	%	to	8.24	%

143

(1)	These amounts represent the dividends, excluding distributions of capital gains, received by the division from the underlying mutual fund, net of management fees assessed by the fund manager, divided by the average net assets. These ratios exclude those expenses, such as mortality and expense charges, that result in direct reductions in the unit values. The recognition of investment income by the division is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying fund in which the divisions invest. These ratios are annualized for periods less than one year.
(2)	These ratios represent the annualized contract expenses of the separate account, consisting primarily of mortality and expense charges, for each period indicated. The ratios include only those expenses that result in a direct reduction to unit values. Charges made directly to contractholder accounts through the redemption of units and expenses of the underlying fund are excluded.
(3)	These amounts represent the total return for the periods indicated, including changes in the value of the underlying fund, and reflect deductions for all items included in the expense ratio. The total return does not include any expenses assessed through the redemption of units; inclusion of these expenses in the calculation would result in a reduction in the total return presented. Investment options with a date notation indicate the effective date of that investment option in the variable account. For purposes of the total return calculation the beginning unit value is typically equal to an investment option with a similar expense structure and if no such similar investment option exists, a beginning unit value of ten would typically be used. The total return is calculated for the period indicated or from the effective date through the end of the reporting period. Total returns have not been annualized for periods less than one year. These percentages represent the range of total returns available as of the report date and correspond with the expense ratio lowest to highest.
(4)	Commencement of operations, May 20, 2013. Investment income ratios have been annualized for the year ended December 31, 2013.
(5)	Commencement of operations, December 2, 2013. Investment income ratios have been annualized for the year ended December 31, 2013.
(6)	Commencement of operations, April 24, 2014. Investment income ratios have been annualized for the year ended December 31, 2014.
(7)	Commencement of operations, May 17, 2014. Investment income ratios have been annualized for the year ended December 31, 2014.
(8)	Commencement of operations, November 10, 2014. Investment income ratios have been annualized for the year ended December 31, 2014.
(9)	Commencement of operations, April 17, 2015. Investment income ratios have been annualized for the year ended December 31, 2015.
(10)	Commencement of operations, May 18, 2015. Investment income ratios have been annualized for the year ended December 31, 2015.
(11)	Commencement of operations, February 8, 2016. Investment income ratios have been annualized for the year ended December 31, 2016.
(12)	Commencement of operations, May 23, 2016. Investment income ratios have been annualized for the year ended December 31, 2016.
(13)	Commencement of operations, April 6, 2017. Investment income ratios have been annualized for the year ended December 31, 2017.
(14)	Commencement of operations, May 26, 2017. Investment income ratios have been annualized for the year ended December 31, 2017.
(15)	Represented the operations of Janus Aspen Enterprise Service Shares Division until May 13, 2017.
(16)	Represented the operations of Janus Aspen Flexible Bond Service Shares Division until May 13, 2017.
(17)	Represented the operations of BlackRock Value Opportunities Class III Division until November 4, 2017.

144

Principal Life Insurance Company

Separate Account B

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Following is a list of divisions and corresponding unit values and total return for divisions that had unit values and/or total return outside the ranges indicated above for applicable years.

Division	2017 Unit Value ($)
Alps/Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Class III	11.84
American Century VP Inflation Protection Class II	10.00, 10.05 and 13.27
American Century VP Value Class II	25.62
American Funds Insurance Series Asset Allocation Fund Class 4	12.00
American Funds Insurance Series Blue Chip Income and Growth Fund Class 4	13.22
American Funds Insurance Series Global Small Capitalization Fund Class 4	12.19
American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk Asset Allocation Fund Class P2	11.66
American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk Growth Fund Class P2	12.29
American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund Class 2	11.29 and 11.83
BlackRock Advantage U.S. Total Market Class III	12.36
BlackRock iShares Alternative Strategies Class III	10.64, 10.78, 10.81 and 10.85
Calvert Russell 2000 Small Cap Index Class F	13.18
Calvert S&P MidCap 400 Index Class F	13.31
ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Series II	12.12
Columbia Small Cap Value Class 2	13.46
Core Plus Bond Class 1	2.89, 22.42, 24.73 and 24.84
Core Plus Bond Class 2	10.32
Deutsche Equity 500 Index Class B2	13.43
Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value Class B	13.86, 14.19 and 14.25
Diversified Balanced Class 2	16.30
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Class 2	10.68 and 12.02
Diversified Growth Class 2	18.04
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Class 2	10.86 and 12.50
Diversified Income Class 2	13.02
Diversified International Class 1	3.87
Dreyfus IP MidCap Stock Service Shares	12.01
Equity Income Class 1	18.15, 19.30 and 19.38
Equity Income Class 2	13.21
Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2	28.85
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Service Class 1	0.98, 1.00, 9.73, 9.82, 9.84, 9.91 and 9.93
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Service Class 2	9.78 and 9.83
Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class 2	33.00

145

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
Division	2017 Unit Value ($)
Fidelity VIP Overseas Service Class 2	10.71, 10.88 , 11.50, 11.59 and 19.62
Franklin Global Real Estate VIP Class 2	11.30 and 11.39
Franklin Rising Dividends VIP Class 4	13.43
Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value Service Class S	11.25
Goldman Sachs VIT Small Cap Equity Insights Service Class S	13.68
Government & High Quality Bond Class 1	2.72, 11.53, 12.12, 12.17, 12.54 and 12.65
Government & High Quality Bond Class 2	10.15
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Series F	10.47, 10.61, 10.64, 10.77 and 10.86
Guggenheim Investments Long Short Equity	11.72 and 11.81
Guggenheim Investments Multi-Hedge Strategies	10.33 and 10.42
Income Class 2	10.49
International Emerging Markets Class 1	36.68, 40.47 and 40.65
Invesco Balanced-Risk Allocation Series II	11.41
Janus Henderson Flexible Bond Service Shares	10.17 and 10.25
LargeCap Growth Class 1	4.18, 34.12, 37.64 and 37.81
LargeCap Growth Class 2	13.03
LargeCap Growth I Class 1	69.46, 76.63 and 76.97
LargeCap Growth I Class 2	13.17
LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 1	19.16, 21.13, 21.23, 22.92 and 23.06
LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 2	12.73
LargeCap Value Class 1	6.17,43.22, 47.68, 47.89 and 64.98
LargeCap Value Class 2	11.77
MFS International Value Service Class	11.98, 12.14, 12.17, 13.19 and 13.30
MFS New Discovery Service Class	13.60, 13.92 and 13.99
MFS Utilities Service Class	10.20, 10.28 and 23.52
MidCap Class 1	12.50, 99.76, 110.05 and 110.54
Multi-Asset Income Class 2	11.49
Neuberger Berman AMT Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio S Class	11.58, 11.65 and 12.10
PIMCO All Asset Advisor Class	10.97
PIMCO High Yield Administrative Class	15.68
PIMCO Total Return Administrative Class	13.02
Principal Capital Appreciation Class 1	12.34 and 12.55
Principal Capital Appreciation Class 2	13.32
Principal LifeTime Strategic Income Class 1	14.07, 15.17 and 15.24
Principal LifeTime 2010 Class 1	15.78, 17.01 and 17.09
Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 1	17.99, 19.40 and 19.49
Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 2	11.12
Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 1	18.62, 20.08 and 20.17

146

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
Division	2017 Unit Value ($)
Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 2	11.37
Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 1	19.73, 21.28 and 21.38
Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 2	11.54
Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 1	20.12, 21.70 and 21.80
Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 2	11.67
Real Estate Securities Class 1	54.34, 59.95 and 60.22
Real Estate Securities Class 2	13.16
Rydex Basic Materials	11.98
Rydex Commodities Strategy	5.18 and 5.22
Rydex NASDAQ 100	14.94
SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 1	15.46, 16.41,16.48 and 17.06
SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 2	11.75
SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio Class 2	11.33
SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio Class 2	12.22
SAM Flexible Income Portfolio Class 2	11.01
SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio Class 2	12.35
Short-Term Income Class 2	10.10
SmallCap Class 1	23.81, 26.27, 26.39 and 34.86
SmallCap Class 2	11.77
Templeton Global Bond VIP Class 4	9.35
VanEck Global Hard Assets Class S	6.81, 6.86, 10.36, 10.86 and 10.91
Division	2017 Total Return (%)
Alps/Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Class III	23.46
American Century VP Inflation Protection Class II	1.73, 2.23, 2.24, 2.32 and 2.53
American Century VP Value Class II	7.03, 7.15 and 7.34
American Funds Insurance Series Asset Allocation Fund Class 4	14.50
American Funds Insurance Series Blue Chip Income and Growth Fund Class 4	15.36
American Funds Insurance Series Global Small Capitalization Fund Class 4	24.26
American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk Asset Allocation Fund Class P2	13.42
American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk Growth Fund Class P2	24.52
American Funds Insurance Series Managed Risk International Fund Class P2	27.15
American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund Class 4	27.55
BlackRock Global Allocation Class III	11.56, 12.09, 12.29 and 12.36
BlackRock iShares Alternative Strategies Class III	10.37, 10.91, 10.99 and 11.17

147

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
Division	2017 Total Return (%)
BlackRock iShares Dynamic Allocation Class III	12.66, 13.18, 13.26 and 13.44
BlackRock iShares Dynamic Fixed Income Class III	2.13, 2.22 and 2.42
BlackRock iShares Equity Appreciation Class III	19.28, 19.87, 20.06 and 20.24
Calvert EAFE International Index Class F	23.03
Calvert Russell 2000 Small Cap Index Class F	12.75
Calvert S&P MidCap 400 Index Class F	14.35
ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Series II	22.55
Columbia Limited Duration Credit Class 2	0.40, 0.50 and 0.60
Core Plus Bond Class 2	3.30
Delaware Limited Term Diversified Income Service Class	0.51, 0.61 and 0.81
Deutsche Alternative Asset Allocation Class B	5.84
Deutsche Equity 500 Index Class B2	19.70
Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value Class B	8.03, 8.60, 8.65, 8.70 and 8.82
Diversified Balanced Class 2	9.91
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Class 2	6.59, 8.86, 9.37, 9.42, 9.46 and 9.65
Diversified Growth Class 2	12.61
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Class 2	8.38, 11.30, 11.78, 11.81, 11.87 and 12.00
Diversified Income Class 2	7.34
Diversified International Class 2	27.30
Dreyfus IP MidCap Stock Service Shares	13.73
Equity Income Class 2	19.44
Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2	19.83, 19.91 and 20.19
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Service Class 2	(1.01) and (0.71)
Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class 2	18.83, 18.87 and 19.22
Fidelity VIP Overseas Service Class 2	27.50, 28.21, 28.24, 28.30 and 28.49
Franklin Global Real Estate VIP Class 2	8.40, 8.96, 8.97, 9.04 and 9.20
Franklin Rising Dividends VIP Class 4	19.06
Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value Service Class S	9.65
Goldman Sachs VIT Multi-Stategy Alternatives Portfolio Service Shares	4.21
Government & High Quality Bond Class 2	0.40
Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Series F	1.99, 2.02, 2.11 and 2.26
Guggenheim Investments Global Managed Futures Strategy	7.18, 7.26, 7.27 and 7.37
Income Class 2	3.66
International Emerging Markets Class 2	38.88
Invesco Balanced-Risk Allocation Series II	8.67
Invesco Global Health Care Series II	14.27
Invesco International Growth Series II	21.37
Janus Henderson Flexible Bond Service Shares	1.42, 1.90, 1.92, 2.02 and 2.19

148

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
Division	2017 Total Return (%)
LargeCap Growth Class 2	32.96
LargeCap Growth I Class 2	31.83
LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 2	19.76
LargeCap Value Class 2	15.17
MFS International Value Service Class	24.40, 25.02, 25.03, 25.21 and 25.35
MFS New Discovery Service Class	23.97, 24.51, 24.59, 24.80 and 24.90
MFS Utilities Service Class	12.86, 12.96 and 13.22
Multi-Asset Income Class 2	10.59
Neuberger Berman AMT Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio S Class	22.80, 22.84 and 23.15
PIMCO All Asset Advisor Class	12.17
PIMCO High Yield Administrative Class	5.16, 5.18 and 5.43
PIMCO Low Duration Advisor Class	0.10
PIMCO Total Return Administrative Class	3.46, 3.50 and 3.73
Principal Capital Appreciation Class 2	19.03
Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 2	13.35
Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 2	16.62
Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 2	19.09
Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 2	20.56
Real Estate Securities Class 2	7.78
Rydex Basic Materials	20.04
Rydex NASDAQ 100	29.58
SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 2	13.53
SAM Conservative Balanced Portfolio Class 2	9.89
SAM Conservative Growth Portfolio Class 2	18.07
SAM Flexible Income Portfolio Class 2	6.89
SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio Class 2	20.49
Short-Term Income Class 2	0.70
SmallCap Class 2	11.25
Templeton Global Bond VIP Class 4	(0.11), 0.32, 0.42 and 0.64
The Merger Fund	1.43
Division	2016 Unit Value ($)
American Century VP Inflation Protection Class II	9.83 and 12.98
American Century VP Value Class II	11.38 and 23.91
American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund Class 2	8.89 and 9.27
Balanced Class 1	3.31 and 29.48
Core Plus Bond Class 1	21.80, 23.93 and 24.01
Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value Class B	11.16, 12.83, 13.06 and 13.11

149

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
Division	2016 Unit Value ($)
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Class 2	10.05, 10.15, 10.51 and 10.99
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Class 2	10.09, 10.19, 10.61 and 11.18
Diversified International Class 1	24.03, 26.38 and 26.47
Equity Income Class 1	15.27, 16.16 and 16.22
Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2	10.69 and 24.06
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Initial Class	9.84, 9.85, 9.89, 9.90, 9.93 and 9.94
Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class 2	10.76 and 27.77
Fidelity VIP Overseas Service Class 2	8.40, 8.48, 8.97 and 15.30
Government & High Quality Bond Class 1	2.69, 11.53, 12.06, 12.10, 12.42 and 12.52
International Emerging Markets Class 1	26.54, 29.14 and 29.24
LargeCap Growth Class 1	3.12, 25.78, 28.30 and 28.39
LargeCap Growth I Class 1	52.94, 58.11 and 58.31
LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 1	16.07, 17.64, 17.70, 19.03 and 19.16
LargeCap Value Class 1	5.32, 5.61, 10.10, 12.24, 16.48 and 18.05
MFS New Discovery Service Class	9.80, 10.97, 11.18 and 11.21
MFS Utilities Service Class	9.03 and 20.84
MidCap Class 1	81.00, 88.91 and 89.22
Neuberger Berman AMT Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio Class S	9.43 and 9.85
PIMCO High Yield Administrative Class	10.62 and 14.91
PIMCO Total Return Administrative Class	10.13 and 12.58
Principal Capital Appreciation Class 1	10.42 and 10.53
Principal LifeTime 2010 Class 1	14.43, 15.49 and 15.54
Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 1	15.94, 17.11 and 17.16
Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 1	16.05, 17.22 and 17.28
Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 1	16.66, 17.88 and 17.94
Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 1	16.79, 18.02 and 18.08
Principal LifeTime Strategic Income Class 1	13.18, 14.15 and 14.20
Real Estate Securities Class 1	50.72, 55.68 and 55.87
Rydex Commodities Strategy	5.03, 6.94, 7.00 and 7.01
SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 1	13.68, 14.45, 14.50 and 14.95
SmallCap Class 1	21.50, 23.60, 23.68 and 31.15
Templeton Global Bond VIP Class 4	9.32, 9.43, 9.51 and 9.53
VanEck Global Hard Assets Class S	7.04, 10.77, 11.24 and 11.28

150

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
Division	2016 Total Return (%)
American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund Class 2	3.25
BlackRock iShares Dynamic Allocation Class III	4.06
BlackRock iShares Equity Appreciation Class III	6.95
Fidelity VIP Government Money Market Initial Class	(1.60), (1.50), (1.10), (1.00), (0.70) and (0.60)
Invesco Global Health Care Series I	(13.14) and (2.30)
LargeCap Value Class 1	0.39
MFS New Discovery Service Class	6.71
Rydex Commodities Strategy	8.27
Division	2015 Unit Value ($)
American Century VP Inflation Protection Class II	9.55 and 12.61
American Century VP Value Class II	9.59 and 20.14
American Funds Insurance Series New World Fund Class 2	8.61 and 8.93
Balanced Class 1	3.15 and 28.26
Bond & Mortgage Securities Class 1	2.68, 21.34, 23.31 and 23.37
Deutsche Small Mid Cap Value Class B	9.72,11.22, 11.38 and 11.40
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Class 2	9.63, 9.66, 10.02 and 10.47
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Class 2	9.56, 9.60, 10.00 and 10.54
Diversified International Class 1	3.03, 24.40, 26.65 and 26.72
Equity Income Class 1	13.45, 14.16 and 14.20
Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2	10.06 and 22.65
Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class 2	9.75 and 25.16
Fidelity VIP Overseas Service Class 2	9.03, 9.07, 9.60 and 16.38
Government & High Quality Bond Class 1	2.66, 11.54, 12.02, 12.05, 12.32 and 12.41
International Emerging Markets Class 1	24.73, 27.01 and 27.08
LargeCap Growth Class 1	3.31, 27.69, 30.25 and 30.32
LargeCap Growth I Class 1	53.28, 58.20 and 58.34
LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 1	14.68, 16.03, 16.07, 17.20 and 17.33
LargeCap Value Class 1	4.95, 35.52, 38.80 and 38.89
MFS VIT New Discovery Service Class	9.13, 10.28, 10.42 and 10.44
MFS VIT Utilities Service Class	8.23 and 19.00
MidCap Class 1	9.14, 74.80, 81.70 and 81.89
Money Market Class 1	1.58, 12.12, 13.23 and 13.27
Neuberger Berman AMT Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio S Class	9.18 and 9.59
PIMCO High Yield Administrative Class	9.58 and 13.44
PIMCO Total Return Administrative Class	10.00 and 12.43
Principal Capital Appreciation Class 1	9.73 and 9.77
Principal LifeTime Strategic Income Class 1	12.82, 13.69 and 13.73

151

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
Division	2015 Unit Value ($)
Principal LifeTime 2010 Class 1	13.97, 14.92 and 14.96
Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 1	15.36, 16.40 and 16.44
Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 1	15.45, 16.50 and 16.54
Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 1	16.10, 17.20 and 17.24
Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 1	16.21, 17.31 and 17.35
Real Estate Securities Class 1	48.84, 53.34 and 53.47
Rydex Commodities Strategy	4.62, 6.41 and 6.43
SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 1	13.05, 13.71, 13.75 and 14.13
SmallCap Blend Class 1	18.67, 20.39, 20.44 and 26.76
Templeton Global Bond VIP Class 4	9.19, 9.35, 9.37 and 9.38
Van Eck Global Hard Assets Service Class	4.98, 7.65, 7.95 and 7.97
Division	2015 Total Return (%)
American Century VP Inflation Protection Class II	(3.310)
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Class 2	(3.60) and (3.30)
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Class 2	(4.50) and (4.10)
Fidelity VIP Overseas Service Class 2	(9.43) and (9.03)
LargeCap Value Class 1	(1.570)
MFS VIT New Discovery Service Class	(9.69), (4.01), (3.52) and (3.42)
Neuberger Berman AMT Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio S Class	(8.93) and (4.39)
Principal Capital Appreciation Class 1	(1.72) and (1.31)
Division	2014 Unit Value ($)
American Century VP Inflation Protection Class II	9.93 and 13.11
American Century VP Value Class II	10.14 and 21.26
Balanced Class 1	3.16 and 28.15
Bond & Mortgage Securities Class 1	2.71, 21.86, 23.76 and 23.79
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Class 2	10.62
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Class 2	10.68
Diversified International Class 1	3.06, 24.96, 27.13 and 27.16
DWS Small Mid Cap Value Class B	10.08, 11.70, 11.80 and 11.81
Equity Income Class 1	14.27, 14.95 and 14.97
Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2	10.16 and 22.88
Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class 2	10.05 and 25.94
Fidelity VIP Overseas Service Class 2	16.08
Government & High Quality Bond Class 1	2.65, 11.67, 12.09, 12.11, 12.34 and 12.42
International Emerging Markets Class 1	29.24, 31.78 and 31.82
LargeCap Growth Class 1	3.17, 26.88, 29.22 and 29.26
LargeCap Growth I Class 1	50.39, 54.76 and 54.84

152

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
Division	2014 Unit Value ($)
LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 1	14.79, 16.07, 16.10, 17.15 and 17.30
LargeCap Value Class 1	5.03, 5.29, 9.73, 11.67, 15.70 and 17.16
MFS VIT Utilities Service Class	22.60
MidCap Class 1	9.05, 75.00, 81.51 and 81.62
Money Market Class 1	12.35, 13.42 and 13.44
PIMCO High Yield Administrative Class	13.86
PIMCO Total Return Administrative Class	12.55
Principal LifeTime Strategic Income Class 1	13.20, 14.02 and 14.04
Principal LifeTime 2010 Class 1	14.41, 15.31 and 15.33
Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 1	15.84, 16.82 and 16.85
Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 1	15.91, 16.91 and 16.93
Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 1	16.55, 17.59 and 17.61
Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 1	16.63, 17.67 and 17.70
Real Estate Securities Class 1	47.76, 51.91 and 51.98
SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 1	13.41, 14.02, 14.04 and 14.38
SmallCap Blend Class 1	19.05, 20.70, 20.73 and 27.02
SmallCap Growth II Class 1	16.16, 16.32, 16.68, 17.56 and 17.59
SmallCap Value I Class 1	34.27, 37.24 and 37.30
Van Eck Global Hard Assets Service Class	11.75, 12.14 and 12.16
Division	2014 Total Return (%)
American Century VP Inflation Protection Class II	(1.10) and 1.86
American Century VP Value Class II	11.48
Diversified Balanced Managed Volatility Class 2	5.46
Diversified Growth Managed Volatility Class 2	5.53
DWS Small Mid Cap Value Class B	3.08 and 3.69
Fidelity VIP Contrafund Service Class 2	10.11
Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Service Class 2	4.60
LargeCap Value Class 1	10.70
MFS VIT Utilities Service Class	10.89
Money Market Class 1	(1.91), (1.49), (1.40), (1.32), (0.92), (0.86), (0.64) and (0.42)
PIMCO High Yield Administrative Class	1.91
PIMCO Total Return Administrative Class	2.78
SAM Strategic Growth Portfolio Class 1	6.57
Van Eck Global Hard Assets Service Class	(13.720)

153

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
Division	2013 Unit Value ($)
Balanced Class 1	2.92 and 26.55
Bond & Mortgage Securities Class 1	2.59, 21.17, 22.89 and 22.90
Diversified International Class 1	3.18, 26.28, 28.42 and 28.43
Equity Income Class 1	13.44 and 13.45
Government & High Quality Bond Class 1	11.67, 11.86, 11.92 and 2.54
International Emerging Markets Class 1	30.96, 33.48 and 33.50
LargeCap Growth Class 1	2.87, 24.66, 26.67 and 26.68
LargeCap Growth I Class 1	47.28, 51.13 and 51.15
LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 1	13.31, 14.39, 15.27 and 15.42
Division	2013 Unit Value ($)
LargeCap Value Class 1	4.56, 33.55, 36.29, 36.30 and 55.42
MidCap Class 1	8.06, 67.65, 73.16 and 73.19
Money Market Class 1	1.60, 1.68, 2.16, 12.59, 13.61 and 13.62
Principal LifeTime Strategic Income Class 1	13.60
Principal LifeTime 2010 Class 1	14.81 and 14.82
Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 1	16.14
Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 1	15.29, 16.16 and 16.17
Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 1	15.89, 16.79 and 16.80
Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 1	16.88
Real Estate Securities Class 1	36.65, 39.63 and 39.65
SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 1	13.31, 13.32 and 13.59
SmallCap Blend Class 1	18.51, 20.01, 20.02 and 25.98
SmallCap Growth II Class 1	15.43, 15.78, 16.68 and 16.69
SmallCap Value I Class 1	32.59, 35.24 and 35.26
Division	2013 Total Return (%)
Franklin Small Cap Value Securities Class 2	17.18 and 34.47
Goldman Sachs VIT Mid Cap Value Service Class I	10.09 and 31.14
Goldman Sachs VIT Structured Small Cap Equity Service    Class I	13.75 and 33.92
SAM Balanced Portfolio Class 1	16.14, 16.23 and 16.65

154

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2017
Division	2012 Unit Value ($)
Asset Allocation Class 1	28.28
Balanced Class 1	22.50
Bond & Mortgage Securities Class 1	23.40
Diversified International Class 1	24.24
Equity Income Class 1	10.70
Government & High Quality Bond Class 1	11.94, 12.09 and 12.14
International Emerging Markets Class 1	35.58
LargeCap Growth Class 1	20.18
LargeCap Growth I Class 1	38.05
LargeCap S&P 500 Index Class 1	11.04, 11.66 and 11.79
LargeCap Value Class 1	28.10 and 42.56
MidCap Blend Class 1	55.35
Money Market Class 1	13.79
Principal LifeTime Strategic Income Class 1	13.10
Principal LifeTime 2010 Class 1	13.54
Principal LifeTime 2020 Class 1	14.09
Principal LifeTime 2030 Class 1	13.76
Principal LifeTime 2040 Class 1	13.89
Principal LifeTime 2050 Class 1	13.81
Real Estate Securities Class 1	38.58
Division	2012 Unit Value ($)
SmallCap Blend Class 1	13.72 and 17.72
SmallCap Growth II Class 1	10.80 and 11.46
SmallCap Value I Class 1	25.55
Division	2012 Total Return (%)
Balanced Class 1	12.58
Bond & Mortgage Securities Class 1	7.09
Diversified International Class 1	17.94
Government & High Quality Bond Class 1	3.48
LargeCap Growth Class 1	16.36
LargeCap Value Class 1	18.01 and 18.08
MidCap Blend Class 1	18.94
Money Market Class 1	(1.22), (1.00), (0.94), (0.82), (0.64) and (0.42)
Short-Term Income Class 1	4.08

7. Subsequent Events

Separate Account B performed an evaluation of subsequent events through April 27, 2018, and determined no items required recognition or disclosure.

155

(This page left intentionally blank)

156

Report of Independent Auditors

The Board of Directors and Stockholder

Principal Life Insurance Company

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Principal Life Insurance Company, which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholder’s equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; this includes the design, implementation and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free of material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Principal Life Insurance Company at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Required Supplementary Information

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require that the Claims Development and Claim Duration and Payout information presented as unaudited within the Short-Duration Contracts disclosure on page 56-59 be presented to supplement the financial statements. Such information, although not a part of the financial statements, is required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board who considers it to be an essential part of financial reporting for placing the financial statements in an appropriate operational, economic, or historical context. We have applied certain limited procedures to the required supplementary information in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, which consisted of inquiries of management about the methods of preparing the information and comparing the information for consistency with management’s responses to our inquiries, the financial statements, and other knowledge we obtained during our audit of the financial statements. We do not express an opinion or provide any assurance on the information because the limited procedures do not provide us with sufficient evidence to express an opinion or provide any assurance.

	/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Des Moines, Iowa March 29, 2018

157

Principal Life Insurance Company
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
		December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
		(in millions)
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale (2017 and 2016 include $268.0 million and $232.5 million related to
	consolidated variable interest entities)	$	55,429.4	$	51,252.2
Fixed maturities, trading (2017 and 2016 include $0.0 million and $82.4 million related to consolidated
	variable interest entities)		49.1		217.9
Equity securities, available-for-sale			94.1		96.3
Equity securities, trading			6.0		8.2
Mortgage loans			13,452.1		12,645.1
Real estate (2017 and 2016 include $370.3 million and $305.7 million related to consolidated variable
	interest entities)		1,732.6		1,365.2
Policy loans			765.7		784.8
Other investments (2017 and 2016 include $9.3 million and $16.9 million related to consolidated variable
	interest entities and $61.0 million and $86.2 million measured at fair value under the fair value option)		1,270.2		1,615.5
	Total investments		72,799.2		67,985.2
Cash and cash equivalents			923.4		1,147.0
Accrued investment income			591.0		563.7
Premiums due and other receivables			1,708.1		1,330.8
Deferred acquisition costs			3,331.7		3,184.2
Property and equipment			688.1		642.0
Goodwill			75.1		75.1
Other intangibles			24.8		27.4
Separate account assets			117,300.8		103,662.0
Assets of discontinued operations			—		669.9
Other assets			1,193.8		1,022.8
	Total assets	$	198,636.0	$	180,310.1
Liabilities
Contractholder funds		$	35,330.2	$	35,337.7
Future policy benefits and claims			27,681.9		24,320.3
Other policyholder funds			796.0		782.0
Short-term debt			—		76.5
Long-term debt			50.5		—
Income taxes currently payable			10.5		4.9
Deferred income taxes			1,258.0		1,147.3
Separate account liabilities			117,300.8		103,662.0
Liabilities of discontinued operations			—		359.1
Other liabilities (2017 and 2016 include $269.3 million and $283.2 million related to consolidated variable
	interest entities, of which $0.0 million and $59.9 million are measured at fair value under the fair
	value option)		6,237.7		6,381.0
Total liabilities			188,665.6		172,070.8
Stockholder's equity
Common stock, par value $1.00 per share - 5.0 million shares authorized, 2.5 million shares issued
	and outstanding (wholly owned indirectly by Principal Financial Group, Inc.)		2.5		2.5
Additional paid-in capital			6,346.0		5,305.6
Retained earnings			2,238.1		2,139.9
Accumulated other comprehensive income			1,359.8		748.4
	Total stockholder's equity attributable to Principal Life Insurance Company		9,946.4		8,196.4
Noncontrolling interest			24.0		42.9
	Total stockholder's equity		9,970.4		8,239.3
	Total liabilities and stockholder's equity	$	198,636.0	$	180,310.1
See accompanying notes.

158

Principal Life Insurance Company
Consolidated Statements of Operations
		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(in millions)
Revenues
Premiums and other considerations		$	5,999.4	$	5,024.5	$	5,057.4
Fees and other revenues			2,182.1		2,000.5		2,048.1
Net investment income			2,833.7		2,666.1		2,438.6
Net realized capital gains, excluding impairment losses on available-for-sale
	securities		451.7		194.7		2.8
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on available-for-sale
	securities		(30.0)		(93.7)		(0.8)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities, available-
	for-sale reclassified from other comprehensive income		(49.7)		(3.1)		(29.2)
Net impairment losses on available-for-sale securities			(79.7)		(96.8)		(30.0)
Net realized capital gains (losses)			372.0		97.9		(27.2)
	Total revenues		11,387.2		9,789.0		9,516.9
Expenses
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses			7,317.9		6,339.5		6,135.1
Dividends to policyholders			124.6		156.6		163.5
Operating expenses			2,226.7		2,099.3		2,181.5
	Total expenses		9,669.2		8,595.4		8,480.1
Income from continuing operations before income taxes			1,718.0		1,193.6		1,036.8
Income taxes (benefits)			(518.4)		211.9		215.0
Income from continuing operations, net of related income taxes			2,236.4		981.7		821.8
Income from discontinued operations, net of related income taxes			37.0		131.6		119.6
Net income			2,273.4		1,113.3		941.4
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest			2.4		26.6		10.8
Net income attributable to Principal Life Insurance Company		$	2,271.0	$	1,086.7	$	930.6
See accompanying notes.

159

Principal Life Insurance Company
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(in millions)
Net income		$	2,273.4	$	1,113.3	$	941.4
Other comprehensive income (loss), net:
	Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities		619.9		103.8		(447.7)
	Noncredit component of impairment losses on fixed maturities, available-for-sale		27.4		0.3		18.8
	Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments		(49.1)		10.2		14.3
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		—		—		(0.1)
	Net unrecognized postretirement benefit obligation		13.3		2.9		(30.8)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			611.5		117.2		(445.5)
Comprehensive income			2,884.9		1,230.5		495.9
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest			2.4		26.6		10.7
Comprehensive income attributable to Principal Life Insurance Company		$	2,882.5	$	1,203.9	$	485.2
See accompanying notes.

160

Principal Life Insurance Company
Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity
								Accumulated
				Additional				other				Total
		Common		paid-in		Retained		comprehensive		Noncontrolling		stockholder's
		stock		capital		earnings		income		interest		equity
		(in millions)
Balances as of January 1, 2015		$	2.5	$	5,275.0	$	1,817.2	$	1,086.7	$	43.2	$	8,224.6
Capital distributions to parent			—		(25.5)		—		—		—		(25.5)
Stock-based compensation and
	additional related tax benefits		—		57.0		(3.9)		—		0.1		53.2
Sale of subsidiary to parent, net of related income
	taxes, as part of a common control transaction		—		44.4		(8.2)		—		—		36.2
Dividends to parent			—		—		(503.1)		—		—		(503.1)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest			—		—		—		—		(14.1)		(14.1)
Contributions from noncontrolling
	interest		—		—		—		—		7.7		7.7
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling
	interest		—		(16.5)		—		—		(3.5)		(20.0)
Net income (1)			—		—		930.6		—		10.0		940.6
Other comprehensive loss (1)			—		—		—		(445.4)		—		(445.4)
Balances as of December 31, 2015			2.5		5,334.4		2,232.6		641.3		43.4		8,254.2
Capital distributions to parent			—		(20.0)		—		—		—		(20.0)
Stock-based compensation and additional related
	tax benefits		—		59.7		(4.4)		—		0.4		55.7
Net assets transferred to affiliate due to change in
	benefit plan sponsorship		—		(68.5)		—		(10.1)		—		(78.6)
Dividends to parent			—		—		(1,175.0)		—		—		(1,175.0)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest			—		—		—		—		(33.0)		(33.0)
Contributions from noncontrolling interest			—		—		—		—		5.5		5.5
Net income			—		—		1,086.7		—		26.6		1,113.3
Other comprehensive income			—		—		—		117.2		—		117.2
Balances as of December 31, 2016			2.5		5,305.6		2,139.9		748.4		42.9		8,239.3
Capital distributions to parent			—		(27.5)		—		—		—		(27.5)
Stock-based compensation			—		41.9		(3.0)		—		0.1		39.0
Tax asset transferred to affiliate due to prior
	year change in benefit plan sponsorship		—		(3.0)		—		—		—		(3.0)
Dividends to parent			—		—		(1,818.4)		—		—		(1,818.4)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest			—		—		—		—		(3.1)		(3.1)
Contributions from noncontrolling interest			—		—		—		—		6.0		6.0
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling
	interest		—		(5.1)		—		—		(1.3)		(6.4)
Sale of subsidiary to parent, net of related income
	taxes, as part of a common control transaction		—		1,034.1		(351.4)		(0.1)		(23.0)		659.6
Net income			—		—		2,271.0		—		2.4		2,273.4
Other comprehensive income			—		—		—		611.5		—		611.5
Balances as of December 31, 2017		$	2.5	$	6,346.0	$	2,238.1	$	1,359.8	$	24.0	$	9,970.4
(1) Excludes amounts attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest. See Note 15, Stockholder's Equity, for further details.
See accompanying notes.

161

Principal Life Insurance Company
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(in millions)
Operating activities
Net income		$	2,273.4	$	1,113.3	$	941.4
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Income from discontinued operations, net of related income taxes		(37.0)		(131.6)		(119.6)
	Net realized capital (gains) losses		(372.0)		(97.9)		27.2
	Depreciation and amortization expense		112.2		108.3		100.5
	Amortization of deferred acquisition costs		212.1		262.6		251.7
	Additions to deferred acquisition costs		(397.8)		(377.7)		(356.5)
	Stock-based compensation		39.3		31.5		31.5
	(Income) loss from equity method investments, net of dividends received		9.7		60.1		(51.5)
Changes in:
	Accrued investment income		(27.3)		(41.9)		(24.5)
	Net cash flows for trading securities		171.3		301.5		(165.6)
	Premiums due and other receivables		(360.1)		100.9		(232.5)
	Contractholder and policyholder liabilities and dividends		3,251.9		2,019.5		2,924.9
	Current and deferred income taxes (benefits)		(616.4)		61.5		84.3
	Real estate acquired through operating activities		(82.5)		(58.2)		(43.9)
	Real estate sold through operating activities		1.2		227.6		51.9
	Other assets and liabilities		(212.8)		(266.6)		443.5
Other			983.3		755.2		285.4
Net adjustments			2,675.1		2,954.8		3,206.8
Net cash provided by operating activities			4,948.5		4,068.1		4,148.2
Investing activities
Available-for-sale securities:
	Purchases		(12,878.8)		(13,308.7)		(9,314.6)
	Sales		1,142.6		1,368.7		1,069.5
	Maturities		8,407.5		7,562.0		6,475.9
Mortgage loans acquired or originated			(2,594.0)		(2,798.9)		(2,177.2)
Mortgage loans sold or repaid			1,724.0		1,968.1		1,531.7
Real estate acquired			(200.5)		(109.7)		(322.0)
Real estate sold			481.9		35.2		208.9
Net purchases of property and equipment			(105.7)		(117.5)		(121.2)
Net change in other investments			(127.9)		(154.3)		(6.7)
Net cash used in investing activities			(4,150.9)		(5,555.1)		(2,655.7)
Financing activities
Proceeds from financing element derivatives			0.1		0.4		0.3
Payments for financing element derivatives			(77.6)		(87.7)		(82.0)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements			—		7.8		11.0
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest			(6.4)		—		(20.3)
Dividends paid to parent			(1,818.4)		(1,040.3)		(368.4)
Capital contributions from (distributions to) parent			1,006.6		(16.3)		22.3
Issuance of long-term debt			2.8		12.0		13.2
Principal repayments of long-term debt			(56.5)		(54.8)		(52.6)
Net repayments of short-term borrowings			(76.5)		(32.3)		(45.7)
Investment contract deposits			9,760.5		10,462.4		6,214.8
Investment contract withdrawals			(9,889.9)		(8,373.3)		(6,655.5)
Net increase in banking operation deposits			136.6		129.0		91.1
Other			(2.5)		6.1		(2.7)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			(1,021.2)		1,013.0		(874.5)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			(223.6)		(474.0)		618.0
Cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations at beginning of period			1,147.0		1,621.0		1,003.0
Cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations at end of period		$	923.4	$	1,147.0	$	1,621.0
Discontinued operations (excluded from amounts above):
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	47.7	$	219.6	$	158.0
Net cash used in investing activities			(0.60)		(22.10)		(4.90)
Net cash used in financing activities			(44.70)		(138.50)		(139.60)
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by discontinued operations		$	2.4	$	59.0	$	13.5
Supplemental information:
Cash paid for interest		$	0.1	$	0.3	$	1.4
Cash paid for income taxes		$	91.0	$	189.2	$	154.5
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:
Note receivable from parent in consideration of subsidiaries sold to parent		$	300.0	$	—	$	156.0
Assets received in kind for pension risk transfer transactions		$	—	$	594.3	$	—
Assets transferred to parent due to change in benefit plan sponsorship		$	—	$	304.1	$	—
Liabilities assumed by parent due to change in benefit plan sponsorship		$	—	$	(225.50)	$	—
Assets and liability changes resulting from exchange agreement to exit real estate joint ventures:
	Real estate properties received	$	743.2	$	—	$	—
	Long-term debt assumed on real estate properties received	$	269.0	$	—	$	—
	Increase in other investments due to discontinuing equity method accounting	$	222.4	$	—	$	—
See accompanying notes.

162

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

1. Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

Principal Life Insurance Company (“PLIC”) along with its consolidated subsidiaries is a diversified financial services organization offering businesses, individuals and institutional clients a wide range of financial products and services, including retirement and insurance in the U.S. We are a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Principal Financial Services, Inc. (“PFS”), which in turn is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Principal Financial Group, Inc. (“PFG”).

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PLIC and all other entities in which we directly or indirectly have a controlling financial interest as well as those variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which we are the primary beneficiary. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

On May 1, 2017, we sold our ownership interest in Principal Global Investors, LLC (“PGI LLC”) to PFS in connection with a corporate reorganization designed to better utilize and allocate capital internally. PGI LLC met the criteria to be reported as a discontinued operation. See Note 2, Discontinued Operations, for further details. Information included in the notes to the financial statements excludes information applicable to the discontinued operations, unless otherwise noted. PGI LLC comprised substantially our entire Principal Global Investors segment. The remaining immaterial components of that segment are now reported in the Corporate segment. This reporting change was applied retrospectively to our segment information but did not impact our consolidated financial statements.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period consolidated statements of cash flows to conform to the December 31, 2017, presentation. This included presenting separate line items within operating activities for (income) loss from equity method investments, net of dividends received, and changes in other assets and liabilities. Previously these amounts had been included within other operating activities.

We evaluated subsequent events through March 29, 2018, which was the date our consolidated financial statements were issued.

Consolidation

We have relationships with various special purpose entities and other legal entities that must be evaluated to determine if the entities meet the criteria of a VIE or a voting interest entity (“VOE”). This assessment is performed by reviewing contractual, ownership and other rights, including involvement of related parties, and requires use of judgment. First, we determine if we hold a variable interest in an entity by assessing if we have the right to receive expected losses and expected residual returns of the entity. If we hold a variable interest, then the entity is assessed to determine if it is a VIE. An entity is a VIE if the equity at risk is not sufficient to support its activities, if the equity holders lack a controlling financial interest or if the entity is structured with non-substantive voting rights. In addition to the previous criteria, if the entity is a limited partnership or similar entity, it is a VIE if the limited partners do not have the power to direct the entity’s most significant activities through substantive kick-out rights or participating rights. A VIE is evaluated to determine the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the enterprise with (1) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. When we are the primary beneficiary, we are required to consolidate the entity in our financial statements. We reassess our involvement with VIEs on a quarterly basis. For further information about VIEs, refer to Note 5, Variable Interest Entities.

If an entity is not a VIE it is considered a VOE. VOEs are generally consolidated if we own a greater than 50% voting interest. If we determine our involvement in an entity no longer meets the requirements for consolidation under either the VIE or VOE models, the entity is deconsolidated. Entities in which we have management influence over the operating and financing decisions but are not required to consolidate, other than investments accounted for at fair value under the fair value option, are reported using the equity method.

163

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Description	Date of adoption	Effect on our consolidated financial statements or other significant matters
Standards not yet adopted:
Goodwill impairment testing This authoritative guidance simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 (which measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill to the carrying amount of that goodwill) from the goodwill impairment test. A goodwill impairment loss will be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. Entities will continue to have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. Early adoption is permitted.	January 1, 2020	We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.
Credit losses This authoritative guidance requires entities to use a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model to measure impairment for most financial assets that are not recorded at fair value through net income. Under the CECL model, an entity will estimate lifetime expected credit losses considering available relevant information about historical events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The CECL model does not apply to available-for-sale debt securities. This guidance also expands the required credit loss disclosures and will be applied using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted.	January 1, 2020	We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. We believe estimated credit losses under the CECL model will generally result in earlier loss recognition for loans and other receivables.
Targeted improvements to accounting for hedging activities This authoritative guidance updates certain recognition and measurement requirements for hedge accounting. The objective of the guidance is to more closely align the economics of a company’s risk management activities in its financial results and reduce the complexity of applying hedge accounting. The updates include the expansion of hedging strategies that are eligible for hedge accounting, elimination of the separate measurement and reporting of hedge ineffectiveness, presentation of the changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument in the same consolidated statement of operations line as the earnings effect of the hedged item and simplification of hedge effectiveness assessments. This guidance also includes new disclosures and will be applied using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted.	January 1, 2019	We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.
Premium amortization on purchased callable debt securities This authoritative guidance applies to entities that hold certain non-contingently callable debt securities, where the amortized cost basis is at a premium to the price repayable by the issuer at the earliest call date. Under the guidance the premium will be amortized to the first call date. This guidance requires adoption through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted.	January 1, 2019	We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

164

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Description	Date of adoption	Effect on our consolidated financial statements or other significant matters
Leases This authoritative guidance requires lessee recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. The concept of an operating lease, where the lease assets and liabilities are off balance sheet, is eliminated under the new guidance. For lessors, the guidance modifies lease classification criteria and accounting for certain types of leases. Other key aspects of the guidance relate to the removal of the current real estate-specific guidance and new presentation and disclosure requirements. Lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach, which includes certain optional practical expedients that may be elected. Early adoption is permitted.	January 1, 2019	Our evaluation process includes, but is not limited to, identifying our leases that are within the scope of the guidance, reviewing and documenting our accounting for these contracts, assessing system and process changes and determining disclosure impacts. We are currently evaluating other impacts this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.
Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other   Comprehensive Income  This authoritative guidance permits a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to retained earnings for the stranded tax effects resulting from U.S. tax legislation enacted on December 22, 2017, which is referred to as the ‘‘Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’’ (‘‘U.S. tax reform’’). The amount of that reclassification includes the change in corporate income tax rate, as well as an election to include other income tax effects related to the application of U.S. tax reform. The guidance also requires disclosures about stranded tax effects.	January 1, 2018	The guidance will be applied at the beginning of the period of adoption and comparative periods will not be restated. We will reclassify the stranded tax effects in AOCI resulting from U.S. tax reform, which includes the change in corporate income tax rate. A reclassification of $242.0 million will be recorded as an increase to AOCI and a decrease to retained earnings.
Nonfinancial asset derecognition and partial sales of nonfinancial   assets This authoritative guidance clarifies the scope of the recently established guidance on nonfinancial asset derecognition and the accounting for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. The guidance conforms the derecognition guidance on nonfinancial assets with the model for transactions in the new revenue recognition standard.	January 1, 2018	This guidance will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic   postretirement benefit cost This authoritative guidance requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. The guidance also provides explicit guidance on the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the consolidated statement of operations and allows only the service cost component of net benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization.	January 1, 2018	This guidance will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

165

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Description	Date of adoption	Effect on our consolidated financial statements or other significant matters
Definition of a business This authoritative guidance clarifies the definition of a business to assist with evaluating when transactions involving an integrated set of assets and activities (a “set”) should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The guidance requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired or disposed of is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. The guidance also requires a set to include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output to be considered a business. Lastly, the guidance removes the evaluation of whether a market participant could replace missing elements and narrows the definition of outputs by more closely aligning it with how outputs are described in the revenue recognition guidance. The guidance will be applied prospectively.	January 1, 2018	This guidance will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Financial instruments - recognition and measurement This authoritative guidance addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The primary focus of this guidance is to supersede the guidance to classify equity securities with readily determinable fair values into different categories (trading or available-for-sale) and rather requires these equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income.	January 1, 2018	This guidance will be adopted using the modified retrospective approach and will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2017, we did not hold material equity securities accounted for at fair value through other comprehensive income that will be accounted for at fair value through net income under the updated guidance.

166

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Description	Date of adoption	Effect on our consolidated financial statements or other significant matters
Revenue recognition This authoritative guidance replaces all general and most industry specific revenue recognition guidance currently prescribed by U.S. GAAP. The core principle is that an entity recognizes revenue to reflect the transfer of a promised good or service to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for that good or service. This guidance also provides clarification on when an entity is a principal or an agent in a transaction. In addition, the guidance updates the accounting for certain costs associated with obtaining and fulfilling a customer contract.	January 1, 2018	The guidance will be adopted using the modified retrospective application. Only a portion of our total revenues, less than 20%, are subject to this guidance as it does not apply to revenue on contracts accounted for under the insurance contracts or financial instruments standards. Our evaluation process is complete and included, but was not limited to, identifying contracts within the scope of the guidance, reviewing and documenting our accounting for these contracts, identifying and determining the accounting for any related contract costs, and preparing the required financial statement disclosures. While we did not identify material changes in the timing of our revenue recognition, we will have financial statement changes related to contract costs. We will defer certain sales compensation related to obtaining contracts with customers that we did not previously defer, we will no longer defer certain contract costs that were previously capitalized and we will change how we amortize certain contract costs that were previously capitalized, which will result in a net reduction to the contract cost balance. These financial statement changes are not material and result in an immaterial reduction to equity.
Income tax - intra-entity transfers of assets This authoritative guidance requires entities to recognize current and deferred income tax resulting from an intra-entity asset transfer when the transfer occurs. Prior to issuance of this guidance, U.S. GAAP did not allow recognition of income tax consequences until the asset had been sold to a third party.	January 1, 2018	This guidance will be adopted using the modified retrospective approach and will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

167

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Description	Date of adoption	Effect on our consolidated financial statements or other significant matters
Standards adopted:
Employee share-based payment accounting This authoritative guidance changes certain aspects of accounting for and reporting share-based payments to employees including changes related to the income tax effects of share-based payments, tax withholding requirements and accounting for forfeitures. Various transition methods will apply depending on the situation being addressed.	January 1, 2017	The guidance was adopted prospectively as indicated by the guidance for each area of change and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Short-duration insurance contracts This authoritative guidance requires additional disclosures related to short-duration insurance contracts.	December 31, 2016	The disclosure requirements of this guidance were adopted retrospectively. See Note 10, Insurance Liabilities, for further details.
Net asset value per share as a practical expedient for fair value This authoritative guidance removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient.	January 1, 2016	The guidance was adopted retrospectively and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. See Note 16, Fair Value Measurements, for further details.
Consolidations This authoritative guidance makes changes to both the variable interest and voting interest consolidation models and eliminates the investment company deferral for portions of the variable interest model. The amendments in the standard impact the consolidation analysis for interests in investment companies and limited partnerships and similar entities.	January 1, 2016	The guidance was adopted using the modified retrospective approach. See Note 5, Variable Interest Entities, for further details.
Discontinued operations This authoritative guidance amends the definition of discontinued operations and requires entities to provide additional disclosures associated with discontinued operations, as well as disposal transactions that do not meet the discontinued operations criteria. The guidance requires discontinued operations treatment for disposals of a component or group of components of an entity that represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on an entity’s operations or financial results. The guidance also expands the scope to disposals of equity method investments and businesses that, upon initial acquisition, qualify as held for sale.	January 1, 2015	This guidance was adopted prospectively and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Fair value of financial assets and liabilities of a consolidated collateralized financing entity This authoritative guidance provides a measurement alternative for a reporting entity to measure both the financial assets and financial liabilities of consolidated collateralized financing entities ("CCFEs") using the more observable of the fair value of the financial assets or of the financial liabilities for both the financial assets and financial liabilities.	January 1, 2015	This guidance was adopted using a modified retrospective approach and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. See Note 16, Fair Value Measurements, for further details.

168

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

When we adopt new accounting standards, we have a process in place to perform a thorough review of the pronouncement, identify the financial statement and system impacts and create an implementation plan among our impacted business units to ensure we are compliant with the pronouncement on the date of adoption. This includes having effective processes and controls in place to support the reported amounts. Each of the standards listed above is in varying stages in our implementation process based on its issuance and adoption dates. We are on track to implement guidance by the respective effective dates.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed. These estimates and assumptions could change in the future as more information becomes known, which could impact the amounts reported and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The most critical estimates include those used in determining:

• the fair value of investments in the absence of quoted market values;

• investment impairments and valuation allowances;

• the fair value of and accounting for derivatives;

• the deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and other actuarial balances where the amortization is based on estimated gross profits;

• the measurement of goodwill, indefinite lived intangible assets, finite lived intangible assets and related impairments or amortization, if any;

• the liability for future policy benefits and claims;

• the value of our other postretirement benefit obligations and

• accounting for income taxes and the valuation of deferred tax assets.

A description of such critical estimates is incorporated within the discussion of the related accounting policies that follow. In applying these policies, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Closed Block

We operate a closed block (“Closed Block”) for the benefit of individual participating dividend‑paying policies in force at the time of the 1998 mutual insurance holding company (“MIHC”) formation. See Note 8, Closed Block, for further details.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, money market instruments and other debt issues with a maturity date of three months or less when purchased.

Investments

Fixed maturities include bonds, asset-backed securities (“ABS”), redeemable preferred stock and certain non-redeemable preferred securities. Equity securities include mutual funds, common stock and non-redeemable preferred stock. We classify fixed maturities and equity securities as either available-for-sale or trading at the time of the purchase and, accordingly, carry them at fair value. See Note 16, Fair Value Measurements, for methodologies related to the determination of fair value. Unrealized gains and losses related to available-for-sale securities, excluding those in fair value hedging relationships, are reflected in stockholder’s equity, net of adjustments associated with DAC and related actuarial balances, derivatives in cash flow hedge relationships and applicable income taxes. Unrealized gains and losses related to hedged portions of available-for-sale securities in fair value hedging relationships and mark-to-market adjustments on certain trading securities are reflected in net realized capital gains (losses). Mark-to-market adjustments related to certain securities carried at fair value with an investment objective to realize economic value through mark-to-market changes are reflected in net investment income.

169

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

The cost of fixed maturities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts, both computed using the interest method. The cost of fixed maturities and equity securities classified as available-for-sale is adjusted for declines in value that are other than temporary. Impairments in value deemed to be other than temporary are primarily reported in net income as a component of net realized capital gains (losses), with noncredit impairment losses for certain fixed maturities, available-for-sale reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). Interest income, as well as prepayment fees and the amortization of the related premium or discount, is reported in net investment income.For loan-backed and structured securities, we recognize income using a constant effective yield based on currently anticipated cash flows.

Real estate investments are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation. The initial cost bases of properties acquired through loan foreclosures are the lower of the fair market values of the properties at the time of foreclosure or the outstanding loan balance. Buildings and land improvements are generally depreciated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of improvements and tenant improvement costs are depreciated on the straight-line method over the term of the related lease. We recognize impairment losses for properties when indicators of impairment are present and a property's expected undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the property's carrying value. In such cases, the cost basis of the properties are reduced to fair value. Real estate expected to be disposed is carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less cost to sell, with valuation allowances established accordingly and depreciation no longer recognized. The carrying amount of real estate held for sale was $210.6 million and $128.7 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Any impairment losses and any changes in valuation allowances are reported in net income.

Commercial and residential mortgage loans are generally reported at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accrual of discounts, computed using the interest method and net of valuation allowances. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan’s contractual interest rate. Interest income, as well as prepayment of fees and the amortization of the related premium or discount, is reported in net investment income.Any changes in the valuation allowances are reported in net income as net realized capital gains (losses). We measure impairment based upon the difference between carrying value and estimated value less cost to sell. Estimated value is based on either the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral. If foreclosure is probable, the measurement of any valuation allowance is based upon the fair value of the collateral.    

Net realized capital gains and losses on sales of investments are determined on the basis of specific identification. In general, in addition to realized capital gains and losses on investment sales and periodic settlements on derivatives not designated as hedges, we report gains and losses related to the following in net realized capital gains (losses): other-than-temporary impairments of securities and subsequent realized recoveries, mark-to-market adjustments on certain trading securities, mark-to-market adjustments on certain investment funds, fair value hedge and cash flow hedge ineffectiveness, mark-to-market adjustments on derivatives not designated as hedges, changes in the mortgage loan valuation allowance provision, impairments of real estate held for investment and impairments of equity method investments. Investment gains and losses on sales of certain real estate held for sale due to investment strategy and mark-to-market adjustments on certain securities carried at fair value with an investment objective to realize economic value through mark-to-market changes are reported as net investment income and are excluded from net realized capital gains (losses).

Policy loans and certain other investments are reported at cost. Interests in unconsolidated entities, joint ventures and partnerships are generally accounted for using the equity method. We have other investments reported at fair value or for which the fair value option has been elected. See Note 16, Fair Value Measurements, for detail on these investments.

Derivatives

Overview

Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are derived from interest rates, foreign exchange rates, financial indices or the values of securities. Derivatives generally used by us include interest rate swaps, interest rate options, swaptions, futures, currency swaps, equity options, credit default swaps and total return swaps. Derivative positions are either assets or liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position and are measured at fair value, generally by obtaining quoted market prices or through the use of pricing models. See Note 16, Fair Value Measurements, for policies related to the determination of fair value. Fair values can be affected by changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, financial indices, values of securities, credit spreads, and market volatility and liquidity.

170

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Accounting and Financial Statement Presentation

We designate derivatives as either:

(a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, including those denominated in a foreign currency (“fair value hedge”);

(b) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the exposure to variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability, including those denominated in a foreign currency (“cash flow hedge”) or

(c) a derivative not designated as a hedging instrument.

Our accounting for the ongoing changes in fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and the designation, as described above, and is determined when the derivative contract is entered into or at the time of redesignation. Hedge accounting is used for derivatives that are specifically designated in advance as hedges and that reduce our exposure to an indicated risk by having a high correlation between changes in the value of the derivatives and the items being hedged at both the inception of the hedge and throughout the hedge period.

Fair Value Hedges. When a derivative is designated as a fair value hedge and is determined to be highly effective, changes in its fair value, along with changes in the fair value of the hedged asset, liability or firm commitment attributable to the hedged risk, are reported in net realized capital gains (losses). Any difference between the net change in fair value of the derivative and the hedged item represents hedge ineffectiveness.

Cash Flow Hedges. When a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge and is determined to be highly effective, changes in its fair value are recorded as a component of OCI. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recorded immediately in net income. At the time the variability of cash flows being hedged impacts net income, the related portion of deferred gains or losses on the derivative instrument is reclassified and reported in net income.

Non-Hedge Derivatives. If a derivative does not qualify or is not designated for hedge accounting, all changes in fair value are reported in net income without considering the changes in the fair value of the economically associated assets or liabilities.

Hedge Documentation and Effectiveness Testing. At inception, we formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes associating all derivatives designated as fair value or cash flow hedges with specific assets or liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial position or with specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. Effectiveness of the hedge is formally assessed at inception and throughout the life of the hedging relationship. Even if a derivative is highly effective and qualifies for hedge accounting treatment, the hedge might have some ineffectiveness.

We use qualitative and quantitative methods to assess hedge effectiveness. Qualitative methods may include monitoring changes to terms and conditions and counterparty credit ratings. Quantitative methods may include statistical tests including regression analysis and minimum variance and dollar offset techniques.

Termination of Hedge Accounting. We prospectively discontinue hedge accounting when (1) the criteria to qualify for hedge accounting is no longer met, e.g., a derivative is determined to no longer be highly effective in offsetting the change in fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (2) the derivative expires, is sold, terminated or exercised or (3) we remove the designation of the derivative being the hedging instrument for a fair value or cash flow hedge.

If it is determined that a derivative no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, the derivative will continue to be carried on the consolidated statements of financial position at its fair value, with changes in fair value recognized prospectively in net realized capital gains (losses). The asset or liability under a fair value hedge will no longer be adjusted for changes in fair value pursuant to hedging rules and the existing basis adjustment is amortized to the consolidated statements of operations line associated with the asset or liability. The component of AOCI related to discontinued cash flow hedges that are no longer highly effective is amortized to the consolidated statements of operations consistent with the net income impacts of the original hedged cash flows. If a cash flow hedge is discontinued because it is probable the hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, the deferred gain or loss is immediately reclassified from AOCI into net income.

171

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Embedded Derivatives. We purchase and issue certain financial instruments and products that contain a derivative that is embedded in the financial instrument or product. We assess whether this embedded derivative is clearly and closely related to the asset or liability that serves as its host contract. If we deem that the embedded derivative's terms are not clearly and closely related to the host contract, and a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the derivative is bifurcated from that contract and held at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial position, with changes in fair value reported in net income.

Over-The-Counter Derivatives Cleared on Chicago Mercantile Exchange

We use certain over-the-counter (“OTC”) interest rate contracts that are subject to derivative clearing agreements. These agreements require the daily cash settlement of variation margin based on changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument. Prior to 2017, variation margin for all such interest rate contracts was treated as collateral, which was accounted for separately as an interest-bearing asset or liability. For reporting purposes, we did not offset fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim variation margin collateral or the obligation to return variation margin collateral against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparties under master netting agreements.

Effective January 2017, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) rulebook was amended to legally characterize variation margin payments for cleared OTC derivatives as settlements of the derivative exposure rather than collateral against the derivative exposure. The economic cash flows exchanged do not change and therefore hedge accounting is unchanged; however, the variation margin and derivative instrument are considered a single unit of account for accounting and presentation purposes. As settlements, variation margin receipts and payments are considered cash flows of the derivative and reduce the recognized asset or liability arising from the derivative’s mark-to-market for balance sheet presentation, effectively resulting in the derivative having a fair value that approximates zero. As of December 31, 2016, our consolidated statements of financial position included $528.0 million in other investments and $527.7 million in other liabilities related to OTC interest rate contracts cleared with the CME. The balance of those line items was reduced by those amounts in January 2017 as a result of the CME rulebook amendment. The rulebook amendment did not have an impact on net income. Additionally, the change by the CME did not impact the accounting for our OTC derivatives not cleared with the CME.

Contractholder and Policyholder Liabilities

Contractholder and policyholder liabilities (contractholder funds, future policy benefits and claims and other policyholder funds) include reserves for investment contracts, individual and group annuities that provide periodic income payments, universal life insurance, variable universal life insurance, indexed universal life insurance, term life insurance, participating traditional individual life insurance, group life insurance, health insurance and disability income policies, as well as a provision for dividends on participating policies.

Investment contracts are contractholders' funds on deposit with us and generally include reserves for pension and annuity contracts. Reserves on investment contracts are equal to the cumulative deposits less any applicable charges and withdrawals plus credited interest. Reserves for universal life, variable universal life and indexed universal life insurance contracts are equal to cumulative deposits less charges plus credited interest, which represents the account balances that accrue to the benefit of the policyholders.

We hold additional reserves on certain long-duration contracts where benefit features result in gains in early years followed by losses in later years; universal life, variable universal life and indexed universal life insurance contracts that contain no lapse guarantee features; and annuities with guaranteed minimum death benefits.

Reserves for individual and group annuities that provide periodic income payments, nonparticipating term life insurance and disability income contracts are computed on a basis of assumed investment yield, mortality, morbidity and expenses, including a provision for adverse deviation, which generally varies by plan, year of issue and policy duration. Investment yield is based on our experience. Mortality, morbidity and withdrawal rate assumptions are based on our experience and are periodically reviewed against both industry standards and experience.

Reserves for participating life insurance contracts are based on the net level premium reserve for death and endowment policy benefits. This net level premium reserve is calculated based on dividend fund interest rates and mortality rates guaranteed in calculating the cash surrender values described in the contract.

172

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Participating business represented approximately 8%, 8% and 9% of our life insurance in force and 29%, 33% and 36% of the number of life insurance policies in force as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Participating business represented approximately 39%, 43% and 49% of life insurance premiums for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The amount of dividends to policyholders is declared annually by our Board of Directors. The amount of dividends to be paid to policyholders is determined after consideration of several factors including interest, mortality, morbidity and other expense experience for the year and judgment as to the appropriate level of statutory surplus to be retained by us. At the end of the reporting period, we established a dividend liability for the pro rata portion of the dividends expected to be paid on or before the next policy anniversary date.

Some of our policies and contracts require payment of fees or other policyholder assessments in advance for services that will be rendered over the estimated lives of the policies and contracts. These payments are established as unearned revenue liabilities upon receipt and included in other policyholder funds in the consolidated statements of financial position. These unearned revenue reserves are amortized to net income over the estimated lives of these policies and contracts in relation to the emergence of estimated gross profits (“EGPs”).

The liability for unpaid claims for both long-duration and short-duration contracts is an estimate of the ultimate net cost of reported and unreported losses not yet settled. This liability is estimated using actuarial analyses and case basis evaluations. Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, we believe the liability for unpaid claims is adequate. These estimates are continually reviewed and, as adjustments to this liability become necessary, such adjustments are reflected in net income. Our liability for unpaid claims does not include any allocated claim adjustment expenses.

We incur claim adjustment expenses for both long-duration and short-duration contracts that cannot be allocated to a specific claim. Our claim adjustment expense liability is estimated using actuarial analyses based on historical trends of expenses and expected claim runout patterns.

Short-Duration Contracts

We include the following group products in our short-duration insurance contracts disclosures: long-term disability (“LTD”), group life waiver, dental, vision, short-term disability (“STD”), critical illness and group life.

Future policy benefits and claims include reserves for group life and disability insurance that provide periodic income payments. These reserves are computed using assumptions of mortality, morbidity and investment performance. These assumptions are based on our experience, industry results, emerging trends and future expectations. Future policy benefits and claims also include reserves for incurred but unreported group disability, dental, vision, critical illness and life insurance claims. We recognize claims costs in the period the service was provided to our policyholders. However, claims costs incurred in a particular period are not known with certainty until after we receive, process and pay the claims. We determine the amount of this liability using actuarial methods based on historical claim payment patterns as well as emerging cost trends, where applicable, to determine our estimate of claim liabilities.

We have defined claim frequency as follows for each short-duration product:

• LTD: Claim frequency is based on submitted reserve claim counts.

• Group Life Waiver: Claim frequency is based on submitted reserve claim counts, consistent with LTD.

• Dental and Vision: Claim frequency is based on the claim form, which may include one or more procedures.

• STD and Critical Illness: Claim frequency is based on submitted claims.

• Group Life: Claim frequency is based on submitted life claims (lives, not coverages).

We did not make any significant changes to our methodologies or assumptions used to calculate the liability for unpaid claims for short-duration contracts during 2017.

173

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Recognition of Premiums and Other Considerations, Fees and Other Revenues and Benefits

Traditional individual life insurance products include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits and consist principally of whole life and term life insurance policies. Premiums from these products are recognized as premium revenue when due. Related policy benefits and expenses for individual life products are associated with earned premiums and result in the recognition of profits over the expected term of the policies and contracts.

Immediate annuities with life contingencies include products with fixed and guaranteed annuity considerations and benefits and consist principally of group and individual single premium annuities with life contingencies. Annuity considerations from these products are recognized as premium revenue. However, the collection of these annuity considerations does not represent the completion of the earnings process, as we establish annuity reserves using estimates for mortality and investment assumptions, which include provision for adverse deviation as required by U.S. GAAP. We anticipate profits to emerge over the life of the annuity products as we earn investment income, pay benefits and release reserves.

Group life and health insurance premiums are generally recorded as premium revenue over the term of the coverage. Certain group contracts contain experience premium refund provisions based on a pre-defined formula that reflects their claim experience. Experience premium refunds reduce revenue over the term of the coverage and are adjusted to reflect current experience. Related policy benefits and expenses for group life and health insurance products are associated with earned premiums and result in the recognition of profits over the term of the policies and contracts. Fees for contracts providing claim processing or other administrative services are recorded as revenue over the period the service is provided.

Universal life-type policies are insurance contracts with terms that are not fixed. Amounts received as payments for such contracts are not reported as premium revenues. Revenues for universal life-type insurance contracts consist of policy charges for the cost of insurance, policy initiation and administration, surrender charges and other fees that have been assessed against policy account values and investment income. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include interest credited to contracts and benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy account balances.

Investment contracts do not subject us to significant risks arising from policyholder mortality or morbidity and consist primarily of guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”), funding agreements and certain deferred annuities. Amounts received as payments for investment contracts are established as investment contract liability balances and are not reported as premium revenues. Revenues for investment contracts consist of investment income and policy administration charges. Investment contract benefits that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related investment contract liability balances and interest credited to investment contract liability balances.

Fees and other revenues are earned for administrative services performed including recordkeeping and reporting services for retirement savings plans. Fees and other revenues received for performance of administrative services are recognized as revenue when earned, typically when the service is performed.

Deferred Acquisition Costs

Incremental direct costs of contract acquisition as well as certain costs directly related to acquisition activities (underwriting, policy issuance and processing, medical and inspection and sales force contract selling) for the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance policies and investment contract business are capitalized to the extent recoverable. Commissions and other incremental direct costs for the acquisition of long-term service contracts are also capitalized to the extent recoverable. Maintenance costs and acquisition costs that are not deferrable are charged to net income as incurred.

DAC for universal life-type insurance contracts and certain investment contracts are amortized over the expected lifetime of the contracts in relation to EGPs or, in certain circumstances, estimated gross revenues (‘‘EGR’’). This amortization is adjusted in the current period when EGPs or EGRs are revised. EGRs include similar assumptions as the revenue component of EGPs and the changes of future estimates and reflection of actual experience and market conditions is done in the same manner as EGPs.

174

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

For individual variable life insurance, individual variable annuities and group annuities that have separate account U.S. equity investment options, we utilize a mean reversion methodology (reversion to the mean assumption), a common industry practice, to determine the future domestic equity market growth rate assumption used for the calculation of EGPs.

DAC for participating life insurance policies are amortized in proportion to estimated gross margins (‘‘EGM’’) rather than EGPs. EGMs include similar assumption items as EGPs. We stopped selling participating business in the early 2000s. Some products allow for underwritten death benefit increases and cost of living adjustments, resulting in a material amount of new DAC each year, and the amortization schedules are modified as appropriate.

DAC for non-participating term life insurance and individual disability policies are amortized over the premium paying period of the related policies using assumptions consistent with those used in computing policyholder liabilities. Once these assumptions are made for a given policy or group of policies, they will not be changed over the life of the policy unless a loss recognition event occurs.

DAC on insurance policies and investment contracts are subject to recoverability testing at the time of policy issue and loss recognition testing on an annual basis, or when an event occurs that may warrant loss recognition. If loss recognition or impairment is necessary, DAC would be written off to the extent it is determined that future policy premiums and investment income or gross profits are not adequate to cover related losses and expenses.

DAC for long-term service contracts are amortized in proportion to the revenue recognized or straight-line if no pattern of revenue recognition can be reasonably predicted. We amortize capitalized costs of long-term service contracts on a straight-line basis, reflecting lapses as they are incurred, over the expected contract life. DAC on long-term service contracts are subject to recoverability testing on an annual basis, or when a triggering event occurs that could warrant an impairment. To the extent future revenues less future maintenance expenses are not adequate to cover the asset balance, an impairment is recognized.

Deferred Acquisition Costs on Internal Replacements

All insurance and investment contract modifications and replacements are reviewed to determine if the internal replacement results in a substantially changed contract. If so, the acquisition costs, sales inducements and unearned revenue associated with the new contract are deferred and amortized over the lifetime of the new contract. In addition, the existing DAC, sales inducement costs and unearned revenue balances associated with the replaced contract are written off. If an internal replacement results in a substantially unchanged contract, the acquisition costs, sales inducements and unearned revenue associated with the new contract are immediately recognized in the period incurred. In addition, the existing DAC, sales inducement costs or unearned revenue balance associated with the replaced contract is not written off, but instead is carried over to the new contract.

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt includes notes payable, nonrecourse mortgages and other debt with a maturity date greater than one year at the date of issuance. Current maturities of long-term debt are classified as long-term debt in our consolidated statements of financial position.

175

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Reinsurance

We enter into reinsurance agreements with other companies in the normal course of business in order to limit losses and minimize exposure to significant risks. We may assume reinsurance from or cede reinsurance to other companies. Assets and liabilities related to reinsurance ceded are reported on a gross basis. Premiums and expenses are reported net of reinsurance ceded. The cost of reinsurance related to long-duration contracts is accounted for over the life of the underlying reinsured policies using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying policies. We are contingently liable with respect to reinsurance ceded to other companies in the event the reinsurer is unable to meet the obligations it has assumed. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had $427.5 million and $412.5 million of net ceded reinsurance recoverables related to claims that have been received, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $417.4 million, or 98%, and $390.5 million, or 95%, were with our five largest ceded reinsurers, respectively. Our total amount recoverable from reinsurers includes net ceded reinsurance recoverables related to claims that have been received and reserves ceded to reinsurers; however, it does not reflect potentially offsetting impacts of collateral. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the total amount recoverable from reinsurers was $864.3 million and $837.1 million, respectively.

The effects of reinsurance on premiums and other considerations and policy and contract benefits were as follows:

		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(in millions)
Premiums and other considerations:
	Direct	$	6,202.7	$	5,254.2	$	5,275.8
	Assumed		279.8		226.0		183.2
	Ceded		(483.1)		(455.7)		(401.6)
Net premiums and other considerations		$	5,999.4	$	5,024.5	$	5,057.4
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses:
	Direct	$	7,296.3	$	6,298.8	$	6,355.4
	Assumed		441.1		356.9		306.0
	Ceded		(419.5)		(316.2)		(526.3)
Net benefits, claims and settlement expenses		$	7,317.9	$	6,339.5	$	6,135.1

Separate Accounts

The separate accounts are legally segregated and are not subject to the claims that arise out of any of our other business. The client, rather than us, directs the investments and bears the investment risk of these funds. The separate account assets represent the fair value of funds that are separately administered by us for contracts with equity, real estate and fixed income investments and are presented as a summary total within the consolidated statements of financial position. An equivalent amount is reported as separate account liabilities, which represent the obligation to return the monies to the client. We receive fees for mortality, withdrawal and expense risks, as well as administrative, maintenance and investment advisory services that are included in the consolidated statements of operations. Net deposits, net investment income and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the separate accounts are not reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the separate accounts included a separate account valued at $170.5 million and $158.4 million, respectively, which primarily included shares of PFG common stock that were allocated and issued to eligible participants of qualified employee benefit plans administered by us as part of the policy credits issued under Principal Mutual Holding Company’s 2001 demutualization. In the consolidated statements of financial position, the separate account shares are recorded at fair value and are reported as separate account assets with a corresponding separate account liability to eligible participants of the qualified plan. Changes in fair value of the separate account shares are reflected in both the separate account assets and separate account liabilities and do not impact our results of operations.

176

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Income Taxes

Our ultimate parent, PFG files a U.S. consolidated income tax return that includes us and all of our qualifying subsidiaries. In addition, we file income tax returns in all states and foreign jurisdictions in which we conduct business. PFG allocates income tax expenses and benefits to companies in the group generally based upon pro rata contribution of taxable income or operating losses. We are taxed at corporate rates on taxable income based on existing tax laws. Current income taxes are charged or credited to net income based upon amounts estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of taxable operations for the current year. Deferred income taxes are provided for the tax effect of temporary differences in the financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities, net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards using enacted income tax rates and laws. The effect on deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in net income in the period in which the change is enacted.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and other intangible assets include the cost of acquired subsidiaries in excess of the fair value of the net tangible assets recorded in connection with acquisitions. Goodwill is not amortized. Rather, it is tested for impairment during the third quarter each year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level, which is a business one level below the operating segment, if financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by management at that level. Once goodwill has been assigned to a reporting unit, it is no longer associated with a particular acquisition; therefore, all of the activities within a reporting unit, whether acquired or organically grown, are available to support the goodwill value. 

Intangible assets with a finite useful life are amortized as related benefits emerge and are reviewed periodically for indicators of impairment in value. If facts and circumstances suggest possible impairment, the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset is compared to the current carrying value of the asset. If the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized for the excess of the carrying amount of assets over their fair value.

2. Discontinued Operations

On May 1, 2017, we sold our ownership interest in PGI LLC to PFS. PGI LLC results were reported in our Principal Global Investors segment. These are subsequently reported as discontinued operations and the results of operations have been removed from our results of continuing operations for all periods presented. Additionally, inter-segment eliminations associated with PGI LLC are reported as discontinued operations and have been removed from our results of continuing operations for all periods presented. PGI LLC continues to provide asset management services for us. 

The assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations, which reflect the net impact of discontinuing PGI LLC and associated inter-segment eliminations, were as follows:

	December 31, 2016
	(in millions)
Assets
Total investments	$	21.0
Cash and cash equivalents		343.4
Premiums due and other receivables		63.9
Property and equipment		11.1
Goodwill		152.4
Other intangibles		97.8
Other assets		(19.7)
Total assets	$	669.9
Liabilities
Income taxes currently payable	$	(0.4)
Deferred income taxes		18.6
Other liabilities		340.9
Total liabilities	$	359.1

177

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Operating results of the discontinued operations, which reflect the net impact of discontinuing PGI LLC and associated inter-segment eliminations, were as follows:

		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(in millions)
Revenues
Fees and other revenues		$	155.9	$	513.3	$	489.2
Net investment income			42.7		119.4		113.5
Net realized capital gains			1.8		1.6		1.2
	Total revenues		200.4		634.3		603.9
Expenses
Operating expenses			148.5		429.5		417.3
	Total expenses		148.5		429.5		417.3
Income before income taxes			51.9		204.8		186.6
Income taxes			14.9		73.2		67.0
Income from discontinued operations			37.0		131.6		119.6
Income from discontinued operations attributable to
	noncontrolling interest		1.5		4.1		3.8
Income from discontinued operations attributable to parent		$	35.5	$	127.5	$	115.8

3. Related Party Transactions

Expense Reimbursements

We have entered into various related party transactions with our ultimate parent and its other affiliates. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we received $431.9 million, $272.7 million and $266.7 million, respectively, of expense reimbursements from affiliated entities.

Cash Advance Agreement

We and our direct parent, PFS, are parties to a cash advance agreement, which allows us, collectively, to pool our available cash in order to more efficiently and effectively invest our cash. The cash advance agreement allows (i) us to advance cash to PFS in aggregate principal amounts not to exceed $1.0 billion, with such advanced amounts earning interest at the daily 30-day LIBOR rate (the “Internal Crediting Rate”); and (ii) PFS to advance cash to us in aggregate principal amounts not to exceed $1.0 billion, with such advance amounts paying interest at the Internal Crediting Rate plus 10 basis points to reimburse PFS for the costs incurred in maintaining short-term investing and borrowing programs. Under this cash advance agreement, we had a receivable from PFS of $313.0 million and $113.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and earned interest of $1.7 million, $0.7 million and $0.0 million during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Debt

We have short-term affiliated debt with our parent. See Note 11, Debt, for additional information.

Reinsurance

We and an affiliated entity, Principal National Life Insurance Company, are parties to a reinsurance agreement to reinsure certain life insurance business. Under this agreement, we had an assumed reinsurance liability of $2,975.3 million and $2,517.8 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In addition, we recognized premiums and other fees of $498.9 million, $404.3 million and $337.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, associated with this agreement. Furthermore, we recognized expenses of $700.3 million, $565.0 million and $493.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, associated with this agreement.

178

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Sale of Subsidiaries

On May 1, 2017, we sold our ownership interest in PGI LLC to PFS as part of a common control transaction. Accordingly, no gain or loss was recognized on the sale and the amount received in excess of book value was recorded in additional paid-in capital. We received $1,068.4 million in cash and a $300.0 million 10-year note from PFS, with the note balance approximating the carrying value of PGI LLC. The note bears interest at 2.885% with semi-annual principal and interest payments due in May and November each year. Subsequent to the sale, we paid an extraordinary dividend of $1,068.4 million to PFS with the cash proceeds received from the sale.

During 2015, we sold our ownership interests in PGI Finisterre Holding Company Ltd., Finisterre Holdings Limited, Finisterre Capital LLP, PGI Origin Holding Company Ltd. and Origin Asset Management LLP to PFS. We received a $156.0 million 10-year note from PFS for the carrying value of those subsidiaries. The note bears interest at 2.87% with semi-annual principal and interest payments due in February and August each year.

Our ultimate parent, PFG, is a guarantor of both notes received from PFS. We recorded interest income of $9.4 million, $6.0 million and less than $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Following the sale of our ownership of PGI LLC, it continues to provide asset management services for us. We recognized $65.7 million of asset management fee expense for the year ended December 31, 2017. Prior to the sale of PGI LLC, these expenses were eliminated upon consolidation.

Distribution of Affiliated Products

We receive commission fees, distribution fees and service fees from Principal Securities, Inc. and Principal Management Corporation ("PMC") for distributing proprietary products on their behalf. PMC merged into PGI LLC following the sale of PGI LLC to PFS. Furthermore, we receive management and administrative fees for investments our products hold in the Principal Mutual Funds and Principal Variable Contracts. Fees and other revenues associated with these fees were $433.8 million, $409.0 million and $446.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In addition, we pay commission expense to affiliated registered representatives within Principal Securities, Inc. to sell proprietary products. Commission expense was $84.8 million, $58.8 million and $64.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Benefit Plans

Effective December 2016, PFG became the sponsor of the qualified defined contribution plans for both employees and individual field agents. Prior to December 2016, Principal Life was the sponsor of these plans. We were allocated plan expenses from PFG of $31.6 million during 2017 and $3.8 million during 2016 after the change in sponsorship was effective. See Note 13, Employee and Agent Benefits, for further details.

Effective December 2016, PFG also became the sponsor of the nonqualified deferred compensation plans for select employees and individual field agents. Prior to December 2016, Principal Life was the sponsor of these plans. We were allocated plan expenses from PFG of $2.4 million during 2017 and $0.3 million during 2016 after the change in sponsorship was effective. See Note 13, Employee and Agent Benefits, for further details.

In connection with the change in sponsorships in December 2016, we transferred $227.5 million of assets to PFG and PFG assumed $225.5 million of liabilities from us. In addition, deferred tax assets of $72.5 million were transferred to PFG from us associated with the defined contribution and deferred compensation plan sponsorship changes.

Effective January 2016, PFG became the sponsor of the post-65 retiree medical plan for both employees and individual field agents. Prior to January 2016, we were the sponsor of this plan. In connection with the change in sponsorship, we transferred a $4.1 million net postretirement benefit asset for the overfunded status of the plans to PFG. See Note 13, Employee and Agent Benefits, for further details.

PFG is the sponsor of the defined benefit pension plans for both employees and individual field agents. We were allocated $48.4 million, $48.4 million and $74.1 million of pension expense from PFG during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. See Note 13, Employee and Agent Benefits, for further details.

179

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Other Agreements

Pursuant to certain regulatory requirements or otherwise in the ordinary course of business, we guarantee certain payments of our affiliates and have agreements with affiliates to provide and/or receive management, administrative and other services, all of which, individually and in the aggregate, are immaterial to our business, financial condition and net income.

4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill reported in our segments were as follows:

	Retirement		U.S.
	and Income		Insurance
	Solutions		Solutions		Consolidated
	(in millions)
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	18.7	$	56.4	$	75.1
Balance as of December 31, 2017	$	18.7	$	56.4	$	75.1

Finite Lived Intangible Assets

Amortized intangible assets that continue to be subject to amortization over a weighted average remaining expected life of 15 years were as follows:

	December 31,
	2017		2016
	(in millions)
Gross carrying value	$	41.4	$	41.4
Accumulated amortization		16.6		14.0
Net carrying value	$	24.8	$	27.4

During 2017, 2016 and 2015, we fully amortized finite lived intangible assets of $0.0 million, $0.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

The amortization expense for intangible assets with finite useful lives was $2.6 million, $1.7 million and $1.8 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows (in millions):

Year ending December 31:
	2018	$	2.6
	2019		2.5
	2020		2.5
	2021		2.4
	2022		2.3

5. Variable Interest Entities

We have relationships with various types of entities which may be VIEs. Certain VIEs are consolidated in our financial results. See Note 1, Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies, under the caption “Consolidation” for further details of our consolidation accounting policies. We did not provide financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs for the periods ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

180

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Adoption of New Consolidation Guidance

Both the variable interest and voting interest consolidation models were changed under authoritative guidance effective January 1, 2016. The guidance eliminated the investment company deferral for portions of the variable interest model. Prior to January 1, 2016, the primary beneficiary of an investment company VIE was the enterprise who absorbed the majority of the entity’s expected losses, received a majority of the expected residual returns or both. The new guidance requires all VIEs to be assessed under one method to determine the primary beneficiary.

The determination of whether interests in limited partnerships and similar entities are VIEs or VOEs has also changed under the pronouncement, by requiring evaluation of the equity holders’ rights to determine if they have the power to direct the entity’s most significant activities through substantive kick-out rights or participating rights. Limited partnerships and similar entities without these rights are VIEs.

We adopted the guidance using the modified retrospective approach effective January 1, 2016. Under the modified retrospective approach, the cumulative effect of initially applying the new guidance is recognized as of the date of initial application, and comparative periods are not restated. The changes resulting from the adoption were:

• We invest in partnerships and other funds. Prior to new accounting guidance certain of these investments were VOEs. Upon adoption of new accounting guidance, some of these investments are now considered VIEs. We are not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs.

• We provide asset management and other services to certain investment structures for which we earn performance-based management fees. These structures were considered VIEs prior to new accounting guidance, and we had a variable interest. We were not the primary beneficiary of these entities as we did not have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the entities that could be potentially significant to the VIE. Subsequent to new accounting guidance, we no longer consider our fees a variable interest for those investment structures where our fees are deemed to be commensurate with the services provided, consistent with fees for similar services negotiated at arms-length, and we do not have additional interests in the entity that would absorb a significant amount of the entity’s expected losses and expected residual returns of the entity.

Consolidated Variable Interest Entities

Grantor Trusts

We contributed undated subordinated floating rate notes to three grantor trusts. The trusts separated their cash flows by issuing an interest-only certificate and a residual certificate related to each note contributed. Each interest-only certificate entitles the holder to interest on the stated note for a specified term, while the residual certificate entitles the holder to interest payments subsequent to the term of the interest-only certificate and to all principal payments. We retained the interest-only certificates and the residual certificates were subsequently sold to third parties. We determined these grantor trusts are VIEs due to insufficient equity to sustain them. We determined we are the primary beneficiary as a result of our contribution of securities into the trusts and our significant continuing interest in the trusts.

Collateralized Private Investment Vehicles

We invest in synthetic and cash collateralized debt obligations, collateralized bond obligations, collateralized loan obligations and other collateralized structures, which are VIEs due to insufficient equity to sustain the entities (collectively known as "collateralized private investment vehicles"). The performance of the notes of these synthetic structures is primarily linked to a synthetic portfolio by derivatives; each note has a specific loss attachment and detachment point. The notes and related derivatives are collateralized by a pool of permitted investments. The investments are held by a trustee and can only be liquidated to settle obligations of the trusts. These obligations primarily include derivatives and the notes due at maturity or termination of the trusts. We determined we were the primary beneficiary for one of these synthetic entities because we acted as the investment manager of the underlying portfolio and we had the power to make decisions and to receive benefits and the obligation to absorb losses that could be potentially significant to the VIE. This synthetic entity matured in the first quarter of 2017.

181

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

We sold commercial mortgage loans to a real estate mortgage investment conduit trust. The trust issued various commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") certificates using the cash flows of the underlying commercial mortgages it purchased. This is considered a VIE due to insufficient equity to sustain itself. We determined we are the primary beneficiary as we retained the special servicing role for the assets within the trust as well as the ownership of the bond class that controls the unilateral kick-out rights of the special servicer.

Real Estate

We invest in several real estate limited partnerships and limited liability companies. The entities invest in real estate properties. Certain of these entities are VIEs based on the combination of our significant economic interest and related voting rights. We determined we are the primary beneficiary as a result of our power to control the entities through our significant ownership. Due to the nature of these real estate investments, the investment balance will fluctuate as we purchase and sell interests in the entities and as capital expenditures are made to improve the underlying real estate.

Assets and Liabilities of Consolidated Variable Interest Entities

The carrying amounts of our consolidated VIE assets, which can only be used to settle obligations of consolidated VIEs, and liabilities of consolidated VIEs for which creditors do not have recourse were as follows:

	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Total		Total		Total		Total
	assets		liabilities		assets		liabilities
	(in millions)
Grantor trusts (1)	$	268.8	$	253.2	$	233.3	$	212.3
Collateralized private investment vehicle (2)		—		—		82.4		61.5
CMBS		9.4		—		12.5		—
Real estate (3)		387.1		19.5		329.2		26.8
Total	$	665.3	$	272.7	$	657.4	$	300.6

(1) The assets of grantor trusts are primarily fixed maturities, available-for-sale. The liabilities are primarily other liabilities that reflect an embedded derivative of the forecasted transaction to deliver the underlying securities.

(2) The assets of the collateralized private investment vehicle were primarily fixed maturities, trading. The liabilities included derivative liabilities and an obligation to redeem notes at maturity or termination of the trusts, which were reported in other liabilities.

(3) The assets of the real estate VIEs primarily include real estate, other investments and cash. Liabilities primarily include other liabilities.

Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities

Invested Securities

We hold a variable interest in a number of VIEs where we are not the primary beneficiary. Our investments in these VIEs are reported in fixed maturities, available-for-sale; fixed maturities, trading and other investments in the consolidated statements of financial position and are described below.

Unconsolidated VIEs include certain CMBS, residential mortgage-backed pass-through securities ("RMBS") and other asset-backed securities (“ABS”). All of these entities were deemed VIEs because the equity within these entities is insufficient to sustain them. We determined we are not the primary beneficiary in the entities within these categories of investments. This determination was based primarily on the fact we do not own the class of security that controls the unilateral right to replace the special servicer or equivalent function.

182

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

As previously discussed, we invest in several types of collateralized private investment vehicles that are VIEs. These include synthetic and cash structures that we do not manage. We have determined we are not the primary beneficiary of these collateralized private investment vehicles primarily because we do not control the economic performance of the entities and were not involved with the design of the entities.

We have invested in various VIE trusts and similar entities as a debt holder. Most of these entities are classified as VIEs due to insufficient equity to sustain them. In addition, we have an entity classified as a VIE based on the combination of our significant economic interest and lack of voting rights. We have determined we are not the primary beneficiary primarily because we do not control the economic performance of the entities and were not involved with the design of the entities.

We have invested in partnerships and other funds, which are classified as VIEs. The entities are VIEs as equity holders lack the power to control the most significant activities of the entities because the equity holders do not have either the ability by a simple majority to exercise substantive kick-out rights or substantive participating rights. We have determined we are not the primary beneficiary because we do not have the power to direct the most significant activities of the entities.

The carrying value and maximum loss exposure for our unconsolidated VIEs were as follows:

				Maximum exposure to
		Asset carrying value		loss (1)
		(in millions)
December 31, 2017
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
	Corporate	$	244.2	$	224.5
	Residential mortgage-backed pass-through securities		2,512.7		2,483.7
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		3,667.0		3,692.6
	Collateralized debt obligations		1,359.3		1,372.1
	Other debt obligations		5,634.2		5,633.1
Fixed maturities, trading:
	Residential mortgage-backed pass-through securities		14.7		14.7
Other investments:
	Other limited partnership and fund interests		668.5		1,149.1
December 31, 2016
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
	Corporate	$	368.4	$	298.6
	Residential mortgage-backed pass-through securities		2,822.6		2,786.8
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		4,060.2		4,116.2
	Collateralized debt obligations		758.1		779.6
	Other debt obligations		5,021.0		5,033.6
Fixed maturities, trading:
	Residential mortgage-backed pass-through securities		19.9		19.9
	Collateralized debt obligations		10.6		10.6
Other investments:
	Other limited partnership and fund interests		612.0		1,012.6

(1) Our risk of loss is limited to our initial investment measured at amortized cost for fixed maturities, available-for-sale. Our risk of loss is limited to our investment measured at fair value for our fixed maturities, trading. Our risk of loss is limited to our carrying value plus any unfunded commitments and/or guarantees for our other investments. Unfunded commitments are not liabilities on our consolidated statements of financial position because we are only required to fund additional equity when called upon to do so by the general partner or investment manager.

183

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

6. Investments

Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, other-than-temporary impairments in AOCI and fair value of fixed maturities and equity securities available-for-sale were as follows:

										Other-than-
				Gross		Gross				temporary
		Amortized		unrealized		unrealized				impairments in
		cost		gains		losses		Fair value		AOCI (1)
		(in millions)
December 31, 2017
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
	U.S. government and agencies	$	1,281.0	$	44.3	$	7.6	$	1,317.7	$	—
	Non-U.S. governments		492.1		37.3		1.1		528.3		—
	States and political subdivisions		6,404.4		369.2		15.9		6,757.7		—
	Corporate		31,555.2		2,113.9		79.9		33,589.2		0.6
	Residential mortgage-backed pass-through securities		2,483.8		50.2		21.3		2,512.7		—
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		3,692.6		32.3		57.9		3,667.0		50.6
	Collateralized debt obligations		1,372.1		2.7		15.5		1,359.3		0.3
	Other debt obligations		5,696.1		41.9		40.5		5,697.5		41.9
Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale		$	52,977.3	$	2,691.8	$	239.7	$	55,429.4	$	93.4
Total equity securities, available-for-sale		$	93.2	$	6.3	$	5.4	$	94.1
December 31, 2016
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
	U.S. government and agencies	$	1,398.1	$	17.2	$	10.7	$	1,404.6	$	—
	Non-U.S. governments		475.0		71.7		4.6		542.1		—
	States and political subdivisions		5,431.6		190.8		86.8		5,535.6		1.1
	Corporate		29,873.9		1,523.4		321.3		31,076.0		13.9
	Residential mortgage-backed pass-through securities		2,786.8		66.4		30.6		2,822.6		—
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		4,116.2		31.0		87.0		4,060.2		77.5
	Collateralized debt obligations		779.6		2.8		24.3		758.1		0.3
	Other debt obligations		5,065.7		37.1		49.8		5,053.0		50.3
Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale		$	49,926.9	$	1,940.4	$	615.1	$	51,252.2	$	143.1
Total equity securities, available-for-sale		$	103.7	$	3.5	$	10.9	$	96.3

(1) Excludes $103.0 million and $119.5 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, of net unrealized gains on impaired fixed maturities, available-for-sale related to changes in fair value subsequent to the impairment date, which are included in gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses.

184

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturities available-for-sale as of December 31, 2017, by expected maturity, were as follows:

	Amortized cost		Fair value
	(in millions)
Due in one year or less	$	2,599.3	$	2,616.0
Due after one year through five years		11,044.4		11,336.9
Due after five years through ten years		9,544.1		9,857.9
Due after ten years		16,544.9		18,382.1
Subtotal		39,732.7		42,192.9
Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities		13,244.6		13,236.5
Total	$	52,977.3	$	55,429.4

Actual maturities may differ because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations. Our portfolio is diversified by industry, issuer and asset class. Credit concentrations are managed to established limits.

Net Investment Income

Major components of net investment income were as follows:

	For the year ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(in millions)
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	$	2,143.2	$	2,048.6	$	1,923.4
Fixed maturities, trading		4.3		11.1		10.8
Equity securities, available-for-sale		5.4		5.4		5.6
Equity securities, trading		—		11.5		9.7
Mortgage loans		563.5		530.2		523.3
Real estate		129.1		127.7		96.6
Policy loans		40.5		41.3		41.4
Cash and cash equivalents		12.0		5.5		2.0
Derivatives (1)		(3.2)		(36.1)		(66.6)
Other		96.6		113.4		72.3
Total		2,991.4		2,858.6		2,618.5
Investment expenses		(157.7)		(192.5)		(179.9)
Net investment income	$	2,833.7	$	2,666.1	$	2,438.6
(1) Relates to periodic settlements of derivatives used in fair value and cash flow hedges of fixed maturities, available-for-
sale. See Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments, for further details.

185

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Net Realized Capital Gains and Losses

Major components of net realized capital gains (losses) on investments were as follows:

		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(in millions)
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
	Gross gains	$	10.3	$	56.6	$	17.0
	Gross losses		(22.7)		(22.4)		(4.3)
	Net impairment losses		(79.6)		(95.1)		(30.3)
	Hedging, net		(28.5)		(37.9)		(58.3)
Fixed maturities, trading			1.4		(4.6)		(7.1)
Equity securities, available-for-sale:
	Net impairment (losses) recoveries		(0.1)		(1.7)		0.3
Equity securities, trading			(1.3)		(5.3)		(8.2)
Mortgage loans			9.2		4.4		(0.8)
Derivatives			(195.8)		198.8		82.5
Other			679.1		5.1		(18.0)
Net realized capital gains (losses)		$	372.0	$	97.9	$	(27.2)

Proceeds from sales of investments (excluding call and maturity proceeds) in fixed maturities, available-for-sale were $1,149.8 million, $1,370.0 million and $1,059.6 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

We have a process in place to identify fixed maturity and equity securities that could potentially have an impairment that is other than temporary. This process involves monitoring market events that could impact issuers’ credit ratings, business climate, management changes, litigation and government actions and other similar factors. This process also involves monitoring late payments, pricing levels, downgrades by rating agencies, key financial ratios, financial statements, revenue forecasts and cash flow projections as indicators of credit issues.

Each reporting period, all securities are reviewed to determinewhether an other-than-temporary decline in value exists and whether losses should be recognized. We consider relevant facts and circumstances in evaluating whether a credit or interest rate-related impairment of a security is other than temporary. Relevant facts and circumstances considered include: (1) the extent and length of time the fair value has been below cost; (2) the reasons for the decline in value; (3) the financial position and access to capital of the issuer, including the current and future impact of any specific events; (4) for structured securities, the adequacy of the expected cash flows; (5) for fixed maturities, our intent to sell a security or whether it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost which, in some cases, may extend to maturity and (6) for equity securities, our ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time that allows for the recovery in value. To the extent we determine a security is deemed to be other than temporarily impaired, an impairment loss is recognized.

Impairment losses on equity securities are recognized in net income and are measured as the difference between amortized cost and fair value.The way in which impairment losses on fixed maturities are recognized in the financial statements is dependent on the facts and circumstances related to the specific security. If we intend to sell a security or it is more likely than not that we would be required to sell a security before the recovery of its amortized cost, we recognize an other-than-temporary impairment in net income for the difference between amortized cost and fair value. If we do not expect to recover the amortized cost basis, we do not plan to sell the security and if it is not more likely than not that we would be required to sell a security before the recovery of its amortized cost, the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment is bifurcated. We recognize the credit loss portion in net income and the noncredit loss portion in OCI (“bifurcated OTTI”).

186

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Total other-than-temporary impairment losses, net of recoveries from the sale of previously impaired securities, were as follows:

		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(in millions)
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		$	(29.9)	$	(92.0)	$	(1.1)
Equity securities, available-for-sale			(0.1)		(1.7)		0.3
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses, net of recoveries from
	the sale of previously impaired securities		(30.0)		(93.7)		(0.8)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities,
	available-for-sale reclassified from OCI (1)		(49.7)		(3.1)		(29.2)
Net impairment losses on available-for-sale securities		$	(79.7)	$	(96.8)	$	(30.0)

(1) Represents the net impact of (a) gains resulting from reclassification of noncredit impairment losses for fixed maturities

with bifurcated OTTI from net realized capital gains (losses) to OCI and (b) losses resulting from reclassification of

previously recognized noncredit impairment losses from OCI to net realized capital gains (losses) for fixed maturities

with bifurcated OTTI that had additional credit losses or fixed maturities that previously had bifurcated OTTI that have

now been sold or are intended to be sold.

We estimate the amount of the credit loss component of a fixed maturity security impairment as the difference between amortized cost and the present value of the expected cash flows of the security. The present value is determined using the best estimate cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit to the security at the date of purchase or the current yield to accrete an asset-backed or floating rate security. The methodology and assumptions for establishing the best estimate cash flows vary depending on the type of security. The ABS cash flow estimates are based on security specific facts and circumstances that may include collateral characteristics, expectations of delinquency and default rates, loss severity and prepayment speeds and structural support, including subordination and guarantees. The corporate security cash flow estimates are derived from scenario-based outcomes of expected corporate restructurings or liquidations using bond specific facts and circumstances including timing, security interests and loss severity.

The following table provides a rollforward of accumulated credit losses for fixed maturities with bifurcated credit losses. The purpose of the table is to provide detail of (1) additions to the bifurcated credit loss amounts recognized in net realized capital gains (losses) during the period and (2) decrements for previously recognized bifurcated credit losses where the loss is no longer bifurcated and/or there has been a positive change in expected cash flows or accretion of the bifurcated credit loss amount.

		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(in millions)
Beginning balance		$	(134.7)	$	(128.0)	$	(140.3)
Credit losses for which an other-than-temporary impairment was
	not previously recognized		(15.0)		(41.9)		(6.1)
Credit losses for which an other-than-temporary impairment was
	previously recognized		(42.5)		(31.7)		(13.8)
Reduction for credit losses previously recognized on fixed maturities
	now sold, paid down or intended to be sold		57.9		60.5		24.7
Net reduction for positive changes in cash flows expected
	to be collected and amortization (1)		10.0		6.4		7.5
Ending balance		$	(124.3)	$	(134.7)	$	(128.0)

(1) Amounts are recognized in net investment income.

187

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities

For fixed maturities and equity securities available-for-sale with unrealized losses, including other-than-temporary impairment losses reported in OCI, the gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position were as follows:

			December 31, 2017
			Less than				Greater than or
			twelve months				equal to twelve months				Total
					Gross				Gross				Gross
			Fair		unrealized		Fair		unrealized		Fair		unrealized
			value		losses		value		losses		value		losses
			(in millions)
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
	U.S. government and agencies		$	279.4	$	2.1	$	180.9	$	5.5	$	460.3	$	7.6
	Non-U.S. governments			65.2		0.8		12.6		0.3		77.8		1.1
	States and political subdivisions			717.1		5.0		437.7		10.9		1,154.8		15.9
	Corporate			3,487.5		27.5		1,527.0		52.4		5,014.5		79.9
	Residential mortgage-backed pass-
		through securities		354.4		2.0		734.5		19.3		1,088.9		21.3
	Commercial mortgage-backed
		securities		1,332.4		19.9		811.2		38.0		2,143.6		57.9
	Collateralized debt obligations			460.9		2.1		38.3		13.4		499.2		15.5
	Other debt obligations			2,664.0		16.0		956.4		24.5		3,620.4		40.5
Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale			$	9,360.9	$	75.4	$	4,698.6	$	164.3	$	14,059.5	$	239.7
Total equity securities, available-for-sale			$	—	$	—	$	40.4	$	5.4	$	40.4	$	5.4

Of the available-for-sale fixed maturities within our consolidated portfolio in a gross unrealized loss position, 97% were investment grade (rated AAA through BBB-) with an average price of 98 (carrying value/amortized cost) as of December 31, 2017. Gross unrealized losses in our fixed maturities portfolio decreased during the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to tightening of credit spreads.

For those securities that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months, our consolidated portfolio held 1,209 securities reflecting an average price of 99 as of December 31, 2017. Of this portfolio, 98% was investment grade (rated AAA through BBB-) as of December 31, 2017, with associated unrealized losses of $71.5 million. The unrealized losses on these securities can primarily be attributed to changes in market interest rates and changes in credit spreads since the securities were acquired.

For those securities that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position greater than or equal to twelve months, our consolidated portfolio held 775 securities reflecting an average price of 97 and an average credit rating of AA- as of December 31, 2017. The corporate sector accounted for $52.2 million in unrealized losses with an average price of 97 and an average credit rating of BBB+. The remaining unrealized losses also included $38.1 million within the commercial mortgage-backed securities sector with an average price of 96 and an average credit rating of AA+. The unrealized losses on these securities can primarily be attributed to changes in market interest rates and changes in credit spreads since the securities were acquired.

Because we expected to recover our amortized cost, it was not our intent to sell the fixed maturity available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses and it was not more likely than not that we would be required to sell these securities before recovery of the amortized cost, which may be maturity, we did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2017.

188

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

			December 31, 2016
			Less than				Greater than or
			twelve months				equal to twelve months				Total
					Gross				Gross				Gross
			Fair		unrealized		Fair		unrealized		Fair		unrealized
			value		losses		value		losses		value		losses
			(in millions)
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
	U.S. government and agencies		$	555.3	$	10.7	$	8.2	$	—	$	563.5	$	10.7
	Non-U.S. governments			159.2		4.6		—		—		159.2		4.6
	States and political subdivisions			2,222.1		86.3		4.8		0.5		2,226.9		86.8
	Corporate			6,243.6		179.4		1,156.5		141.9		7,400.1		321.3
	Residential mortgage-backed pass-
		through securities		1,265.6		29.8		16.0		0.8		1,281.6		30.6
	Commercial mortgage-backed
		securities		1,615.6		40.1		612.5		46.9		2,228.1		87.0
	Collateralized debt obligations			265.7		0.9		195.6		23.4		461.3		24.3
	Other debt obligations			2,222.3		32.8		375.9		17.0		2,598.2		49.8
Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale			$	14,549.4	$	384.6	$	2,369.5	$	230.5	$	16,918.9	$	615.1
Total equity securities, available-for-sale			$	18.2	$	0.4	$	35.4	$	10.5	$	53.6	$	10.9

Of the available-for-sale fixed maturities within our consolidated portfolio in a gross unrealized loss position, 94% were investment grade (rated AAA through BBB-) with an average price of 96 (carrying value/amortized cost) as of December 31, 2016. Gross unrealized losses in our fixed maturities portfolio decreased during the year ended December 31, 2016, primarily due to tightening of credit spreads, partially offset by an increase in interest rates.

For those securities that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months, our consolidated portfolio held 1,911 securities reflecting an average price of 97 as of December 31, 2016. Of this portfolio, 98% was investment grade (rated AAA through BBB-) as of December 31, 2016, with associated unrealized losses of $374.1 million. The unrealized losses on these securities can primarily be attributed to changes in market interest rates and changes in credit spreads since the securities were acquired.

For those securities that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position greater than or equal to twelve months, our consolidated portfolio held 453 securities reflecting an average price of 91 and an average credit rating of A- as of December 31, 2016. The corporate sector accounted for $141.9 million in unrealized losses with an average price of 89 and an average credit rating of BBB-. The remaining unrealized losses consisted primarily of $46.9 million within the commercial mortgage-backed securities sector with an average price of 93 and an average credit rating of AA-. The unrealized losses on these securities can primarily be attributed to changes in market interest rates and changes in credit spreads since the securities were acquired.

Because we expected to recover our amortized cost, it was not our intent to sell the fixed maturity available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses and it was not more likely than not that we would be required to sell these securities before recovery of the amortized cost, which may be maturity, we did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2016.

189

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Net Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities and Derivative Instruments

The net unrealized gains and losses on investments in available-for-sale securities, the noncredit component of impairment losses on fixed maturities available-for-sale and the net unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments in cash flow hedge relationships are reported as separate components of stockholder’s equity. The cumulative amount of net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and derivative instruments in cash flow hedge relationships net of adjustments related to DAC and related actuarial balances and applicable income taxes was as follows:

		December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
		(in millions)
Net unrealized gains on fixed maturities, available-for-sale (1)		$	2,524.4	$	1,387.7
Noncredit component of impairment losses on fixed maturities, available-for-sale			(93.4)		(143.1)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, available-for-sale			0.9		(7.4)
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization patterns			(150.6)		(121.9)
Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities			(397.2)		(237.0)
Net unrealized gains on derivative instruments			123.7		212.8
Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity method subsidiaries and noncontrolling
	interest adjustments		(21.9)		29.0
Provision for deferred income taxes			(658.2)		(390.6)
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities and derivative instruments		$	1,327.7	$	729.5

(1) Excludes net unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturities, available-for-sale included in fair value hedging relationships.

Mortgage Loans

Mortgage loans consist of commercial and residential mortgage loans. We evaluate risks inherent in our commercial mortgage loans in two classes: (1) brick and mortar property loans, including mezzanine loans, where we analyze the property's rent payments as support for the loan, and (2) credit tenant loans (“CTL”), where we rely on the credit analysis of the tenant for the repayment of the loan. We evaluate risks inherent in our residential mortgage loan portfolio in two classes: (1) home equity mortgages and (2) first lien mortgages. The carrying amount of our mortgage loan portfolio was as follows:

		December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
		(in millions)
Commercial mortgage loans		$	12,755.2	$	11,992.1
Residential mortgage loans			729.1		697.5
	Total amortized cost		13,484.3		12,689.6
Valuation allowance			(32.2)		(44.5)
Total carrying value		$	13,452.1	$	12,645.1

190

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

We periodically purchase mortgage loans as well as sell mortgage loans we have originated. Mortgage loans purchased and sold were as follows:

		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(in millions)
Commercial mortgage loans:
	Purchased	$	44.4	$	120.5	$	194.7
Residential mortgage loans:
	Purchased		276.5		242.9		227.3
	Sold		89.3		—		—

Our commercial mortgage loan portfolio consists primarily of non-recourse, fixed rate mortgages on stabilized properties. Our commercial mortgage loan portfolio is diversified by geographic region and specific collateral property type as follows:

	December 31, 2017					December 31, 2016
	Amortized		Percent			Amortized		Percent
	cost		of total			cost		of total
	($ in millions)
Geographic distribution
New England	$	593.2		4.6	%	$	533.2		4.4	%
Middle Atlantic		3,630.7		28.5			3,324.0		27.7
East North Central		677.2		5.3			654.5		5.5
West North Central		175.1		1.4			185.9		1.6
South Atlantic		2,330.2		18.3			2,193.6		18.3
East South Central		376.4		3.0			239.8		2.0
West South Central		1,074.6		8.4			1,213.4		10.1
Mountain		1,041.9		8.2			934.7		7.8
Pacific		2,855.9		22.3			2,713.0		22.6
Total	$	12,755.2		100.0	%	$	11,992.1		100.0	%
Property type distribution
Office	$	4,711.9		36.9	%	$	4,428.2		36.9	%
Retail		2,617.3		20.5			2,675.2		22.3
Industrial		1,885.4		14.8			1,805.8		15.1
Apartments		3,309.5		25.9			2,746.8		22.9
Hotel		131.3		1.0			261.1		2.2
Mixed use/other		99.8		0.9			75.0		0.6
Total	$	12,755.2		100.0	%	$	11,992.1		100.0	%

Our residential mortgage loan portfolio is composed of home equity mortgages with an amortized cost of $23.0 million and $165.6 million and first lien mortgages with an amortized cost of $706.1 million and $531.9 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Our home equity mortgages decreased due to sales during the fourth quarter of 2017. Our residential home equity mortgages are generally second lien mortgages comprised of closed-end loans and lines of credit.

191

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Mortgage Loan Credit Monitoring

Commercial Credit Risk Profile Based on Internal Rating

We actively monitor and manage our commercial mortgage loan portfolio. All commercial mortgage loans are analyzed regularly and substantially all are internally rated, based on a proprietary risk rating cash flow model, in order to monitor the financial quality of these assets. The model stresses expected cash flows at various levels and at different points in time depending on the durability of the income stream, which includes our assessment of factors such as location (macro and micro markets), tenant quality and lease expirations. Our internal rating analysis presents expected losses in terms of an S&P Global (“S&P”) bond equivalent rating. As the credit risk for commercial mortgage loans increases, we adjust our internal ratings downward with loans in the category “B+ and below” having the highest risk for credit loss. Internal ratings on commercial mortgage loans are updated at least annually and potentially more often for certain loans with material changes in collateral value or occupancy and for loans on an internal “watch list”.

Commercial mortgage loans that require more frequent and detailed attention than other loans in our portfolio are identified and placed on an internal “watch list”. Among the criteria that would indicate a potential problem are significant negative changes in ratios of loan to value or contract rents to debt service, major tenant vacancies or bankruptcies, borrower sponsorship problems, late payments, delinquent taxes and loan relief/restructuring requests.

The amortized cost of our commercial mortgage loan portfolio by credit risk, as determined by our internal rating system expressed in terms of an S&P bond equivalent rating, was as follows:

	December 31, 2017
	Brick and mortar		CTL		Total
	(in millions)
A- and above	$	11,555.6	$	129.2	$	11,684.8
BBB+ thru BBB-		882.0		102.4		984.4
BB+ thru BB-		85.7		—		85.7
B+ and below		—		0.3		0.3
Total	$	12,523.3	$	231.9	$	12,755.2
	December 31, 2016
	Brick and mortar		CTL		Total
	(in millions)
A- and above	$	10,588.3	$	158.8	$	10,747.1
BBB+ thru BBB-		1,009.0		100.6		1,109.6
BB+ thru BB-		134.0		—		134.0
B+ and below		0.5		0.9		1.4
Total	$	11,731.8	$	260.3	$	11,992.1

192

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Residential Credit Risk Profile Based on Performance Status

Our residential mortgage loan portfolio is monitored based on performance of the loans. Monitoring on a residential mortgage loan increases when the loan is delinquent or earlier if there is an indication of potential impairment. We define non-performing residential mortgage loans as loans 90 days or greater delinquent or on non-accrual status.

The amortized cost of our performing and non-performing residential mortgage loans was as follows:

	December 31, 2017
	Home equity		First liens		Total
	(in millions)
Performing	$	16.5	$	704.2	$	720.7
Non-performing		6.5		1.9		8.4
Total	$	23.0	$	706.1	$	729.1
	December 31, 2016
	Home equity		First liens		Total
	(in millions)
Performing	$	156.8	$	528.5	$	685.3
Non-performing		8.8		3.4		12.2
Total	$	165.6	$	531.9	$	697.5

Non-Accrual Mortgage Loans

Commercial and residential mortgage loans are placed on non-accrual status if we have concern regarding the collectability of future payments or if a loan has matured without being paid off or extended. Factors considered may include conversations with the borrower, loss of major tenant, bankruptcy of borrower or major tenant, decreased property cash flow for commercial mortgage loans or number of days past due and other circumstances for residential mortgage loans. Based on an assessment as to the collectability of the principal, a determination is made to apply any payments received either against the principal or according to the contractual terms of the loan. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, the accrued unpaid interest receivable is reversed against interest income. Accrual of interest resumes after factors resulting in doubts about collectability have improved.

The amortized cost of mortgage loans on non-accrual status was as follows:

		December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
		(in millions)
Residential:
	Home equity	$	6.5	$	8.8
	First liens		1.9		3.4
Total		$	8.4	$	12.2

193

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

The aging of our mortgage loans, based on amortized cost, was as follows:

	December 31, 2017
					90 days or
	30-59 days		60-89 days		more past		Total past
	past due		past due		due		due		Current		Total loans
	(in millions)
Commercial-brick and mortar	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	12,523.3	$	12,523.3
Commercial-CTL		—		—		—		—		231.9		231.9
Residential-home equity		1.9		0.7		0.8		3.4		19.6		23.0
Residential-first liens		3.4		1.7		1.1		6.2		699.9		706.1
Total	$	5.3	$	2.4	$	1.9	$	9.6	$	13,474.7	$	13,484.3
	December 31, 2016
					90 days or
	30-59 days		60-89 days		more past		Total past
	past due		past due		due		due		Current		Total loans
	(in millions)
Commercial-brick and mortar	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	11,731.8	$	11,731.8
Commercial-CTL		—		—		—		—		260.3		260.3
Residential-home equity		1.9		1.1		1.4		4.4		161.2		165.6
Residential-first liens		1.5		0.8		2.2		4.5		527.4		531.9
Total	$	3.4	$	1.9	$	3.6	$	8.9	$	12,680.7	$	12,689.6

We did not have any mortgage loans that were 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest as of either December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

Mortgage Loan Valuation Allowance

We establish a valuation allowance to provide for the risk of credit losses inherent in our portfolio. The valuation allowance includes loan specific reserves for loans that are deemed to be impaired as well as reserves for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics where a property risk or market specific risk has not been identified but for which we anticipate a loss may occur. Mortgage loans on real estate are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to contractual terms of the loan agreement. When we determine a loan is impaired, a valuation allowance is established equal to the difference between the carrying amount of the mortgage loan and the estimated value reduced by the cost to sell. Estimated value is based on either the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's observable market price or fair value of the collateral. Subsequent changes in the estimated value are reflected in the valuation allowance. Amounts on loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged off and removed from the valuation allowance. The change in the valuation allowance provision is included in net realized capital gains (losses) on our consolidated statements of operations.

The valuation allowance is maintained at a level believed adequate by management to absorb estimated probable credit losses. Management's periodic evaluation and assessment of the valuation allowance adequacy is based on known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect a borrower's ability to repay, the estimated value of the underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, portfolio delinquency information, underwriting standards, peer group information, current economic conditions, loss experience and other relevant factors. The evaluation of our impaired loan component is subjective, as it requires the estimation of timing and amount of future cash flows expected to be received on impaired loans.

We review our commercial mortgage loan portfolio and analyze the need for a valuation allowance for any loan that is delinquent for 60 days or more, in process of foreclosure, restructured, on the internal “watch list” or that currently has a valuation allowance. In addition to establishing allowance levels for specifically identified impaired commercial mortgage loans, management determines an allowance for all other loans in the portfolio for which historical experience and current economic conditions indicate certain losses exist. These loans are segregated by risk rating level with an estimated loss ratio applied against each risk rating level. The loss ratio is generally based upon historical loss experience for each risk rating level as adjusted for certain current environmental factors management believes to be relevant.

194

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

For our residential mortgage loan portfolio, we separate the loans into several homogeneous pools, each of which consist of loans of a similar nature including but not limited to loans similar in collateral, term and structure and loan purpose or type. We evaluate loan pools based on aggregated risk ratings, estimated specific loss potential in the different classes of credits, and historical loss experience by pool type. We adjust these quantitative factors for qualitative factors of present conditions. Qualitative factors include items such as economic and business conditions, changes in the portfolio, value of underlying collateral and concentrations. Residential mortgage loan pools exclude loans that have been restructured or impaired, as those loans are evaluated individually.

A rollforward of our valuation allowance and ending balances of the allowance and loan balance by basis of impairment method was as follows:

		Commercial		Residential		Total
		(in millions)
For the year ended December 31, 2017
Beginning balance		$	27.4	$	17.1	$	44.5
	Provision		(1.6)		(10.5)		(12.1)
	Charge-offs		—		(5.0)		(5.0)
	Recoveries		—		4.8		4.8
Ending balance		$	25.8	$	6.4	$	32.2
Allowance ending balance by basis of impairment method:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	4.5	$	4.5
	Collectively evaluated for impairment		25.8		1.9		27.7
Allowance ending balance		$	25.8	$	6.4	$	32.2
Loan balance by basis of impairment method:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	12.3	$	12.3
	Collectively evaluated for impairment		12,755.2		716.8		13,472.0
Loan ending balance		$	12,755.2	$	729.1	$	13,484.3
For the year ended December 31, 2016
Beginning balance		$	27.5	$	23.9	$	51.4
	Provision		1.4		(5.6)		(4.2)
	Charge-offs		(1.5)		(4.8)		(6.3)
	Recoveries		—		3.6		3.6
Ending balance		$	27.4	$	17.1	$	44.5
Allowance ending balance by basis of impairment method:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	5.9	$	5.9
	Collectively evaluated for impairment		27.4		11.2		38.6
Allowance ending balance		$	27.4	$	17.1	$	44.5
Loan balance by basis of impairment method:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	19.2	$	19.2
	Collectively evaluated for impairment		11,992.1		678.3		12,670.4
Loan ending balance		$	11,992.1	$	697.5	$	12,689.6
For the year ended December 31, 2015
Beginning balance		$	26.9	$	29.1	$	56.0
	Provision		3.9		0.1		4.0
	Charge-offs		(3.4)		(8.9)		(12.3)
	Recoveries		0.1		3.6		3.7
Ending balance		$	27.5	$	23.9	$	51.4
Allowance ending balance by basis of impairment method:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	7.5	$	7.5
	Collectively evaluated for impairment		27.5		16.4		43.9
Allowance ending balance		$	27.5	$	23.9	$	51.4
Loan balance by basis of impairment method:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	23.1	$	23.1
	Collectively evaluated for impairment		11,222.4		596.9		11,819.3
Loan ending balance		$	11,222.4	$	620.0	$	11,842.4

195

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Impaired Mortgage Loans

Impaired mortgage loans are loans with a related specific valuation allowance, loans whose carrying amount has been reduced to the expected collectible amount because the impairment has been considered other than temporary or a loan modification has been classified as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). Based on an assessment as to the collectability of the principal, a determination is made to apply any payments received either against the principal or according to the contractual terms of the loan. Our recorded investment in and unpaid principal balance of impaired loans along with the related loan specific allowance for losses, if any, and the average recorded investment and interest income recognized during the time the loans were impaired were as follows:

		December 31, 2017
				Unpaid
		Recorded		principal		Related
		investment		balance		allowance
		(in millions)
With no related allowance recorded:
	Residential-first liens	$	0.9	$	0.8	$	—
With an allowance recorded:
	Residential-home equity		7.6		8.6		4.3
	Residential-first liens		3.8		3.8		0.2
Total:
	Residential	$	12.3	$	13.2	$	4.5
		December 31, 2016
				Unpaid
		Recorded		principal		Related
		investment		balance		allowance
		(in millions)
With no related allowance recorded:
	Residential-first liens	$	1.5	$	1.5	$	—
With an allowance recorded:
	Residential-home equity		13.0		14.1		5.5
	Residential-first liens		4.7		4.5		0.4
Total:
	Residential	$	19.2	$	20.1	$	5.9

196

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

		Average
		recorded		Interest income
		investment		recognized
		(in millions)
For the year ended December 31, 2017
With no related allowance recorded:
	Residential-first liens	$	1.2	$	—
With an allowance recorded:
	Residential-home equity		10.3		0.2
	Residential-first liens		4.2		0.2
Total:
	Residential	$	15.7	$	0.4
For the year ended December 31, 2016
With no related allowance recorded:
	Residential-first liens	$	2.6	$	—
With an allowance recorded:
	Residential-home equity		13.4		0.3
	Residential-first liens		5.3		0.1
Total:
	Residential	$	21.3	$	0.4
For the year ended December 31, 2015
With no related allowance recorded:
	Commercial-brick and mortar	$	2.6	$	—
	Residential-first liens		3.5		—
With an allowance recorded:
	Commercial-brick and mortar		2.2		0.1
	Residential-home equity		15.1		0.4
	Residential-first liens		6.1		0.2
Total:
	Commercial	$	4.8	$	0.1
	Residential	$	24.7	$	0.6

Mortgage Loan Modifications

Our commercial and residential mortgage loan portfolios can include loans that have been modified. We assess loan modifications on a case-by-case basis to evaluate whether a TDR has occurred. When we have commercial mortgage loan TDRs, they are modified to delay or reduce principal payments and to reduce or delay interest payments. The commercial mortgage loan modifications result in delayed cash receipts, a decrease in interest income and loan rates that are considered below market. When we have residential mortgage loan TDRs, they include modifications of interest-only payment periods, delays in principal balloon payments and interest rate reductions. Residential mortgage loan modifications result in delayed or decreased cash receipts and a decrease in interest income.

197

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

The following table includes information about outstanding loans that were modified and met the criteria of a TDR during the periods indicated. In addition, the table includes information for loans that were modified and met the criteria of a TDR within the past twelve months that were in payment default during the periods indicated:

	For the year ended December 31, 2017
	TDRs			TDRs in payment default
	Number of	Recorded		Number of	Recorded
	contracts	investment		contracts	investment
		(in millions)			(in millions)
Residential-home equity	10	$	0.5	—	$	—
Residential-first liens	1		0.1	1		0.1
Total	11	$	0.6	1	$	0.1
	For the year ended December 31, 2016
	TDRs			TDRs in payment default
	Number of	Recorded		Number of	Recorded
	contracts	investment		contracts	investment
		(in millions)			(in millions)
Residential-home equity	9	$	0.5	—	$	—
Residential-first liens	1		0.1	—		—
Total	10	$	0.6	—	$	—
	For the year ended December 31, 2015
	TDRs			TDRs in payment default
	Number of	Recorded		Number of	Recorded
	contracts	investment		contracts	investment
		(in millions)			(in millions)
Residential-home equity	14	$	0.6	2	$	—
Total	14	$	0.6	2	$	—

Commercial mortgage loans that have been designated as a TDR have been previously reserved for in the mortgage loan valuation allowance at the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral reduced by the cost to sell.

Residential mortgage loans that have been designated as a TDR are specifically reserved for in the mortgage loan valuation allowance if losses result from the modification. Residential mortgage loans that have defaulted or have been discharged through bankruptcy are reduced to the expected collectible amount.

Real Estate

Depreciation expense on invested real estate was $55.9 million, $52.0 million and $49.3 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Accumulated depreciation was $451.3 million and $450.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Real Estate Transactions

In September 2017, we entered an exchange agreement to exit certain real estate joint ventures. The transaction resulted in us transferring our interest in certain real estate properties in exchange for our joint venture partner’s interest in certain other real estate properties. In a subsequent transaction we sold certain of these real estate properties to a third party. Both transactions closed in September 2017.

198

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

In September 2017, we recognized a net pre-tax realized capital gain of $690.9 million (net after-tax realized capital gain of $410.8 million) as a result of these transactions. The following consolidated statement of financial position line items were most significantly impacted by the transactions, each having a net increase as of September 30, 2017, (in millions):

Real estate	$	293.4
Other investments		222.4
Cash and cash equivalents		219.6
Long-term debt		49.4
Income taxes currently payable		179.1
Deferred income taxes		101.0

Other Investments

Other investments include interests in unconsolidated entities, joint ventures and partnerships and properties owned jointly with venture partners and operated by the partners. Such investments are generally accounted for using the equity method. In applying the equity method, we record our share of income or loss reported by the equity investees in net investment income. Summarized financial information for these unconsolidated entities was as follows:

			December 31,
			2017		2016
			(in millions)
Total assets			$	53,906.3	$	53,082.5
Total liabilities				9,710.2		10,050.8
Total equity			$	44,196.1	$	43,031.7
Net investment in unconsolidated entities			$	709.5	$	444.1
	For the year ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(in millions)
Total revenues	$	6,561.9	$	5,982.3	$	7,276.0
Net income		3,319.6		2,220.0		4,089.3
Our share of net income of unconsolidated entities		83.3		91.7		56.2

Derivative assets are carried at fair value and reported as a component of other investments. Certain investment funds are also carried at fair value and reported as a component of other investments, with changes in fair value included in net realized capital gains (losses) on our consolidated statements of operations.

Securities Posted as Collateral

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we posted $2,807.4 million and $2,562.8 million, respectively, in commercial mortgage loans and home equity mortgages to satisfy collateral requirements associated with our obligation under funding agreements with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (“FHLB Des Moines”). In addition, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we posted $2,481.6 million and $2,219.6 million, respectively, in fixed maturities, available-for-sale securities to satisfy collateral requirements primarily associated with a reinsurance arrangement, our derivative credit support annex (collateral) agreements, Futures Commission Merchant (“FCM”) agreements, a lending arrangement and our obligation under funding agreements with FHLB Des Moines. Since we did not relinquish ownership rights on these instruments, they are reported as mortgage loans and fixed maturities, available-for-sale, respectively, on our consolidated statements of financial position. Of the securities posted as collateral, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $173.3 million and $272.8 million, respectively, could be sold or repledged by the secured party.

199

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Balance Sheet Offsetting

Financial assets subject to master netting agreements or similar agreements were as follows:

			Gross amounts not offset in the
			consolidated statements
			of financial position
	Gross amount
	of recognized		Financial		Collateral
	assets (1)		instruments (2)		received		Net amount
	(in millions)
December 31, 2017
Derivative assets	$	247.2	$	(114.3)	$	(128.8)	$	4.1
December 31, 2016
Derivative assets	$	871.5	$	(290.5)	$	(570.9)	$	10.1

(1) The gross amount of recognized derivative assets is reported with other investments on the consolidated statements of financial position. The gross amount of derivative assets is not netted against offsetting liabilities for presentation on the consolidated statements of financial position. See Note 1, Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies, under the caption “Over-The-Counter Derivatives Cleared on Chicago Mercantile Exchange” for details of the CME variation margin rule change that impacted the amounts presented for 2017.

(2) Represents amount of offsetting derivative liabilities that are subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement that are not netted against the gross derivative assets for presentation on the consolidated statements of financial position.

Financial liabilities subject to master netting agreements or similar agreements were as follows:

			Gross amounts not offset in the
			consolidated statements
			of financial position
	Gross amount
	of recognized		Financial		Collateral
	liabilities (1)		instruments (2)		pledged		Net amount
	(in millions)
December 31, 2017
Derivative liabilities	$	267.6	$	(114.3)	$	(141.6)	$	11.7
December 31, 2016
Derivative liabilities	$	552.3	$	(290.5)	$	(243.9)	$	17.9

(1) The gross amount of recognized derivative liabilities is reported with other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial position. The above excludes $372.7 million and $343.0 million of derivative liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, which are primarily embedded derivatives that are not subject to master netting agreements or similar agreements. The gross amount of derivative liabilities is not netted against offsetting assets for presentation on the consolidated statements of financial position. See Note 1, Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies, under the caption “Over-The-Counter Derivatives Cleared on Chicago Mercantile Exchange” for details of the CME variation margin rule change that impacted the amounts presented for 2017.

(2) Represents amount of offsetting derivative assets that are subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement that are not netted against the gross derivative liabilities for presentation on the consolidated statements of financial position.

200

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

The financial instruments that are subject to master netting agreements or similar agreements include right of setoff provisions. Derivative instruments include provisions to setoff positions covered under the agreements with the same counterparties and provisions to setoff positions outside of the agreements with the same counterparties in the event of default by one of the parties. Derivative instruments also include collateral or variation margin provisions, which are generally settled daily with each counterparty. See Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments, for further details.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements include provisions to setoff other repurchase and reverse repurchase balances with the same counterparty. Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements also include collateral provisions with the counterparties. For reverse repurchase agreements we require the counterparties to pledge collateral with a value greater than the amount of cash transferred. We have the right but do not sell or repledge collateral received in reverse repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are structured as secured borrowings for all counterparties. We pledge fixed maturities available-for-sale, which the counterparties have the right to sell or repledge. Interest incurred on repurchase agreements is reported as part of operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. Net proceeds related to repurchase agreements are reported as a component of financing activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. We did not have any outstanding repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

7. Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivatives are generally used to hedge or reduce exposure to market risks associated with assets held or expected to be purchased or sold and liabilities incurred or expected to be incurred. Derivatives are used to change the characteristics of our asset/liability mix consistent with our risk management activities. Derivatives are also used in asset replication strategies.

Types of Derivative Instruments

Interest Rate Contracts

Interest rate risk is the risk we will incur economic losses due to adverse changes in interest rates. Sources of interest rate risk include the difference between the maturity and interest rate changes of assets with the liabilities they support, timing differences between the pricing of liabilities and the purchase or procurement of assets and changing cash flow profiles from original projections due to prepayment options embedded within asset and liability contracts. We use various derivatives to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.

Interest rate swaps are contracts in which we agree with other parties to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate and floating rate interest amounts based upon designated market rates or rate indices and an agreed upon notional principal amount. Generally, no cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract and no principal payments are made by any party. Cash is paid or received based on the terms of the swap. We use interest rate swaps primarily to more closely match the interest rate characteristics of assets and liabilities and to mitigate the risks arising from timing mismatches between assets and liabilities (including duration mismatches). We also use interest rate swaps to hedge against changes in the value of assets we anticipate acquiring and other anticipated transactions and commitments. Interest rate swaps are used to hedge against changes in the value of the guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit (“GMWB”) liability. The GMWB rider on our variable annuity products provides for guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits regardless of the actual performance of various equity and/or fixed income funds available with the product.

Interest rate options, including interest rate caps and interest rate floors, which can be combined to form interest rate collars, are contracts that entitle the purchaser to pay or receive the amounts, if any, by which a specified market rate exceeds a cap strike interest rate, or falls below a floor strike interest rate, respectively, at specified dates. We use interest rate options to manage interest rate risk related to guaranteed minimum interest rate liabilities in our individual annuities contracts and lapse risk associated with higher interest rates.

A swaption is an option to enter into an interest rate swap at a future date. We purchase swaptions to offset or modify existing exposures. Swaptions provide us the benefit of theagreed-upon strike rate if the market rates for liabilities are higher, with the flexibility to enter into the current market rate swap if the market rates for liabilities are lower. Swaptions not only hedge against the downside risk, but also allow us to take advantage of any upside benefits.

201

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

In exchange‑traded futures transactions, we agree to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the values of which are determined by the values of designated classes of securities, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts. We enter into exchange‑traded futures with regulated futures commissions merchants who are members of a trading exchange. We have used exchange‑traded futures to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter mismatches between the assets in a portfolio and the liabilities supported by those assets.

Foreign Exchange Contracts

Foreign currency risk is the risk we will incur economic losses due to adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. This risk arises from foreign currency-denominated funding agreements we issue and foreign currency-denominated fixed maturities we invest in. We use currency swaps to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Currency swaps are contracts in which we agree with other parties to exchange, at specified intervals, a series of principal and interest payments in one currency for that of another currency. Generally, the principal amount of each currency is exchanged at the beginning and termination of the currency swap by each party. The interest payments are primarily fixed-to-fixed rate; however, they may also be fixed-to-floating rate or floating-to-fixed rate. These transactions are entered into pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by one counterparty for payments made in the same currency at each due date. We use currency swaps to reduce market risks from changes in currency exchange rates with respect to investments or liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that we either hold or intend to acquire or sell.

Equity Contracts

Equity risk is the risk that we will incur economic losses due to adverse fluctuations in common stock prices. We use various derivatives to manage our exposure to equity risk, which arises from products in which the interest we credit is tied to an external equity index as well as products subject to minimum contractual guarantees.

We purchase equity call spreads (“option collars”) to hedge the equity participation rates promised to contractholders in conjunction with our fixed deferred annuity and universal life products that credit interest based on changes in an external equity index. We use exchange-traded futures and equity put options to hedge against changes in the value of the GMWB liability related to the GMWB rider on our variable annuity product, as previously explained. The premium associated with certain options is paid quarterly over the life of the option contract.

Credit Contracts

Credit risk relates to the uncertainty associated with the continued ability of a given obligor to make timely payments of principal and interest. We use credit default swaps to enhance the return on our investment portfolio by providing comparable exposure to fixed income securities that might not be available in the primary market. They are also used to hedge credit exposures in our investment portfolio. Credit derivatives are used to sell or buy credit protection on an identified name or names on an unfunded or synthetic basis in return for receiving or paying a quarterly premium. The premium generally corresponds to a referenced name's credit spread at the time the agreement is executed. In cases where we sell protection, we also buy a quality cash bond to match against the credit default swap, thereby entering into a synthetic transaction replicating a cash security. When selling protection, if there is an event of default by the referenced name, as defined by the agreement, we are obligated to pay the counterparty the referenced amount of the contract and receive in return the referenced security in a principal amount equal to the notional value of the credit default swap.

Total return swaps are contracts in which we agree with other parties to exchange, at specified intervals, an amount determined by the difference between the previous price and the current price of a reference asset based upon an agreed upon notional principal amount plus an additional amount determined by the financing spread. We have used futures traded on an exchange (“exchange-traded”) and total return swaps referencing equity indices to hedge our portfolio from potential credit losses related to systemic events.

202

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Other Contracts

Embedded Derivatives. We purchase or issue certain financial instruments or products that contain a derivative instrument that is embedded in the financial instrument or product. When it is determined that the embedded derivative possesses economic characteristics that are not clearly or closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract and a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host instrument for measurement purposes. The embedded derivative, which is reported with the host instrument in the consolidated statements of financial position, is carried at fair value.

We had investment contracts in which the return was tied to a leveraged inflation index. We economically hedged the risk associated with these investment contracts.

We offer group annuity contracts that have guaranteed separate accounts as an investment option.

We have structured investment relationships with trusts we have determined to be VIEs, which are consolidated in our financial statements. The notes issued by these trusts include obligations to deliver an underlying security to residual interest holders and the obligations contain an embedded derivative of the forecasted transaction to deliver the underlying security.

We have fixed deferred annuities and universal life products that credit interest based on changes in an external equity index. We also have certain variable annuity products with a GMWB rider, which allows the customer to make withdrawals of a specified annual amount, either for a fixed number of years or for the lifetime of the customer, even if the account value is fully exhausted. Declines in the equity markets may increase our exposure to benefits under contracts with the GMWB. We economically hedge the exposure in these contracts, as previously explained.

Exposure

Our risk of loss is typically limited to the fair value of our derivative instruments and not to the notional or contractual amounts of these derivatives. We are also exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance of the counterparties. Our current credit exposure is limited to the value of derivatives that have become favorable to us. This credit risk is minimized by purchasing such agreements from financial institutions with high credit ratings and by establishing and monitoring exposure limits. We also utilize various credit enhancements, including collateral and credit triggers to reduce the credit exposure to our derivative instruments.

Derivatives may be exchange-traded or they may be privately negotiated contracts, which are usually referred to as OTC derivatives. Certain of our OTC derivatives are cleared and settled through central clearing counterparties (“OTC cleared”), while others are bilateral contracts between two counterparties (“bilateral OTC”).Our derivative transactions are generally documented under International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) Master Agreements. Management believes that such agreements provide for legally enforceable set-off and close-out netting of exposures to specific counterparties. Under such agreements, in connection with an early termination of a transaction, we are permitted to set off our receivable from a counterparty against our payables to the same counterparty arising out of all included transactions. For reporting purposes, we do not offset fair value amounts of bilateral OTC derivatives for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparties under master netting agreements. OTC cleared derivatives have variation margin that is legally characterized as settlement of the derivative exposure, which reduces their fair value in the consolidated statements of financial position.

We posted $189.3 million and $310.3 million in cash and securities under collateral arrangements as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, to satisfy collateral and initial margin requirements associated with our derivative credit support agreements and FCM agreements.

203

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Certain of our derivative instruments contain provisions that require us to maintain an investment grade rating from each of the major credit rating agencies on our debt. If the ratings on our debt were to fall below investment grade, it would be in violation of these provisions and the counterparties to the derivative instruments could request immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing full overnight collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions. The aggregate fair value, inclusive of accrued interest, of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position without regard to netting under derivative credit support annex agreements as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, was $276.4 million and $453.8 million, respectively. Cleared derivatives have contingent features that require us to post excess margin as required by the FCM. The terms surrounding excess margin vary by FCM agreement. With respect to derivatives containing collateral triggers, we posted collateral and initial margin of $189.3 million and $310.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, in the normal course of business, which reflects netting under derivative agreements. If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements were triggered on December 31, 2017, we would be required to post an additional $30.7 million of collateral to our counterparties.

As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had received $105.5 million and $565.4 million, respectively, of cash collateral associated with our derivative credit support annex agreements and FCM agreements, for which we recorded a corresponding liability reflecting our obligation to return the collateral.

Notional amounts are used to express the extent of our involvement in derivative transactions and represent a standard measurement of the volume of our derivative activity. Notional amounts represent those amounts used to calculate contractual flows to be exchanged and are not paid or received, except for contracts such as currency swaps. Credit exposure represents the gross amount owed to us under derivative contracts as of the valuation date. The notional amounts and credit exposure of our derivative financial instruments by type were as follows:

		December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
		(in millions)
Notional amounts of derivative instruments
Interest rate contracts:
	Interest rate swaps	$	23,543.4	$	23,520.4
	Interest rate options		656.9		4,950.5
	Interest rate futures		236.5		96.0
	Swaptions		14.0		77.0
Foreign exchange contracts:
	Currency swaps		687.8		1,333.9
Equity contracts:
	Equity options		3,649.5		3,505.8
	Equity futures		357.8		545.1
Credit contracts:
	Credit default swaps		668.5		961.3
	Total return swaps		—		90.0
	Futures		—		11.9
Other contracts:
	Embedded derivatives		8,758.8		9,574.5
Total notional amounts at end of period		$	38,573.2	$	44,666.4
Credit exposure of derivative instruments
Interest rate contracts:
	Interest rate swaps	$	163.4	$	733.1
	Interest rate options		19.8		27.3
Foreign exchange contracts:
	Currency swaps		48.2		90.5
Equity contracts:
	Equity options		18.2		28.2
Credit contracts:
	Credit default swaps		5.0		7.0
	Total return swaps		—		0.7
Total gross credit exposure			254.6		886.8
Less: collateral received			132.9		575.9
Net credit exposure		$	121.7	$	310.9

204

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

The fair value of our derivative instruments classified as assets and liabilities was as follows:

		Derivative assets (1)				Derivative liabilities (2)
		December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016		December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
		(in millions)
Derivatives designated as hedging
	instruments
Interest rate contracts		$	—	$	4.4	$	22.9	$	71.3
Foreign exchange contracts			39.6		86.8		36.3		143.4
Total derivatives designated as hedging
	instruments	$	39.6	$	91.2	$	59.2	$	214.7
Derivatives not designated as hedging
	instruments
Interest rate contracts		$	175.2	$	739.3	$	33.6	$	200.6
Foreign exchange contracts			9.4		5.1		19.2		35.4
Equity contracts			18.2		28.2		154.1		95.9
Credit contracts			4.8		7.7		1.5		5.7
Other contracts			—		—		372.7		343.0
Total derivatives not designated as hedging
	instruments		207.6		780.3		581.1		680.6
Total derivative instruments		$	247.2	$	871.5	$	640.3	$	895.3

(1) The fair value of derivative assets is reported with other investments on the consolidated statements of financial position.

(2) The fair value of derivative liabilities is reported with other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial position, with the exception of certain embedded derivative liabilities. Embedded derivative liabilities with a fair value of $119.6 million and $130.8 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, are reported with contractholder funds on the consolidated statements of financial position.

Credit Derivatives Sold

When we sell credit protection, we are exposed to the underlying credit risk similar to purchasing a fixed maturity security instrument. The majority of our credit derivative contracts sold reference a single name or reference security (referred to as “single name credit default swaps”). The remainder of our credit derivatives reference either a basket or index of securities. These instruments are either referenced in an OTC credit derivative transaction or embedded within an investment structure that has been fully consolidated into our financial statements.

These credit derivative transactions are subject to events of default defined within the terms of the contract, which normally consist of bankruptcy, failure to pay, or modified restructuring of the reference entity and/or issue. If a default event occurs for a reference name or security, we are obligated to pay the counterparty an amount equal to the notional amount of the credit derivative transaction. As a result, our maximum future payment is equal to the notional amount of the credit derivative. In certain cases, we also have purchased credit protection with identical underlyings to certain of our sold protection transactions. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we did not purchase credit protection relating to our sold protection transactions. In certain circumstances, our potential loss could also be reduced by any amount recovered in the default proceedings of the underlying credit name.

We purchased an investment structure with embedded credit features that is fully consolidated into our financial statements. This consolidation results in recognition of the underlying credit derivatives and collateral within the structure, typically high quality fixed maturities that are owned by a special purpose vehicle. These credit derivatives reference several names in a basket structure. In the event of default, the collateral within the structure would typically be liquidated to pay the claims of the credit derivative counterparty.

205

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

The following tables show our credit default swap protection sold by types of contract, types of referenced/underlying asset class and external agency rating for the underlying reference security. The maximum future payments are undiscounted and have not been reduced by the effect of any offsetting transactions, collateral or recourse features described above.

			December 31, 2017
									Weighted
							Maximum		average
			Notional		Fair		future		expected life
			amount		value		payments		(in years)
			(in millions)
Single name credit default swaps
	Corporate debt
		AAA	$	30.0	$	0.3	$	30.0		1.2
		AA		30.0		0.1		30.0		0.5
		A		105.0		0.5		105.0		0.6
		BBB		255.0		2.5		255.0		1.3
		B		20.0		(0.5)		20.0		1.8
	Government/municipalities
		AA		20.0		0.3		20.0		2.0
	Sovereign
		A		10.0		0.2		10.0		1.7
		BBB		55.0		0.8		55.0		2.3
Total single name credit default swaps				525.0		4.2		525.0		1.3
Total credit default swap protection sold			$	525.0	$	4.2	$	525.0		1.3

			December 31, 2016
									Weighted
							Maximum		average
			Notional		Fair		future		expected life
			amount		value		payments		(in years)
			(in millions)
Single name credit default swaps
	Corporate debt
		AAA	$	30.0	$	0.6	$	30.0		2.2
		AA		94.0		0.8		94.0		1.2
		A		145.0		1.2		145.0		1.3
		BBB		290.0		2.3		290.0		2.1
		B		20.0		(1.8)		20.0		2.8
		Near default		10.0		0.2		10.0		3.0
	Government/municipalities
		AA		30.0		0.4		30.0		2.3
	Sovereign
		AA		10.0		0.1		10.0		2.7
		BBB		40.0		0.3		40.0		2.7
Total single name credit default swaps				669.0		4.1		669.0		1.9
Basket and index credit default swaps
	Corporate debt
		Near default (1)		82.3		(1.6)		82.3		0.2
	Government/municipalities
		AA		30.0		(0.4)		30.0		0.7
	Structured finance
		AA		3.5		—		3.5		0.8
Total basket and index credit default swaps				115.8		(2.0)		115.8		0.4
Total credit default swap protection sold			$	784.8	$	2.1	$	784.8		1.7

(1) Includes $60.0 million as of December 31, 2016, notional of derivatives in consolidated collateralized private investment vehicle VIEs where the credit risk is borne by third party investors.

206

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

We also have invested in fixed maturities classified as trading that contained credit default swaps. These securities were subject to the credit risk of the issuer, normally a special purpose vehicle, which consisted of the underlying credit default swaps and high quality fixed maturities that served as collateral. A default event occurred if the cumulative losses exceeded a specified attachment point, which was typically not the first loss of the portfolio. If a default event occurred that exceeded the specified attachment point, our investment may not have been fully returned. We would have no future potential payments under these investments. The following table shows, by the types of referenced/underlying asset class and external rating, our fixed maturities with embedded credit derivatives. We did not have any fixed maturities with embedded derivatives as of December 31, 2017.

		December 31, 2016
						Weighted
						average
		Amortized		Carrying		expected life
		cost		value		(in years)
		(in millions)
Structured finance
	AA	$	14.1	$	14.1		0.6
	BBB		3.5		3.5		0.8
	BB		2.3		2.3		0.8
	CCC		4.7		4.7		1.2
Total structured finance			24.6		24.6		0.8
Total fixed maturities with credit derivatives		$	24.6	$	24.6		0.8

Fair Value Hedges

We use fixed-to-floating rate interest rate swaps to more closely align the interest rate characteristics of certain assets and liabilities. In general, these swaps are used in asset and liability management to modify duration, which is a measure of sensitivity to interest rate changes.

We enter into currency exchange swap agreements to convert certain foreign denominated assets and liabilities into U.S. dollar floating-rate denominated instruments to eliminate the exposure to future currency volatility on those items.

The net interest effect of interest rate swap and currency swap transactions for derivatives in fair value hedges is recorded as an adjustment to income or expense of the underlying hedged item in our consolidated statements of operations.

Hedge effectiveness testing for fair value relationships is performed utilizing a regression analysis approach for both prospective and retrospective evaluations. This regression analysis will consider multiple data points for the assessment that the hedge continues to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value. In certain periods, the comparison of the change in value of the derivative and the change in the value of the hedged item may not be offsetting at a specific period in time due to small movements in value. However, any amounts recorded as fair value hedges have shown to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value both for present and future periods.

207

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

The following table shows the effect of derivatives in fair value hedging relationships and the related hedged items on the consolidated statements of operations. All gains or losses on derivatives were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

		Amount of gain (loss)								Amount of gain (loss)
		recognized in net income on								recognized in net income on
		derivatives for the year						Hedged items in		related hedged item for the year ended
Derivatives in fair value		ended December 31, (1)						fair value hedging		December 31, (1)
hedging relationships		2017		2016		2015		relationships		2017		2016		2015
		(in millions)								(in millions)
								Fixed maturities,
Interest rate contracts		$	4.7	$	19.5	$	26.4		available-for-sale	$	(5.2)	$	(19.2)	$	(26.1)
Interest rate contracts			(0.6)		(0.9)		0.8	Investment contracts			0.6		1.0		(0.7)
Foreign exchange								Fixed maturities,
	contracts		—		—		3.8		available-for-sale		—		—		(3.8)
Total		$	4.1	$	18.6	$	31.0	Total		$	(4.6)	$	(18.2)	$	(30.6)

(1) The gain (loss) on both derivatives and hedged items in fair value relationships is reported in net realized capital gains (losses) on the consolidated statements of operations. The net amount represents the ineffective portion of our fair value hedges.

The following table shows the periodic settlements on interest rate contracts and foreign exchange contracts in fair value hedging relationships.

	Amount of gain (loss) for the year
	ended December 31,
Hedged Item	2017		2016		2015
	(in millions)
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale (1)	$	(10.30)	$	(41.90)	$	(72.80)
Investment contracts (2)		0.9		2.6		3.7

(1) Reported in net investment income on the consolidated statements of operations.

(2) Reported in benefits, claims and settlement expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.

Cash Flow Hedges

We utilize floating-to-fixed rate interest rate swaps to eliminate the variability in cash flows of recognized financial assets and liabilities and forecasted transactions.

We enter into currency exchange swap agreements to convert both principal and interest payments of certain foreign denominated assets and liabilities into U.S. dollar denominated fixed-rate instruments to eliminate the exposure to future currency volatility on those items.

The net interest effect of interest rate swap and currency swap transactions for derivatives in cash flow hedges is recorded as an adjustment to income or expense of the underlying hedged item in our consolidated statements of operations.

208

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

The maximum length of time we are hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions, excluding those related to the payments of variable interest on existing financial assets and liabilities, is 2.5 years. As of December 31, 2017, we had $0.0 million of net gains reported in AOCI on the consolidated statements of financial position related to active hedges of forecasted transactions. If a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring, cash flow hedge accounting is discontinued. If it is probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, the deferred gain or loss is immediately reclassified from AOCI into net income. During 2017 and 2016, we did not have any reclassifications from AOCI into net realized capital gains (losses) as a result of the determination that hedged cash flows were probable of not occurring.

The following table shows the effect of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of financial position. All gains or losses on derivatives were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

				Amount of gain (loss)								Amount of gain (loss)
				recognized in AOCI on								reclassified from AOCI on
Derivatives in				derivatives (effective portion)						Location of gain (loss)		derivatives (effective portion)
cash flow				for the year ended						reclassified from		for the year ended
hedging		Related		December 31,						AOCI into net income		December 31,
relationships		hedged item		2017		2016		2015		(effective portion)		2017		2016		2015
				(in millions)								(in millions)
Interest rate		Fixed maturities,								Net investment
	contracts		available-for-sale	$	(51.7)	$	(33.1)	$	33.1		income	$	21.0	$	19.4	$	16.8
										Net realized capital
											losses		(0.6)		11.2		—
Interest rate										Benefits, claims and
	contracts	Investment contracts			—		1.6		4.7		settlement expenses		—		—		—
Foreign exchange		Fixed maturities,								Net realized capital
	contracts		available-for-sale		(68.5)		4.0		16.9		gains		22.0		6.2		28.4
Foreign exchange										Benefits, claims and
	contracts	Investment contracts			—		6.0		2.4		settlement expenses		—		—		—
Total				$	(120.2)	$	(21.5)	$	57.1	Total		$	42.4	$	36.8	$	45.2

The following table shows the periodic settlements on interest rate contracts and foreign exchange contracts in cash flow hedging relationships.

	Amount of gain (loss) for the year
	ended December 31,
Hedged item	2017		2016		2015
	(in millions)
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale (1)	$	7.1	$	5.8	$	6.1
Investment contracts (2)		(1.1)		(15.7)		(18.3)

(1) Reported in net investment income on the consolidated statements of operations.

(2) Reported in benefits, claims and settlement expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.

The ineffective portion of our cash flow hedges is reported in net realized capital gains (losses) on the consolidated statements of operations. The net gain resulting from the ineffective portion of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships was $0.2 million, $0.3 million and $0.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

209

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

We expect to reclassify net gains of $27.8 million from AOCI into net income in the next 12 months, which includes net deferred gains on discontinued hedges and net losses on periodic settlements of active hedges. Actual amounts may vary from this amount as a result of market conditions.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

Our use of futures, certain swaptions and swaps, option collars and options are effective from an economic standpoint, but they have not been designated as hedges for financial reporting purposes. As such, periodic changes in the market value of these instruments, which includes mark-to-market gains and losses as well as periodic and final settlements, primarily flow directly into net realized capital gains (losses) on the consolidated statements of operations.

The following table shows the effect of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments, including fair value changes of embedded derivatives that have been bifurcated from the host contract, on the consolidated statements of operations.

	Amount of gain (loss) recognized in
	net income on derivatives for the
	year ended December 31,
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	2017		2016		2015
	(in millions)
Interest rate contracts	$	(26.9)	$	243.3	$	74.0
Foreign exchange contracts		18.1		(10.7)		(11.2)
Equity contracts		(181.3)		(123.5)		(50.5)
Credit contracts		(15.9)		37.4		3.5
Other contracts		6.8		14.5		(5.7)
Total	$	(199.2)	$	161.0	$	10.1

8. Closed Block

In connection with the 1998 MIHC formation, we formed a Closed Block to provide reasonable assurance to policyholders included therein that, after the formation of the MIHC, assets would be available to maintain dividends in aggregate in accordance with the 1997 policy dividend scales, if the experience underlying such scales continued. Our assets were allocated to the Closed Block in an amount that produces cash flows which, together with anticipated revenue from policies and contracts included in the Closed Block, were expected to be sufficient to support the Closed Block policies. This includes, but is not limited to, provisions for payment of claims, certain expenses, charges and taxes, and to provide for continuation of policy and contract dividends in aggregate in accordance with the 1997 dividend scales, if the experience underlying such scales continues, and to allow for appropriate adjustments in such scales, if such experience changes. Due to adjustable life policies being included in the Closed Block, the Closed Block is charged with amounts necessary to properly fund for certain adjustments, such as face amount and premium increases, that are made to these policies after the Closed Block inception date. These amounts are referred to as Funding Adjustment Charges and are treated as capital transfers from the Closed Block.

Assets allocated to the Closed Block inure solely to the benefit of the holders of policies included in the Closed Block. Closed Block assets and liabilities are carried on the same basis as other similar assets and liabilities. We will continue to pay guaranteed benefits under all policies, including the policies within the Closed Block, in accordance with their terms. If the assets allocated to the Closed Block, the investment cash flows from those assets and the revenues from the policies included in the Closed Block, including investment income thereon, prove to be insufficient to pay the benefits guaranteed under the policies included in the Closed Block, we will be required to make such payments from our general funds. No additional policies were added to the Closed Block, nor was the Closed Block affected in any other way, as a result of the demutualization.

210

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

A policyholder dividend obligation (“PDO”) is required to be established for earnings in the Closed Block that are not available to PFG stockholders. A model of the Closed Block was established to produce the pattern of expected earnings, assets and liabilities in the Closed Block, adjusted to eliminate the impact of related amounts in AOCI. These projections are utilized to determine ratios that will allow us to compare actual cumulative earnings to expected cumulative earnings.

If actual cumulative earnings of the Closed Block are greater than the expected cumulative earnings of the Closed Block, only the expected cumulative earnings will be recognized in income with the excess recorded as a PDO. This PDO represents undistributed accumulated earnings that will be paid to Closed Block policyholders as dividends unless offset by future performance of the Closed Block that is less favorable than originally expected. If actual cumulative performance is less favorable than expected, only actual earnings will be recognized in income. As of December 31, 2017, cumulative actual earnings were less than cumulative expected earnings. As of December 31, 2016, cumulative actual earnings were greater than cumulative expected earnings. Therefore, we established an additional $8.2 million liability, which was recorded within policyholder dividends obligation. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, cumulative net unrealized gains were greater than expected, resulting in the recognition of a PDO of $161.7 million and $117.9 million, respectively.

Closed Block liabilities and assets designated to the Closed Block were as follows:

		December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
		(in millions)
Closed Block liabilities
Future policy benefits and claims		$	3,899.7	$	4,068.4
Other policyholder funds			7.0		8.1
Policyholder dividends payable			219.6		232.5
Policyholder dividends obligation			161.7		126.1
Other liabilities			6.9		7.7
	Total Closed Block liabilities		4,294.9		4,442.8
Assets designated to the Closed Block
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale			2,304.4		2,218.9
Fixed maturities, trading			2.9		6.7
Equity securities, available-for-sale			1.3		3.0
Mortgage loans			766.3		842.2
Policy loans			537.1		566.7
Other investments			49.4		62.4
	Total investments		3,661.4		3,699.9
Cash and cash equivalents			13.2		76.2
Accrued investment income			41.1		43.6
Premiums due and other receivables			14.4		11.7
Deferred tax asset			34.6		62.3
	Total assets designated to the Closed Block		3,764.7		3,893.7
Excess of Closed Block liabilities over assets designated to the Closed Block			530.2		549.1
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income			1.9		0.7
Maximum future earnings to be recognized from Closed Block assets and
	liabilities	$	532.1	$	549.8

211

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Closed Block revenues and expenses were as follows:

		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(in millions)
Revenues
Premiums and other considerations		$	275.6	$	298.0	$	325.6
Net investment income			169.4		181.6		187.0
Net realized capital losses			(5.8)		(1.0)		(0.2)
	Total revenues		439.2		478.6		512.4
Expenses
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses			245.6		267.1		283.2
Dividends to policyholders			122.0		153.5		160.4
Operating expenses			3.5		3.6		3.9
	Total expenses		371.1		424.2		447.5
Closed Block revenues, net of Closed Block expenses, before income taxes			68.1		54.4		64.9
Income taxes			46.0		17.1		20.7
Closed Block revenues, net of Closed Block expenses and income taxes			22.1		37.3		44.2
Funding adjustment charges			(4.4)		9.3		8.3
Closed Block revenues, net of Closed Block expenses, income taxes and
	funding adjustment charges	$	17.7	$	46.6	$	52.5

The change in maximum future earnings of the Closed Block was as follows:

	For the year ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(in millions)
Beginning of year	$	549.8	$	596.4	$	648.9
End of year		532.1		549.8		596.4
Change in maximum future earnings	$	(17.7)	$	(46.6)	$	(52.5)

We charge the Closed Block with U.S. federal income taxes, payroll taxes, state and local premium taxes and other state or local taxes, licenses and fees as provided in the plan of reorganization.

9. Deferred Acquisition Costs

Acquisition costs deferred and amortized were as follows:

		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(in millions)
Balance at beginning of year		$	3,184.2	$	3,057.3	$	2,754.6
Costs deferred during the year			397.8		377.7		356.5
Amortized to expense during the year (1)			(212.1)		(262.6)		(251.7)
Adjustment related to unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale
	securities and derivative instruments		(38.2)		11.8		197.9
Balance at end of year		$	3,331.7	$	3,184.2	$	3,057.3

(1) Includes adjustments for revisions to estimated gross profits.

212

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

10. Insurance Liabilities

Contractholder Funds

Major components of contractholder funds in the consolidated statements of financial position were as follows:

		December 31,
		2017		2016
		(in millions)
Liabilities for investment contracts:
	Liabilities for individual annuities	$	11,336.2	$	10,864.9
	GICs		9,969.1		10,290.7
	Funding agreements		8,106.5		8,270.3
	Other investment contracts		931.5		936.8
Total liabilities for investment contracts			30,343.3		30,362.7
Universal life and other reserves			4,986.9		4,975.0
Total contractholder funds		$	35,330.2	$	35,337.7

Our GICs and funding agreements contain provisions limiting or prohibiting early surrenders, which typically include penalties for early surrenders, minimum notice requirements or, in the case of funding agreements with survivor options, minimum pre-death holding periods and specific maximum amounts.

Funding agreements include those issued directly to nonqualified institutional investors and those issued to the

FHLB Des Moines under their membership funding programs. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $3,256.7 million and $2,750.8 million, respectively, of liabilities were outstanding with respect to issuances under the program with FHLB Des Moines. In addition, we have five separate programs where the funding agreements have been issued directly or indirectly to unconsolidated special purpose entities. Claims for principal and interest under funding agreements are afforded equal priority to claims of life insurance and annuity policyholders under insolvency provisions of Iowa Insurance Laws.

We were authorized to issue up to $4.0 billion of funding agreements under a program established in 1998 to support the prospective issuance of medium term notes by an unaffiliated entity in non-U.S. markets. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $111.1 million and $106.7 million, respectively, of liabilities were outstanding with respect to the issuance outstanding under this program. We were also authorized to issue up to Euro 4.0 billion (approximately USD$5.3 billion) of funding agreements under a program established in 2006 to support the prospective issuance of medium term notes by an unaffiliated entity in non-U.S. markets. The unaffiliated entity is an unconsolidated special purpose vehicle. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $177.4 million and $702.0 million, respectively, of liabilities were outstanding with respect to issuances outstanding under this program. We do not anticipate any new issuance activity under either of these programs due to the existence of the program established in 2011 described below.

In addition, we were authorized to issue up to $7.0 billion of funding agreements under a program established in 2001 to support the prospective issuance of medium term notes by an unaffiliated entity in both domestic and international markets. The unaffiliated entity is an unconsolidated special purpose entity. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $201.6 million and $201.5 million, respectively, of liabilities were being held with respect to issuances outstanding under this program. We do not anticipate any new issuance activity under this program, given our December 2005 termination of the dealership agreement for this program and the availability of the program established in 2011 described below.

213

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Additionally, we were authorized to issue up to $9.0 billion of funding agreements under a program that was originally established in March 2004 to support the prospective issuance of medium term notes by unaffiliated entities in both domestic and international markets. Under this program, both the notes and the supporting funding agreements were registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’). As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $67.8 million and $119.8 million, respectively, of liabilities were being held with respect to issuances outstanding under this program. In contrast with direct funding agreements, GIC issuances and the other three funding agreement backed medium term note programs described above, our payment obligations on each funding agreement issued under this SEC registered program are guaranteed by PFG. We do not anticipate any new issuance activity under this program due to the existence of the program established in 2011 described below.

We were authorized to issue up to $5.0 billion of funding agreements under a program that was originally established in 2011 to support the prospective issuance of medium term notes by an unaffiliated entity in both domestic and international markets. The unaffiliated entity is an unconsolidated special purpose entity. In June 2015, this program was amended to authorize issuance of up to an additional $4.0 billion in recognition of the use of nearly all $5.0 billion of existing issuance authorization. In November 2017, this program was amended to authorize issuance of up to an additional $4.0 billion. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $4,291.9 million and $4,389.4 million, respectively, of liabilities were being held with respect to issuances outstanding under this program. Similar to the SEC-registered program, our payment obligations on each funding agreement issued under this program are guaranteed by PFG. The program established in 2011 is not registered with the SEC.

Liability for Unpaid Claims

The liability for unpaid claims is reported in future policy benefits and claims within our consolidated statements of financial position. Activity associated with unpaid claims was as follows:

		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(in millions)
Balance at beginning of year		$	2,001.3	$	1,872.2	$	1,771.4
Less: reinsurance recoverable			340.3		314.1		284.6
Net balance at beginning of year			1,661.0		1,558.1		1,486.8
Incurred:
	Current year		1,196.6		1,103.5		1,037.0
	Prior years		18.2		24.4		(18.1)
Total incurred			1,214.8		1,127.9		1,018.9
Payments:
	Current year		767.2		701.9		646.7
	Prior years		353.9		323.1		300.9
Total payments			1,121.1		1,025.0		947.6
Net balance at end of year			1,754.7		1,661.0		1,558.1
Plus: reinsurance recoverable			375.8		340.3		314.1
Balance at end of year		$	2,130.5	$	2,001.3	$	1,872.2
Amounts not included in the rollforward above:
	Claim adjustment expense liabilities	$	50.7	$	49.3	$	58.9

Incurred liability adjustments relating to prior years, which affected current operations during 2017, 2016 and 2015, resulted in part from developed claims for prior years being different than were anticipated when the liabilities for unpaid claims were originally estimated. These trends have been considered in establishing the current year liability for unpaid claims.

214

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Short-Duration Contracts

Claims Development

The following tables present undiscounted information about claims development by incurral year, including separate information about incurred claims and paid claims net of reinsurance for the periods indicated. The tables also include information on incurred but not reported claims and the cumulative number of reported claims.

The tables present information for the number of years for which claims incurred typically remain outstanding, but do not exceed ten years. The data is disaggregated into groupings of claims with similar characteristics, such as duration of the claim payment period and average claim amount, and with consideration to the overall size of the groupings. Outstanding liabilities equal total net incurred claims less total net paid claims plus outstanding liabilities for net unpaid claims of prior years.

LTD and Group Life Waiver Claims

																							Incurred		Cumulative
																							but not		number of
																							reported		reported
			Net incurred claims (1)																				claims		claims
			December 31,
			2008		2009		2010		2011		2012		2013		2014		2015		2016		2017		2017		2017
			($ in millions)
Incurral
	year
	2008		$	227.7	$	222.3	$	226.3	$	225.9	$	218.5	$	209.5	$	205.5	$	201.6	$	199.8	$	199.1	$	0.1	7,730
	2009					218.6		224.4		224.2		224.8		217.7		214.1		208.5		205.8		205.6		0.1	6,554
	2010							184.1		176.7		176.2		172.0		162.7		155.7		154.1		153.4		0.1	5,644
	2011									203.7		192.6		185.4		184.8		178.4		172.3		169.6		0.1	6,286
	2012											217.9		200.0		191.1		189.5		181.8		174.8		0.1	6,441
	2013													219.3		203.3		188.4		190.7		182.3		0.1	7,044
	2014															242.2		231.4		214.4		218.1		1.7	7,591
	2015																	231.0		227.2		217.2		3.7	7,146
	2016																			229.8		228.4		6.2	6,076
	2017																					238.4		81.2	3,640
	Total net incurred claims																				$	1,986.9
			Net cumulative paid claims (1)
			December 31,
			2008		2009		2010		2011		2012		2013		2014		2015		2016		2017
			(in millions)
Incurral
	year
	2008		$	15.1	$	58.1	$	84.0	$	99.4	$	113.3	$	123.2	$	131.7	$	139.4	$	146.4	$	152.4
	2009					13.4		55.2		82.6		101.0		113.8		124.6		133.1		141.8		149.8
	2010							10.4		46.5		67.1		78.4		85.9		94.2		100.9		107.2
	2011									11.2		50.0		72.5		85.7		95.4		105.2		112.6
	2012											13.8		55.1		80.8		93.7		104.6		112.9
	2013													12.5		55.0		81.4		97.0		106.4
	2014															16.1		66.0		96.3		111.8
	2015																	16.9		67.0		98.0
	2016																			16.2		70.6
	2017																					17.8
	Total net paid claims																					1,039.5
	All outstanding liabilities for unpaid claims prior to 2008 net of reinsurance																					212.9
	Total outstanding liabilities for unpaid claims net of reinsurance																				$	1,160.3
		(1) 2008-2016 unaudited.

215

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Dental, Vision, STD and Critical Illness Claims

								Incurred	Cumulative
								but not	number of
								reported	reported
			Net incurred claims (1)					claims	claims
			December 31,
			2016		2017		2017		2017
			($ in millions)
Incurral year
	2016		$	544.2	$	540.5	$	0.1	2,563,426
	2017					595.8		32.1	2,648,418
	Total net incurred claims				$	1,136.3
			Net cumulative
			paid claims (1)
			December 31,
			2016		2017
			(in millions)
Incurral year
	2016		$	495.4	$	540.4
	2017					542.3
	Total net paid claims					1,082.7
	All outstanding liabilities for unpaid claims prior to 2016 net of
		reinsurance				—
	Total outstanding liabilities for unpaid claims net of reinsurance				$	53.6
	(1) 2016 unaudited.

Group Life Claims

								Incurred	Cumulative
								but not	number of
								reported	reported
			Net incurred claims (1)					claims	claims
			December 31,
			2016		2017		2017		2017
			($ in millions)
Incurral year
	2016		$	222.6	$	220.4	$	0.4	5,155
	2017					239.8		21.1	5,123
	Total net incurred claims				$	460.2
			Net cumulative
			paid claims (1)
			December 31,
			2016		2017
			(in millions)
Incurral year
	2016		$	179.0	$	219.3
	2017					195.2
	Total net paid claims					414.5
	All outstanding liabilities for unpaid claims prior to 2016 net of
		reinsurance				0.9
	Total outstanding liabilities for unpaid claims net of reinsurance				$	46.6
	(1) 2016 unaudited.

216

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Reconciliation of Unpaid Claims to Liability for Unpaid Claims

Our reconciliation of net outstanding liabilities for unpaid claims of short-duration contracts to the liability for unpaid claims follows:

		December 31, 2017
		LTD and Group		Dental, Vision, STD and
		Life Waiver		Critical Illness		Group Life		Consolidated
		(in millions)
Net outstanding liabilities for unpaid claims		$	1,160.3	$	53.6	$	46.6	$	1,260.5
Reconciling items:
	Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims		69.1		—		0.7		69.8
	Impact of discounting		(226.2)		—		—		(226.2)
Liability for unpaid claims - short-duration
	contracts	$	1,003.2	$	53.6	$	47.3		1,104.1
Insurance contracts other than short-duration									1,026.4
Liability for unpaid claims								$	2,130.5

Claim Duration and Payout

Our historical average percentage of claims paid in each year from incurral was as follows:

	December 31, 2017 (1)
	LTD and Group Life		Dental, Vision, STD and
Year	Waiver		Critical Illness		Group Life
1	7.2	%	91.8	%	81.8	%
2	22.8		8.0		17.3
3	13.8
4	7.9
5	5.9
6	5.2
7	4.3
8	4.1
9	3.7
10	3.0
(1) Unaudited.

217

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Discounting

The following table provides the carrying amount of liabilities reported at present value for short-duration contract unpaid claims. We use a range of discount rates to derive the present value of the unpaid claims. The ranges of discount rates as well as the aggregate amount of discount deducted to derive the liabilities for unpaid claims and interest accretion recognized are also disclosed. Interest accretion is included in benefits, claims and settlement expenses within our consolidated statements of operations.

			LTD and Group					Dental, Vision, STD and
			Life Waiver					Critical Illness					Group Life
			($ in millions)
Carrying amount of liabilities for unpaid claims
	December 31, 2017		$	1,003.2				$	53.6				$	47.3
	December 31, 2016			992.7					48.8					45.9
Range of discount rates
	December 31, 2017			3.3	-	7.0	%		—	-	—	%		—	-	—	%
	December 31, 2016			3.3	-	7.0			—	-	—			—	-	—
Aggregate amount of discount
	December 31, 2017		$	226.2				$	—				$	—
	December 31, 2016			234.1					—					—
Interest accretion
	For the year ended:
		December 31, 2017	$	35.0				$	—				$	—
		December 31, 2016		36.3					—					—
		December 31, 2015		37.6					—					—

11. Debt

Short-Term Debt

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had $0.0 million and $76.5 million, respectively, of outstanding borrowings related to affiliated credit facilities, which consisted of a payable to PFS, with no assets pledged as support. Interest paid on intercompany debt was $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $0.4 million during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had short-term credit facilities with various financial institutions in an aggregate amount of $845.0 million and $945.0 million, respectively. Our current credit facilities include a $600.0 million 5-year facility with PFG, PFS and us as co-borrowers that matures March 2022 and a $200.0 million 5-year credit facility, with PFG, PFS, Principal Financial Services V (UK) LTD and us as co-borrowers, of which $11.0 million matures March 2020 and $189.0 million matures March 2022. The revolving credit facilities are committed and available for general corporate purposes. In addition to the revolving credit facilities, we have a $45.0 million unsecured line of credit. Our commercial paper programs require 100% back-stop support, of which we had no outstanding balances as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

The weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, was 0.9% and 0.6%, respectively.

218

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Long-Term Debt

The components of long-term debt were as follows:

	December 31,
	2017		2016
	(in millions)
Non-recourse mortgages and notes payable	$	50.5	$	—
Total long-term debt	$	50.5	$	—

The non-recourse mortgages and notes payable are primarily financings for real estate developments. Outstanding principal balances as of December 31, 2017, ranged from $2.8 million to $16.4 million per development with interest rates ranging from 3.9% to 4.8%. Outstanding principal balances as of December 31, 2016, were $0.0 million due to outstanding debt maturing in 2016. Outstanding debt is secured by the underlying real estate properties, which were reported as real estate on our consolidated statements of financial position with a carrying value of $179.6 million and $0.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

As of December 31, 2017, future annual maturities of long-term debt were as follows (in millions):

Year ending December 31:
	2018	$	—
	2019		—
	2020		—
	2021		—
	2022		—
	Thereafter		50.5
	Total future maturities of the long-term debt	$	50.5

12. Income Taxes

Income Tax Expense

Our income tax expense was as follows:

		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(in millions)
Current income taxes:
	U.S. federal	$	(36.8)	$	63.1	$	219.3
	State		45.7		9.3		8.9
	Foreign		0.1		—		(1.0)
	Tax benefit of operating loss carryforward		(0.1)		—		(42.3)
Total current income taxes			8.9		72.4		184.9
Deferred income taxes (benefits):
	U.S. federal		(551.3)		139.7		28.6
	State		24.0		(0.2)		1.5
Total deferred income taxes (benefits)			(527.3)		139.5		30.1
Total income taxes		$	(518.4)	$	211.9	$	215.0

219

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Our income before income taxes was as follows:

		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(in millions)
Domestic		$	1,717.7	$	1,193.3	$	1,035.9
Foreign			0.3		0.3		0.9
	Total income before income taxes	$	1,718.0	$	1,193.6	$	1,036.8

Effective Income Tax Rate

Our provision for income taxes may not have the customary relationship of taxes to income. A reconciliation between the U.S. corporate income tax rate and the effective income tax rate was as follows:

	For the year ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
U.S. corporate income tax rate	35	%	35	%	35	%
Impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act	(54)		—		—
Dividends received deduction	(10)		(14)		(16)
Tax credits	(3)		(3)		(3)
Interest exclusion from taxable income	(1)		(2)		(2)
State income taxes	3		—		—
Impact of court ruling on some uncertain tax positions	—		—		4
Other	—		2		3
Effective income tax rate	(30)	%	18	%	21	%

U.S. tax reform made broad and complex changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code applicable to us. The primary impact on our 2017 financial results was associated with the effect of reducing the U.S. statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% on our deferred balances as of December 31, 2017. Other provisions of the U.S. tax reform not effective until January 1, 2018, include, but are not limited to: 1) provisions reducing the dividends received deduction; 2) essentially eliminating U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries; 3) retaining an element of current inclusion of certain earnings of controlled foreign corporations; 4) eliminating the corporate alternative minimum tax (‘‘AMT’’); and, 5) changing how existing AMT credits will be realized.

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

Our changes in unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:

		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016
		(in millions)
Balance at beginning of period		$	202.6	$	215.2
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		7.2		—
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		19.3		—
	Reductions for tax positions related to the current year		(3.4)		(12.6)
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(0.5)		—
	Settlements		(36.7)		—
Balance at end of period (1)		$	188.5	$	202.6

(1) If recognized, $46.1 million of the above amount of unrecognized tax benefits would reduce our 2017 effective income tax rate. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in operating expenses within the consolidated statements of operations.

220

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had recognized $125.3 million and $142.3 million of accumulated pre-tax interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, respectively. We believe there is a reasonable possibility a significant amount of the unrecognized tax benefits will reverse in the next twelve months considering a settlement with the Department of Justice approved by the Joint Committee of Taxation in August 2017 but still pending final determination as of December 31, 2017. We do not expect the final determination of these unrecognized tax benefits to have a material impact on our net income.

Net Deferred Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The deferred tax balances as of December 31, 2017, were remeasured as a result of the U.S. tax reform reducing the U.S. statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. This was because the new rate is applicable to the reversal of cumulative temporary differences thereafter. Our significant components of net deferred income taxes were as follows:

			December 31,
			2017		2016
			(in millions)
Deferred income tax assets:
	Insurance liabilities		$	9.8	$	88.2
	Investments, including derivatives			159.1		306.7
	Net operating loss carryforwards			0.4		0.5
	Tax credit carryforwards			235.7		197.7
	Employee benefits			—		34.3
	Intangible assets			0.1		—
	Other deferred income tax assets			33.6		99.7
		Total deferred income tax assets		438.7		727.1
Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Deferred acquisition costs			(551.7)		(876.8)
	Investments, including derivatives			(267.0)		(404.5)
	Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities			(499.4)		(449.7)
	Real estate			(146.0)		(122.5)
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations (1)			(213.8)		—
	Employee benefits			(5.2)		—
	Other deferred income tax liabilities			(13.6)		(20.9)
		Total deferred income tax liabilities		(1,696.7)		(1,874.4)
		Total net deferred income tax liabilities	$	(1,258.0)	$	(1,147.3)

(1) Represents a deferred intercompany gain on the sale of PGI LLC to PFS, which was allocated to stockholder’s equity as the result of a taxable common control transaction on the standalone financials of the transferring entity. 

221

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Our net deferred income taxes by jurisdiction were as follows:

		December 31,
		2017		2016
		(in millions)
Deferred income tax liabilities:
	U.S. federal	$	(1,225.4)	$	(1,141.8)
	State		(32.6)		(5.5)
Total net deferred income tax liabilities		$	(1,258.0)	$	(1,147.3)

In management’s judgment, total deferred income tax assets are more likely than not to be realized. Included in the income tax asset are tax carryforwards available to offset future taxable income or income taxes.As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had tax credit carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax purposes of $235.7 million and $197.7 million, respectively. Alternative minimum, foreign and general business tax credit carryovers were generated during and since the period we utilized net operating losses, primarily attributable to our captive reinsurance companies that joined our consolidated U.S. federal income tax return beginning in 2012 and 2013. Some of these tax credit carryforwards will become refundable starting in 2019 through full recovery by 2021, and others will expire by 2023 if unused. As of December 31, 2017, all accumulated U.S. federal tax credit carryforwards were anticipated to be utilized before expiration; therefore, no valuation allowance was provided for the related deferred income tax assets.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, domestic state net operating loss carryforwards were $6.7 million and $7.0 million, respectively, and will expire between 2021 and 2034. We maintain valuation allowances by jurisdiction against the deferred income tax assets related to certain of these carryforwards, as utilization of these income tax benefits fail the more likely than not criteria in certain jurisdictions. Adjustments to the valuation allowance will be made if there is a change in management’s assessment of the amount of the deferred income tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized. As of December 31, 2017, all accumulated state net operating loss carryforwards are anticipated to be utilized before expiration; therefore, no valuation allowance has been provided for the related deferred income tax assets.

The effects of tax legislation are recognized in the period of enactment. The effects of the U.S. tax reform were reflected in the 2017 financial statements as determined or as reasonably estimated provisional amounts based on available information subject to interpretation in accordance with the SEC's Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118"). SAB 118 provides guidance on accounting for the effects of the U.S. tax reform where our determinations are incomplete but we are able to determine a reasonable estimate. A final determination is required to be made within a measurement period not to extend beyond one year from the enactment date of the U.S. tax reform. The provisional amount is primarily associated with estimation of the one-time deemed repatriation tax considering complexity as well as limited and changing technical tax guidance. Further, the provisional amount also applies in regard to other potential technical interpretations of accounting and taxing authorities related to elements of the U.S. tax reform subject to change.

Other Tax Information

Income tax returns are filed in the U.S. federal jurisdiction as well as various states and foreign jurisdictions where we and one or more of our subsidiaries conduct business. Although determined by jurisdiction, with few exceptions our tax uncertainties relate primarily to the U.S. federal jurisdiction. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has completed examination of our consolidated U.S. federal income tax returns for years prior to 2009. We are contesting certain issues and have filed suit in the Court of Federal Claims, requesting refunds for the years 1995-2003. We believe there is a reasonable possibility this litigation can be resolved within the next twelve months. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had $231.9 million and $240.2 million, respectively, of current income tax receivables associated with outstanding audit issues reported as other assets in our consolidated statements of financial position.

222

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

We filed claims for refund for tax years 2006 through 2008 in 2015 and tax year 2012 in 2016. The IRS commenced audit of our U.S. federal income tax return for 2009 in the fourth quarter of 2011, 2010 in the first quarter of 2012, 2011 in the first quarter of 2013, and 2012 in the third quarter of 2015. The U.S. federal statute of limitations expired for years prior to 2009, except for pending audit issues. The statute was extended until June 30, 2018 for 2009 through 2012, has expired for 2013, and remains open for years thereafter. The ultimate settlement of earlier tax years can be adjusted into subsequent tax years regardless of statute status. We do not expect the results of these audits, subsequent related adjustments or developments in other tax areas for all open tax years to significantly change the possible increase in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits, but the outcome of tax reviews is uncertain and unforeseen results can occur.

The U.S. Court of Federal Claims denied cross-motions for partial summary judgment on February 4, 2015, and ordered a trial on the previously taxed income issue in the case of Principal Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries v. the United States. Previously, in the same case, on May 9, 2014, the court ruled against Principal Life's tax treatment of transactions involving the purchase and sale of principal-only certificates. These events caused the re-evaluation of all our pending uncertain tax positions, which resulted in a $30.3 million reduction in net income in the first quarter of 2015. We believe we have adequate defenses against, or sufficient provisions for, the contested issues, but final resolution could take several years while legal remedies are pursued. Consequently, we do not expect the ultimate resolution of issues from tax years 1995-2003 or those that might arise in tax years subsequent to 2003 to have a material impact on our net income.

13. Employee and Agent Benefits

PFG sponsors defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all of our U.S. employees and certain agents. Some of these plans provide supplemental pension benefits to employees and agents with salaries and/or pension benefits in excess of the qualified plan limits imposed by U.S. federal tax law. The employees and agents are generally first eligible for the pension plans when they reach age 21. For plan participants employed prior to January 1, 2002, the pension benefits are based on the greater of a final average pay benefit or a cash balance benefit. The final average pay benefit is based on the years of service and generally the employee's or agent's average annual compensation during the last five years of employment. Partial benefit accrual of final average pay benefits is recognized from first eligibility until retirement based on attained service divided by potential service to age 65 with a minimum of 35 years of potential service. The cash balance portion of the plan started on January 1, 2002. An employee's account is credited with an amount based on the employee's salary, age and service. These credits accrue with interest. For plan participants hired on and after January 1, 2002, only the cash balance plan applies. The policy is to fund the cost of providing pension benefits in the years that the employees and agents are providing service to us. The funding policy for the qualified defined benefit plan is to contribute an amount annually at least equal to the minimum annual contribution required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”), and, generally, not greater than the maximum amount that can be deducted for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The funding policy for the nonqualified benefit plan is to fund the plan in the years the employees are providing service, taking into account the funded status of the trust. We reflect pension expense through our expense allocation agreement with PFG.

We provide certain health care, life insurance and long-term care benefits for retired employees. Subsidized retiree health benefits are provided for employees hired prior to January 1, 2002, and who retire prior to January 1, 2020. Employees hired on or after January 1, 2002, or hired prior to January 1, 2002, and who retire on or after January 1, 2020, have access to retiree health benefits but it is intended that they pay for the full cost of the coverage. The health care plans are contributory with participants' contributions adjusted annually. The contributions are based on the number of years of service and age at retirement for those hired prior to January 1, 2002, and who retired prior to January 1, 2011. For employees hired prior to January 1, 2002, and who retired on or after January 1, 2011, but prior to January 1, 2020, the contributions are 60% of the expected cost. As part of the substantive plan, the retiree health contributions are assumed to be adjusted in the future as claim levels change. The life insurance plans are contributory for a small group of previously grandfathered participants that have elected supplemental coverage and dependent coverage. The retiree group term life coverage is not subsidized for those who retire on or after January 1, 2020.

223

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Covered employees are first eligible for the health and life postretirement benefits when they reach age 57 and have completed ten years of service with us. Retiree long-term care benefits are provided for employees whose retirement was effective prior to July 1, 2000. Our policy is to fund the cost of providing retiree benefits in the years the employees are providing service, taking into account the funded status of the trust. Effective January 2016, PFG became the sponsor of the post-65 retiree medical plan for both employees and individual field agents. Prior to January 2016, we were the sponsor of this plan. In connection with the change in sponsorship, we transferred $27.1 million of plan assets and a $23.0 million postretirement benefit obligation to PFG.

Obligations and Funded Status

The combined funded status, reconciled to amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of financial position relating to other postretirement employee benefit (“OPEB”) plan, was as follows:

	December 31,
	2017		2016
	(in millions)
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	(92.6)	$	(165.7)
Service cost		(0.1)		(2.1)
Interest cost		(3.3)		(5.3)
Actuarial gain (loss)		(0.5)		0.6
Participant contribution		(3.5)		(3.9)
Benefits paid		8.2		9.2
Plan amendments		—		51.6
Plan transfer due to change in sponsorship		—		23.0
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	(91.8)	$	(92.6)
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	601.4	$	627.0
Actual return on plan assets		70.9		6.3
Employer contribution		0.7		0.5
Participant contributions		3.5		3.9
Benefits paid		(8.2)		(9.2)
Plan transfer due to change in sponsorship		—		(27.1)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	668.3	$	601.4
Amount recognized in statement of financial position
Other assets	$	578.3	$	510.8
Other liabilities		(1.8)		(2.0)
Total	$	576.5	$	508.8
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
Total net actuarial (gain) loss	$	(28.5)	$	15.8
Prior service benefit		(12.8)		(46.2)
Pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive income	$	(41.3)	$	(30.4)

224

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Other Postretirement Plan Changes and Plan Gains/Losses

Effective October 31, 2016, subsidies were eliminated for pre-65 retiree medical, retiree dental, and retiree group term life coverage for employees and agents who retire on or after January 1, 2020. The amendment to the OPEB plan resulted in a remeasurement, which resulted in a change in discount rate. This plan amendment reduced our accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by $51.6 million.

Effective January 1, 2016, post-65 medical coverage for employees who retired from January 1, 1992, to December 31, 2010, transitioned from a traditional medical plan to a stipend health reimbursement arrangement. This plan change reduced our accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by $15.5 million as of December 31, 2015. Offsetting this reduction is an adjustment in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (recognized in fourth quarter 2015 expense) of $5.8 million related to dental plan benefits.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the other postretirement benefit plans had an actuarial loss primarily due to a decrease in the discount rate offset by actual and projected medical claims costs being lower than previously expected. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the other postretirement benefit plans had an actuarial gain primarily due to actual and projected medical claims costs being lower than previously expected offset by a decrease in the discount rate.

Information for Other Postretirement Benefit Plans With an Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation
in Excess of Plan Assets
	December 31,
	2017		2016
	(in millions)
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	$	2.2	$	2.6
Fair value of plan assets		0.4		0.6

Components of Other Postretirement Benefits Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	For the year ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(in millions)
Service cost	$	0.1	$	2.1	$	2.0
Interest cost		3.3		5.3		6.6
Expected return on plan assets		(26.2)		(31.5)		(34.0)
Amortization of prior service benefit		(33.4)		(22.9)		(18.4)
Recognized net actuarial (gain) loss		0.1		0.2		(0.8)
Plan amendments		—		—		5.8
Net periodic benefit income	$	(56.1)	$	(46.8)	$	(38.8)

The components of net periodic benefit cost are included in the line item operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.

For the other postretirement benefit plans, actuarial gains and losses were amortized with use of the corridors allowed.

225

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

For the other postretirement benefit plans, amounts recognized in pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss were as follows:

		For the year ended December 31,
			2017		2016
		(in millions)
Other changes recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss
Net actuarial (gain) loss			$	(44.2)	$	24.6
Amortization of net loss				(0.1)		(0.2)
Amortization of prior service benefit				33.4		22.9
Plan transfer due to change in sponsorship				—		15.5
Plan amendments				—		(51.6)
Total recognized in pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss			$	(10.9)	$	11.2
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and pre-tax accumulated
	other comprehensive income		$	(67.0)	$	(35.6)

Net actuarial (gain) loss and net prior service cost benefit have been recognized in AOCI. The estimated net actuarial (gain) loss and prior service cost (benefit) for the postretirement benefits that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost during the2018 fiscal year are $(1.5) million and $(13.9) million, respectively.

Assumptions

Weighted‑average assumptions used for other postretirement benefit plans to determine benefit obligations as disclosed under the Obligations and Funded Status section

	For the year ended December 31,
	2017		2016
Discount rate	3.35	%	3.75	%
Rate of compensation increase	2.39	%	2.44	%

Weighted average assumptions used for other postretirement benefit plans to determine net periodic benefit cost
	For the year ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Discount rate (1)	3.75	%	3.35	%	4.00	%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	4.40	%	5.25	%	5.36	%
Rate of compensation increase	2.44	%	4.82	%	4.82	%

(1) The funded statuses of the OPEB plans for which subsidies were eliminated in 2016 were remeasured as of October 31, 2016, and a portion of the impact was reflected in the 2016 net periodic postretirement benefit cost. A discount rate of 4.15% was used until the remeasurement date at which time a discount rate of 3.35% was used.

For other postretirement benefits, the discount rate is determined by projecting future benefit payments inherent in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, and discounting those cash flows using a spot yield curve for high quality corporate bonds. The plans’ expected benefit payments are discounted to determine a present value using the yield curve and the discount rate is the level rate that produces the same present value. The 4.40% expected long-term return on plan assets for2017 was based on the weighted average expected long-term asset returns for the medical, life and long-term care plans. The expected long-term rates for the medical under age 65, medical and life age 65 and over and long-term care plans were 4.40%, 4.50% and 3.75%, respectively.

226

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates

	December 31,
	2017		2016
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year under age 65	7.0	%	7.0	%
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year age 65 and over	7.0	%	6.0	%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	4.5	%	4.5	%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate (under age 65)	2024		2023
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate (65 and older)	2024		2021

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

	1-percentage		1-percentage
	point increase		point decrease
		(in millions)
Effect on total of service cost and interest cost components	$	0.1	$	(0.1)
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation		(1.5)		1.4

Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels.

• Level 1 – Fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Our Level 1 assets include cash, fixed income investment funds, exchange traded equity securities and alternative mutual fund investments.

• Level 2 – Fair values are based on inputs other than quoted prices within Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly. Our Level 2 assets primarily include fixed income and equity investment funds.

• Level 3 – Fair values are based on significant unobservable inputs for the asset. Our Level 3 assets include a general account investment.

Our other postretirement benefit plan assets consist of cash, investments in fixed income security portfolios, investments in equity security portfolios, investments in alternative mutual fund portfolios and investment in a real estate mutual fund. Because of the nature of cash, its carrying amount approximates fair value. The fair value of fixed income investment funds, U.S. equity portfolios and international equity portfolios is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. The fair value of the alternative mutual fund portfolios and the real estate mutual fund are based on quoted market prices, which represent the net asset value (“NAV”) of shares held by the other postretirement benefit plan. The fair value of our general account investment is the amount the plan would receive if withdrawing funds from this participating contract. The amount that would be received is calculated using a cash-out factor based on an associated pool of general account fixed income securities. The cash-out factor is a ratio of the asset investment value of these securities to asset book value. As the investment values change, the cash-out factor is adjusted, impacting the amount the plan receives at measurement date. To determine investment value for each category of assets, we project cash flows. This is done using contractual provisions for the assets, with adjustment for expected prepayments and call provisions. Projected cash flows are discounted to present value for each asset category. Interest rates for discounting are based on current rates on similar new assets in the general account based on asset strategy.

227

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

The fair value of the other postretirement benefit plans’ assets by asset category as of the most recent measurement date was as follows:

		December 31, 2017
		Assets		Fair value hierarchy level
		measured at
		fair value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in millions)
Asset category
Cash and cash equivalents		$	0.3	$	0.3	$	—	$	—
Fixed income security portfolios:
	Fixed income investment funds (1)		200.1		168.0		32.1		—
U.S. equity portfolios (2)			153.3		102.4		50.9		—
International equity portfolios (3)			63.1		53.0		10.1		—
Alternative mutual fund portfolios (4)			244.8		244.8		—		—
Real estate mutual fund (5)			6.7		6.7		—		—
Total		$	668.3	$	575.2	$	93.1	$	—
		December 31, 2016
		Assets		Fair value hierarchy level
		measured at
		fair value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in millions)
Asset category
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1.2	$	1.2	$	—	$	—
Fixed income security portfolios:
	Fixed income investment funds (1)		186.8		155.6		31.2		—
U.S. equity portfolios (2)			138.4		96.1		42.3		—
International equity portfolios (3)			47.3		39.3		8.0		—
Alternative mutual fund portfolios (4)			221.3		221.3		—		—
Real estate mutual fund (5)			6.4		6.4		—		—
Total		$	601.4	$	519.9	$	81.5	$	—

(1) The portfolios invest in various fixed income securities, primarily of U.S. origin. These include, but are not limited to, corporate bonds, residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Treasury securities, agency securities, asset-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations.

(2) The portfolios invest primarily in publicly traded equity securities of large U.S. companies.

(3) The portfolios invest primarily in publicly traded equity securities of non-U.S. companies.

(4) The portfolios invest primarily in equities, corporate bonds, foreign currencies, convertible securities and derivatives.

(5) The mutual fund invests primarily in U.S. commercial real estate properties.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $93.2 million and $81.8 million of assets, respectively, in cash, fixed income security portfolios, U.S. equity portfolios and international equity portfolios were included in a trust owned life insurance contract.

228

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

The reconciliation for all assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows:

For the year ended December 31, 2016

Actual return gains (losses)

Beginning

on plan assets

Ending

assets

Relating to

Net

assets

balance

assets still

Relating to

purchases,

balance

as of

held at the

assets sold

sales,

Transfers

Transfers

as of

December 31,

reporting

during the

and

into

out of

December 31,

2015

date

period

settlements

Level 3

Level 3

2016

(in millions)

Asset category

General account investment

$

33.5

$

(1.7)

$

(33.6)

$

1.8

$

—

$

—

$

—

For the year ended December 31, 2015

Actual return gains (losses)

Beginning

on plan assets

Ending

assets

Relating to

Net

assets

balance

assets still

Relating to

purchases,

balance

as of

held at the

assets sold

sales,

Transfers

Transfers

as of

December 31,

reporting

during the

and

into

out of

December 31,

2014

date

period

settlements

Level 3

Level 3

2015

(in millions)

Asset category

General account investment

$

36.3

$

0.2

$

—

$

(3.0)

$

—

$

—

$

33.5

We have established an investment policy that provides the investment objectives and guidelines for the other postretirement benefit plans. Our investment strategy is to achieve the following:

• Obtain a reasonable long-term return consistent with the level of risk assumed and at a cost of operation within prudent levels. Performance benchmarks are monitored.

• Ensure sufficient liquidity to meet the emerging benefit liabilities for the plans.

• Provide for diversification of assets in an effort to avoid the risk of large losses and maximize the investment return to the other postretirement benefit plans consistent with market and economic risk.

In administering the other postretirement benefit plans’ asset allocation strategies, we consider the projected liability stream of benefit payments, the relationship between current and projected assets of the plan and the projected actuarial liabilities streams, the historical performance of capital markets adjusted for the perception of future short‑ and long-term capital market performance and the perception of future economic conditions.

According to our investment policy, the target asset allocation for the other postretirement benefit plans is:

Asset category	Target allocation
U.S. equity portfolios	24	%
International equity portfolios	15	%
Fixed income security portfolios	32	%
Alternatives	24	%
Real estate	5	%

229

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

The estimated future benefit payments, which reflect expected future service are:

		Other postretirement
		benefits (gross benefit
		payments, including
		prescription drug benefits)
	(in millions)
Year ending December 31:
2018	$	11.0
2019		11.6
2020		10.8
2021		9.9
2022		9.2
2023-2027		8.4

The above table reflects the total estimated future benefits to be paid from the plan, including both our share of the benefit cost and the participants' share of the cost, which is funded by their contributions to the plan. The assumptions used in calculating the estimated future benefit payments are the same as those used to measure the benefit obligation for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Defined Contribution and Deferred Compensation Plans

Prior to December 2016, we had defined contribution plans that were generally available to all U.S. employees and agents. Eligible participants could not contribute more than $18,000 of their compensation to the plans in 2017. Effective January 1, 2006, we made several changes to the retirement programs. In general, the pension and supplemental executive retirement plan benefit formulas were reduced, and the 401(k) matching contribution was increased. Employees who were ages 47 or older with at least ten years of service on December 31, 2005, could elect to retain the prior benefit provisions and forgo receipt of the additional matching contributions. The employees who elected to retain the prior benefit provisions are referred to as “Grandfathered Choice Participants.” We matched the Grandfathered Choice Participant's contribution at a 50% contribution rate up to a maximum matching contribution of 3% of the participant's compensation. For all other participants, we matched the participant's contributions at a 75% contribution rate up to a maximum matching contribution of 6% of the participant's compensation. The defined contribution plans allow employees to choose among various investment options, including PFG’s common stock. We contributed $42.5 million and $45.7 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively, to the qualified defined contribution plans.

 Prior to December 2016, we also had nonqualified deferred compensation plans available to select employees and agents that allowed them to defer compensation amounts in excess of limits imposed by federal tax law with respect to the qualified plans. For certain nonqualified deferred compensation plans that included an employer matching contribution, in 2016 we matched the Grandfathered Choice Participant's deferral at a 50% match deferral rate up to a maximum matching deferral of 3% of the participant's compensation. For all other participants in nonqualified deferred compensation plans that included an employer matching contribution, we matched the participant's deferral at a 75% match deferral rate up to a maximum matching deferral of 6% of the participant's compensation. We contributed $2.8 million and $4.5 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively, to the nonqualified deferred compensation plans.

Effective December 2016, PFG became the sponsor of the defined contribution and nonqualified deferred compensation plans. In connection with the change in sponsorship, we transferred $227.5 million of plan assets and $225.5 million of liabilities to PFG. In addition, deferred tax assets of $72.5 million were transferred to PFG from us associated with the change in sponsorship. We continue to reflect benefits expense through our expense allocation agreement with PFG.

230

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

14. Contingencies, Guarantees and Indemnifications

Litigation and Regulatory Contingencies

We are regularly involved in litigation, both as a defendant and as a plaintiff, but primarily as a defendant. Litigation naming us as a defendant ordinarily arises out of our business operations as a provider of asset management and accumulation products and services; individual life insurance, specialty benefits insurance and our investment activities. Some of the lawsuits may be class actions, or purport to be, and some may include claims for unspecified or substantial punitive and treble damages.

We may discuss such litigation in one of three ways. We accrue a charge to income and disclose legal matters for which the chance of loss is probable and for which the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We may disclose contingencies for which the chance of loss is reasonably possible and provide an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss or a statement that such an estimate cannot be made. Finally, we may voluntarily disclose loss contingencies for which the chance of loss is remote in order to provide information concerning matters that potentially expose us to possible losses.

In addition, regulatory bodies such as state insurance departments, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Department of Labor and other regulatory agencies in the U.S. regularly make inquiries and conduct examinations or investigations concerning our compliance with, among other things, insurance laws, securities laws, Employee Retirement Income Security Act and laws governing the activities of broker-dealers. We receive requests from regulators and other governmental authorities relating to industry issues and may receive additional requests, including subpoenas and interrogatories, in the future.

In 2008, we received approximately $440.0 million in connection with the termination of certain structured transactions and the resulting prepayment of our investment in those transactions. The transactions involved Lehman Brothers Special Financing Inc. and Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (collectively, ‘‘Lehman’’) in various capacities. Subsequent to Lehman’s 2008 bankruptcy filing, its bankruptcy estate initiated several lawsuits seeking to recover from numerous sources significant amounts to which it claims entitlement under various theories. We are one of a large group of defendants to this action. The estate’s claim against us, including interest, was approximately $600.0 million. On June 28, 2016, the bankruptcy court granted the Defendants’ motion to dismiss directed at common issues and dismissed with prejudice all claims against us. Lehman appealed the bankruptcy court’s decision to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. On January 4, 2018, Lehman filed a notice of voluntary dismissal, dismissing with prejudice the claims against us.

While the outcome of any pending or future litigation or regulatory matter cannot be predicted, management does not believe any such matter will have a material adverse effect on our business or financial position.As of December 31, 2017, we had no estimated losses accrued related to the legal matters discussed above because we believe the chance of loss from these matters is not probable and the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated.

We believe all of the litigation contingencies discussed above involve a chance of loss that is either remote or reasonably possible. Unless otherwise noted, all of these matters involve unspecified claim amounts, in which the respective plaintiffs seek an indeterminate amount of damages. To the extent such matters present a reasonably possible chance of loss, we are generally not able to estimate the possible loss or range of loss associated therewith.

The outcome of such matters is always uncertain, and unforeseen results can occur. It is possible such outcomes could require us to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts we could not estimate as of December 31, 2017.

231

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Guarantees and Indemnifications

In the normal course of business, we have provided guarantees to our ultimate parent, PFG, related to benefit payments of the nonqualified pension plans and the nonqualified deferred compensation plans. We also provided guarantees to third parties primarily related to a former subsidiary. The terms of these agreements range in duration and often are not explicitly defined. The maximum exposure under these agreements as of December 31, 2017, was approximately $273.0 million. At inception, the fair value of such guarantees was insignificant. In addition, we believe the likelihood is remote that material payments will be required. Therefore, any liability accrued within our consolidated statements of financial position is insignificant. Should we be required to perform under these guarantees, we generally could recover a portion of the loss from third parties through recourse provisions included in agreements with such parties, the sale of assets held as collateral that can be liquidated in the event performance is required under the guarantees or other recourse generally available to us; therefore, such guarantees would not result in a material adverse effect on our business or financial position. While the likelihood is remote, such outcomes could materially affect net income in a particular quarter or annual period.

We are also subject to various other indemnification obligations issued in conjunction with divestitures, acquisitions and financing transactions whose terms range in duration and often are not explicitly defined. Certain portions of these indemnifications may be capped, while other portions are not subject to such limitations; therefore, the overall maximum amount of the obligation under the indemnifications cannot be reasonably estimated. At inception, the fair value of such indemnifications was insignificant. In addition, we believe the likelihood is remote that material payments will be required. Therefore, any liability accrued within our consolidated statements of financial position is insignificant. While we are unable to estimate with certainty the ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to these indemnifications, we believe that performance under these indemnifications would not result in a material adverse effect on our business or financial position. While the likelihood is remote, performance under these indemnifications could materially affect net income in a particular quarter or annual period.

Guaranty Funds

Under state insurance guaranty fund laws, insurers doing business in a state can be assessed, up to prescribed limits, for certain obligations of insolvent insurance companies to policyholders and claimants. A state’s fund assesses its members based on their pro rata market share of written premiums in the state for the classes of insurance for which the insolvent insurer was engaged. Some states permit member insurers to recover assessments paid through full or partial premium tax offsets. We accrue liabilities for guaranty fund assessments when an assessment is probable, can be reasonably estimated and when the event obligating us to pay has occurred. While we cannot predict the amount and timing of any future assessments, we have established reserves we believe are adequate for assessments relating to insurance companies that are currently subject to insolvency proceedings. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the liability balance for guaranty fund assessments, which is not discounted, was $23.3 million and $14.9 million, respectively, and was reported within other liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $11.3 million and $5.7 million, respectively, related to premium tax offsets were included in premiums due and other receivables in the consolidated statements of financial position.

Operating Leases

As a lessee, we lease office space, data processing equipment, office furniture and office equipment under various operating leases. Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, was $23.0 million, $27.2 million and $26.0 million, respectively.

232

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

The following represents payments due by period for operating lease obligations (in millions):

Year ending December 31:
	2018		$	28.8
	2019			22.0
	2020			16.9
	2021			13.1
	2022			9.8
	2023 and thereafter			26.2
		Total operating lease obligations		116.8
		Less: Future sublease rental income on noncancelable leases		6.5
		Total future minimum lease payments	$	110.3

Capital Leases

We lease buildings and hardware storage equipment under capital leases. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, these leases had a gross asset balance of $54.3 million and $55.4 million and accumulated depreciation of $30.6 million and $27.9 million, respectively. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, was $9.9 million, $11.1 million and $10.8 million, respectively.

The following represents future minimum lease payments due by period for capital lease obligations (in millions).

Year ending December 31:
	2018		$	11.4
	2019			9.4
	2020			3.5
	2021			0.7
	2022			0.2
	2023 and thereafter			—
		Total		25.2
		Less: Amounts representing interest		0.8
		Net present value of minimum lease payments	$	24.4

233

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

15. Stockholder's Equity
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		For the year ended December 31, 2017
		Pre-Tax		Tax		After-Tax
		(in millions)
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities during the period		$	1,028.5	$	(325.0)	$	703.5
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income (1)			65.6		(22.8)		42.8
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization patterns			(26.2)		9.3		(16.9)
Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities			(168.5)		59.0		(109.5)
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities			899.4		(279.5)		619.9
Noncredit component of impairment losses on fixed maturities,
	available-for-sale during the period		49.7		(17.4)		32.3
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization patterns			(6.4)		2.3		(4.1)
Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities			(1.3)		0.5		(0.8)
Noncredit component of impairment losses on fixed maturities,
	available-for-sale (2)		42.0		(14.6)		27.4
Net unrealized losses on derivative instruments during the period			(46.7)		16.0		(30.7)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (3)			(42.4)		15.1		(27.3)
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization patterns			3.9		(1.3)		2.6
Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities			9.6		(3.3)		6.3
Net unrealized losses on derivative instruments			(75.6)		26.5		(49.1)
Unrecognized postretirement benefit obligation during the period			44.2		(9.2)		35.0
Amortization of amounts included in net periodic benefit cost (4)			(33.3)		11.6		(21.7)
Net unrecognized postretirement benefit obligation			10.9		2.4		13.3
Other comprehensive income		$	876.7	$	(265.2)	$	611.5

234

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

		For the year ended December 31, 2016
		Pre-Tax		Tax		After-Tax
		(in millions)
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities during the period		$	116.2	$	(44.4)	$	71.8
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income (1)			78.1		(23.3)		54.8
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization patterns			5.6		(2.0)		3.6
Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities			(40.5)		14.1		(26.4)
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities			159.4		(55.6)		103.8
Noncredit component of impairment losses on fixed maturities,
	available-for-sale during the period		3.1		(1.1)		2.0
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization patterns			(3.4)		1.2		(2.2)
Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities			0.8		(0.3)		0.5
Noncredit component of impairment losses on fixed maturities,
	available-for-sale (2)		0.5		(0.2)		0.3
Net unrealized gains on derivative instruments during the period			32.6		(7.5)		25.1
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (3)			(36.8)		9.1		(27.7)
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization patterns			2.9		(1.0)		1.9
Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities			16.9		(6.0)		10.9
Net unrealized gains on derivative instruments			15.6		(5.4)		10.2
Unrecognized postretirement benefit obligation during the period			27.1		(9.5)		17.6
Amortization of amounts included in net periodic benefit cost (4)			(22.7)		8.0		(14.7)
Net unrecognized postretirement benefit obligation			4.4		(1.5)		2.9
Other comprehensive income		$	179.9	$	(62.7)	$	117.2

235

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

		For the year ended December 31, 2015
		Pre-Tax		Tax		After-Tax
		(in millions)
Net unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities during the period		$	(1,552.7)	$	544.0	$	(1,008.7)
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income (1)			16.7		(5.8)		10.9
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization patterns			201.2		(70.4)		130.8
Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities			645.2		(225.9)		419.3
Net unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities			(689.6)		241.9		(447.7)
Noncredit component of impairment losses on fixed maturities,
	available-for-sale during the period		29.2		(10.3)		18.9
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization patterns			(0.9)		0.3		(0.6)
Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities			0.7		(0.2)		0.5
Noncredit component of impairment losses on fixed maturities,
	available-for-sale (2)		29.0		(10.2)		18.8
Net unrealized gains on derivative instruments during the period			58.4		(20.4)		38.0
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (3)			(45.2)		15.9		(29.3)
Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization patterns			19.5		(6.9)		12.6
Adjustments for assumed changes in policyholder liabilities			(10.8)		3.8		(7.0)
Net unrealized gains on derivative instruments			21.9		(7.6)		14.3
Foreign currency translation adjustment			—		(0.1)		(0.1)
Unrecognized postretirement benefit obligation during the period			(28.2)		9.9		(18.3)
Amortization of amounts included in net periodic benefit cost (4)			(19.2)		6.7		(12.5)
Net unrecognized postretirement benefit obligation			(47.4)		16.6		(30.8)
Other comprehensive loss		$	(686.1)	$	240.6	$	(445.5)

(1) Pre-tax reclassification adjustments relating to available-for-sale securities are reported in net realized capital gains (losses) on the consolidated statements of operations.

(2) Represents the net impact of (1) unrealized gains resulting from reclassification of previously recognized noncredit impairment losses from OCI to net realized capital gains (losses) for fixed maturities with bifurcated OTTI that had additional credit losses or fixed maturities that previously had bifurcated OTTI that have now been sold or are intended to be sold and (2) unrealized losses resulting from reclassification of noncredit impairment losses for fixed maturities with bifurcated OTTI from net realized capital gains (losses) to OCI.

(3) See Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments – Cash Flow Hedges, for further details.

(4) Amount is comprised of amortization of prior service cost (benefit) and recognized net actuarial (gain) loss, which is reported in operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 13, Employee and Agent Benefits – Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost, for further details.

236

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
				Noncredit
		Net unrealized		component of		Net unrealized		Foreign		Unrecognized		Accumulated
		gains on		impairment losses		gains on		currency		postretirement		other
		available-for-sale		on fixed maturities		derivative		translation		benefit		comprehensive
		securities		available-for-sale		instruments		adjustment		obligation		income
		(in millions)
Balances as of January 1, 2015		$	1,057.5	$	(104.9)	$	77.2	$	(0.9)	$	57.8	$	1,086.7
Other comprehensive loss
	during the period, net of
	adjustments		(458.6)		—		43.6		—		(18.3)		(433.3)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			10.9		18.8		(29.3)		—		(12.5)		(12.1)
Other comprehensive loss			(447.7)		18.8		14.3		—		(30.8)		(445.4)
Balances as of December 31, 2015			609.8		(86.1)		91.5		(0.9)		27.0		641.3
Other comprehensive income
	during the period, net of
	adjustments		49.0		—		37.9		—		17.6		104.5
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			54.8		0.3		(27.7)		—		(14.7)		12.7
Other comprehensive income			103.8		0.3		10.2		—		2.9		117.2
Net assets transferred to affiliate
	due to change in benefit plan
	sponsorship		—		—		—		—		(10.1)		(10.1)
Balances as of December 31, 2016			713.6		(85.8)		101.7		(0.9)		19.8		748.4
Other comprehensive income
	during the period, net of
	adjustments		577.1		—		(21.8)		—		35.0		590.3
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			42.8		27.4		(27.3)		—		(21.7)		21.2
Other comprehensive income			619.9		27.4		(49.1)		—		13.3		611.5
Sale of subsidiary to parent, net of
	related income taxes, as part of a
	common control transaction		—		—		—		(0.1)		—		(0.1)
Balances as of December 31, 2017		$	1,333.5	$	(58.4)	$	52.6	$	(1.0)	$	33.1	$	1,359.8

Noncontrolling Interest

Interests held by unaffiliated parties in consolidated entities are reflected in noncontrolling interest, which represents the noncontrolling partners’ share of the underlying net assets of our consolidated subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interest that is not redeemable is reported in the equity section of the consolidated statements of financial position.     

The noncontrolling interest holders in certain of our consolidated entities maintained an equity interest that was redeemable at the option of the holder, which could have been exercised on varying dates. Since redemption of the noncontrolling interest was outside of our control, this interest was presented on the consolidated statements of financial position line item titled “Redeemable noncontrolling interest.”

237

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

For our redeemable noncontrolling interest related to consolidated subsidiaries, redemptions were required to be purchased at fair value or a value based on a formula that management intended to reasonably approximate fair value based on a fixed multiple of earnings over a measurement period. The carrying value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest was compared to the redemption value at each reporting period. Any adjustments to the carrying amount of the redeemable noncontrolling interest for changes in redemption value prior to exercise of the redemption option were determined after the attribution of net income or loss of the subsidiary and were recognized in the redemption value as they occurred. Adjustments to the carrying value of redeemable noncontrolling interest resulted in adjustments to additional paid-in capital and/or retained earnings. Adjustments were recorded in retained earnings to the extent the redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest exceeded its fair value. All other adjustments to the redeemable noncontrolling interest were recorded in additional paid-in capital.

Following is a reconciliation of the changes in the redeemable noncontrolling interest (in millions):

Balance as of January 1, 2015	$	21.1
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest		0.8
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interest		(1.0)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from redeemable noncontrolling interest		(1.7)
Sale to affiliate (1)		(19.1)
Other comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest		(0.1)
Balance as of December 31, 2015	$	—

(1) See Note 3, Related Party Transactions, for additional information.

Dividend Limitations

Under Iowa law, we may pay dividends only from the earned surplus arising from our business and must receive the prior approval of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Iowa (the “Commissioner”) to pay stockholder dividends or make any other distribution if such dividends or distributions would exceed certain statutory limitations. Iowa law gives the Commissioner discretion to disapprove requests for distributions in excess of these limitations. Extraordinary dividends include those made, together with dividends and other distributions, within the preceding twelve months that exceed the greater of (i) 10% of our statutory policyholder surplus as of the previous year-end or (ii) the statutory net gain from operations from the previous calendar year, not to exceed earned surplus. Based on this limitation and 2017 statutory results, our dividend limitation is approximately $1,122.4 million in ordinary stockholder dividends in 2018 without prior regulatory approval. However, because the dividend test is based on dividends previously paid over rolling 12-month periods, if paid before a specified date during 2018, some or all of such dividends may be extraordinary and require regulatory approval.

On May 1, 2017, we sold our ownership interest in PGI LLC to PFS in connection with a corporate reorganization designed to better utilize and allocate capital internally. Subsequent to the sale, we paid an extraordinary dividend of $1,068.4 million to PFS with the cash proceeds received from the sale, which was approved by the Commissioner.

16. Fair Value Measurements

We use fair value measurements to record fair value of certain assets and liabilities and to estimate fair value of financial instruments not recorded at fair value but required to be disclosed at fair value. Certain financial instruments, particularly policyholder liabilities other than investment contracts, are excluded from these fair value disclosure requirements.

238

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Valuation Hierarchy

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety considering factors specific to the asset or liability.

• Level 1 – Fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Our Level 1 assets and liabilities primarily include exchange traded equity securities, mutual funds and U.S. Treasury bonds.

• Level 2 – Fair values are based on inputs other than quoted prices within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Our Level 2 assets and liabilities primarily include fixed maturities (including public and private bonds), equity securities, cash equivalents, derivatives and other investments.

• Level 3 – Fair values are based on at least one significant unobservable input for the asset or liability. Our Level 3 assets and liabilities primarily include fixed maturities, real estate and commercial mortgage loan investments of our separate accounts, complex derivatives and embedded derivatives.

Determination of Fair Value

The following discussion describes the valuation methodologies and inputs used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis or disclosed at fair value. The techniques utilized in estimating the fair value of financial instruments are reliant on the assumptions used. Care should be exercised in deriving conclusions about our business, its value or financial position based on the fair value information of financial instruments presented below.

Fair value estimates are made based on available market information and judgments about the financial instrument at a specific point in time. Such estimates do not consider the tax impact of the realization of unrealized gains or losses. In addition, the disclosed fair value may not be realized in the immediate settlement of the financial instrument. We validate prices through an investment analyst review process, which includes validation through direct interaction with external sources, review of recent trade activity or use of internal models. In circumstances where broker quotes are used to value an instrument, we generally receive one non-binding quote. Broker quotes are validated through an investment analyst review process, which includes validation through direct interaction with external sources and use of internal models or other relevant information. We did not make any significant changes toour valuation processes during2017.

Fixed Maturities

Fixed maturities include bonds, ABS, redeemable preferred stock and certain non-redeemable preferred securities. When available, the fair value of fixed maturities is based on quoted prices of identical assets in active markets. These are reflected in Level 1 and primarily include U.S. Treasury bonds and actively traded redeemable corporate preferred securities.

When quoted prices of identical assets in active markets are not available, our first priority is to obtain prices from third party pricing vendors. We have regular interaction with these vendors to ensure we understand their pricing methodologies and to confirm they are utilizing observable market information. Their methodologies vary by asset class and include inputs such as estimated cash flows, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker quotes, credit quality, industry events and economic events. Fixed maturities with validated prices from pricing services, which includes the majority of our public fixed maturities in all asset classes, are generally reflected in Level 2. Also included in Level 2 are corporate bonds when quoted market prices are not available, for which an internal model using substantially all observable inputs or a matrix pricing valuation approach is used. In the matrix approach, securities are grouped into pricing categories that vary by sector, rating and average life. Each pricing category is assigned a risk spread based on studies of observable public market data from the investment professionals assigned to specific security classes. The expected cash flows of the security are then discounted back at the current Treasury curve plus the appropriate risk spread. Although the matrix valuation approach provides a fair valuation of each pricing category, the valuation of an individual security within each pricing category may actually be impacted by company specific factors.

239

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

If we are unable to price a fixed maturity security using prices from third party pricing vendors or other sources specific to the asset class, we may obtain a broker quote or utilize an internal pricing model specific to the asset utilizing relevant market information, to the extent available and where at least one significant unobservable input is utilized. These are reflected in Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy and can include fixed maturities across all asset classes. As of December 31, 2017, less than 1% of our total fixed maturities were Level 3 securities valued using internal pricing models.

The primary inputs, by asset class, for valuations of the majority of our Level 2 investments from third party pricing vendors or our internal pricing valuation approach are described below.

U.S. Government and Agencies/Non-U.S. Governments. Inputs include recently executed market transactions, interest rate yield curves, maturity dates, market price quotations and credit spreads relating to similar instruments.

States and Political Subdivisions. Inputs include Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board reported trades, U.S. Treasury and other benchmark curves, material event notices, new issue data and obligor credit ratings.

Corporate. Inputs include recently executed transactions, market price quotations, benchmark yields, issuer spreads and observations of equity and credit default swap curves related to the issuer. For private placement corporate securities valued through the matrix valuation approach inputs include the current Treasury curve and risk spreads based on sector, rating and average life of the issuance.

RMBS, CMBS, Collateralized Debt Obligations and Other Debt Obligations. Inputs include cash flows, priority of the tranche in the capital structure, expected time to maturity for the specific tranche, reinvestment period remaining and performance of the underlying collateral including prepayments, defaults, deferrals, loss severity of defaulted collateral and, for RMBS, prepayment speed assumptions. Other inputs include market indices and recently executed market transactions.

Equity Securities

Equity securities include mutual funds, common stock and non-redeemable preferred stock. Fair values of equity securities are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets when available, which are reflected in Level 1. When quoted prices are not available, we may utilize internal valuation methodologies appropriate for the specific asset that use observable inputs such as underlying share prices or the NAV, which are reflected in Level 2. Fair values might also be determined using broker quotes or through the use of internal models or analysis that incorporate significant assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such securities, which are reflected in Level 3. 

Derivatives

The fair values of exchange-traded derivatives are determined through quoted market prices, which are reflected in Level 1. Exchange-traded derivatives include futures that are settled daily, which reduces their fair value in the consolidated statements of financial position. The fair values of OTC cleared derivatives are determined through market prices published by the clearinghouses, which are reflected in Level 2. The clearinghouses may utilize the overnight indexed swap (“OIS”) curve in their valuation. Beginning in 2017, variation margin associated with OTC cleared derivatives is settled daily, which reduces their fair value in the consolidated statements of financial position. The fair values of bilateral OTC derivative instruments are determined using either pricing valuation models that utilize market observable inputs or broker quotes. The majority of our bilateral OTC derivatives are valued with models that use market observable inputs, which are reflected in Level 2. Significant inputs include contractual terms, interest rates, currency exchange rates, credit spread curves, equity prices and volatilities. These valuation models consider projected discounted cash flows, relevant swap curves and appropriate implied volatilities. Certain bilateral OTC derivatives utilize unobservable market data, primarily independent broker quotes that are nonbinding quotes based on models that do not reflect the result of market transactions, which are reflected in Level 3.

240

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Our non-cleared derivative contracts are generally documented under ISDA Master Agreements, which provide for legally enforceable set-off and close-out netting of exposures to specific counterparties. Collateral arrangements are bilateral and based on current ratings of each entity. We utilize the LIBOR interest rate curve to value our positions, which includes a credit spread. This credit spread incorporates an appropriate level of nonperformance risk into our valuations given the current ratings of our counterparties, as well as the collateral agreements in place. Counterparty credit risk is routinely monitored to ensure our adjustment for non-performance risk is appropriate. Our centrally cleared derivative contracts are conducted with regulated centralized clearinghouses, which provide for daily exchange of cash collateral or variation margin equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts that eliminates the non-performance risk on these trades.

Interest Rate Contracts. For non-cleared contracts we use discounted cash flow valuation techniques to determine the fair value of interest rate swaps using observable swap curves as the inputs. These are reflected in Level 2. For centrally cleared contracts we use published prices from clearinghouses. These are reflected in Level 2. In addition, we have a limited number of complex inflation-linked interest rate swaps, interest rate options and swaptions that are valued using broker quotes. These are reflected in Level 3.

Foreign Exchange Contracts. We use discounted cash flow valuation techniques that utilize observable swap curves and exchange rates as the inputs to determine the fair value of foreign currency swaps. These are reflected in Level 2. In addition, we have a limited number of non-standard currency swaps that are valued using broker quotes. These are reflected within Level 3.

Equity Contracts. We use an option pricing model using observable implied volatilities, dividend yields, index prices and swap curves as the inputs to determine the fair value of equity options. These are reflected in Level 2.

Credit Contracts. We use either the ISDA Credit Default Swap Standard discounted cash flow model that utilizes observable default probabilities and recovery rates as inputs or broker prices to determine the fair value of credit default swaps. These are reflected in Level 3. In addition, we had a limited number of total return swaps that were valued based on the observable quoted price of underlying equity indices. These are reflected in Level 2.

Other Investments

Other investments reported at fair value include investment funds reported at fair value or for which the fair value option was elected, commercial mortgage loans of consolidated VIEs for which the fair value option was elected and equity method real estate investments for which the fair value option was elected.

The fair value of investment funds is determined using the NAV of the fund. The NAV of the fund represents the price at which we would be able to initiate a transaction. Investments for which the NAV represents a quoted price in an active market for identical assets are reflected in Level 1. Investments that do not have a quoted price in an active market are reflected in Level 2.

Commercial mortgage loans of consolidated VIEs are valued using the more observable fair value of the liabilities of the CCFEs under the measurement alternative guidance and are reflected in Level 2. The liabilities are affiliated so are not reflected in our consolidated results.

Equity method real estate investments for which the fair value option was elected are reflected in Level 3. The equity method real estate investments consist of underlying real estate and debt. The real estate fair value is estimated using a discounted cash flow valuation model that utilizes public real estate market data inputs such as transaction prices, market rents, vacancy levels, leasing absorption, market cap rates and discount rates. The debt fair value is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on our incremental borrowing rate for similar borrowing arrangements.

Cash Equivalents

Certain cash equivalents are reported at fair value on a recurring basis and include money market instruments and other short-term investments with maturities of three months or less. Fair values of these cash equivalents may be determined using public quotations, when available, which are reflected in Level 1. When public quotations are not available, because of the highly liquid nature of these assets, carrying amounts may be used to approximate fair values, which are reflected in Level 2.

241

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Separate Account Assets

Separate account assets include equity securities, debt securities and derivative instruments, for which fair values are determined as previously described, and are reflected in Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Separate account assets also include commercial mortgage loans, for which the fair value is estimated by discounting the expected total cash flows using market rates that are applicable to the yield, credit quality and maturity of the loans. The market clearing spreads vary based on mortgage type, weighted average life, rating and liquidity. These are reflected in Level 3. Finally, separate account assets include real estate, for which the fair value is estimated using discounted cash flow valuation models that utilize various public real estate market data inputs. In addition, each property is appraised annually by an independent appraiser. The real estate included in separate account assets is recorded net of related mortgage encumbrances for which the fair value is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on our incremental borrowing rate for similar borrowing arrangements. The real estate within the separate accounts is reflected in Level 3.

Investment Contracts

Certain annuity contracts and other investment contracts include embedded derivatives that have been bifurcated from the host contract and are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, which are reflected in Level 3. The key assumptions for calculating the fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities are market assumptions (such as equity market returns, interest rate levels, market volatility and correlations) and policyholder behavior assumptions (such as lapse, mortality, utilization and withdrawal patterns). Risk margins are included in the policyholder behavior assumptions. The assumptions are based on a combination of historical data and actuarial judgment. The embedded derivative liabilities are valued using stochastic models that incorporate a spread reflecting our own creditworthiness. 

The assumption for our own non-performance risk for investment contracts and any embedded derivatives bifurcated from certain annuity and investment contracts is based on the current market credit spreads for debt-like instruments we have issued and are available in the market.

Other Liabilities

Certain obligations reported in other liabilities include embedded derivatives to deliver underlying securities of structured investments to third parties. The fair value of the embedded derivatives is calculated based on the value of the underlying securities that are valued based on prices obtained from third party pricing vendors as utilized and described in our discussion of how fair value is determined for fixed maturities, which are reflected in Level 2.

As of December 31, 2016, obligations of consolidated VIEs for which the fair value option was elected were included in other liabilities. The VIEs’ unaffiliated obligations were valued utilizing internal pricing models, which were reflected in Level 3.

242

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:

	December 31, 2017
	Assets/		Amount
	(liabilities)		measured at		Fair value hierarchy level
	measured at		net asset
	fair value		value (5)		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(in millions)
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
U.S. government and agencies	$	1,317.7	$	—	$	886.8	$	430.9	$	—
Non-U.S. governments		528.3		—		—		522.2		6.1
States and political subdivisions		6,757.7		—		—		6,757.7		—
Corporate		33,589.2		—		20.7		33,467.9		100.6
Residential mortgage-backed securities		2,512.7		—		—		2,512.7		—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		3,667.0		—		—		3,656.4		10.6
Collateralized debt obligations		1,359.3		—		—		1,234.3		125.0
Other debt obligations		5,697.5		—		—		5,695.2		2.3
Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale		55,429.4		—		907.5		54,277.3		244.6
Fixed maturities, trading		49.1		—		—		49.1		—
Equity securities, available-for-sale		94.1		—		47.4		44.0		2.7
Equity securities, trading		6.0		—		6.0		—		—
Derivative assets (1)		247.2		—		—		223.0		24.2
Other investments (2)		101.6		85.8		—		9.3		6.5
Cash equivalents (3)		374.2		—		—		374.2		—
Sub-total excluding separate account assets		56,301.6		85.8		960.9		54,976.9		278.0
Separate account assets		117,300.8		120.4		89,824.1		19,870.0		7,486.3
Total assets	$	173,602.4	$	206.2	$	90,785.0	$	74,846.9	$	7,764.3
Liabilities
Investment contracts (4)	$	(119.6)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	(119.6)
Derivative liabilities (1)		(267.5)		—		—		(262.9)		(4.6)
Other liabilities (4)		(253.2)		—		—		(253.2)		—
Total liabilities	$	(640.3)	$	—	$	—	$	(516.1)	$	(124.2)
Net assets	$	172,962.1	$	206.2	$	90,785.0	$	74,330.8	$	7,640.1

243

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

	December 31, 2016
	Assets/		Amount
	(liabilities)		measured at		Fair value hierarchy level
	measured at		net asset
	fair value		value (5)		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(in millions)
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
U.S. government and agencies	$	1,404.6	$	—	$	986.5	$	418.1	$	—
Non-U.S. governments		542.1		—		—		534.5		7.6
States and political subdivisions		5,535.6		—		—		5,535.6		—
Corporate		31,076.0		—		21.2		30,909.2		145.6
Residential mortgage-backed securities		2,822.6		—		—		2,822.6		—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		4,060.2		—		—		3,989.1		71.1
Collateralized debt obligations		758.1		—		—		724.5		33.6
Other debt obligations		5,053.0		—		—		4,961.5		91.5
Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale		51,252.2		—		1,007.7		49,895.1		349.4
Fixed maturities, trading		217.9		—		—		125.0		92.9
Equity securities, available-for-sale		96.3		—		55.2		38.4		2.7
Equity securities, trading		8.2		—		7.5		0.7		—
Derivative assets (1)		871.5		—		—		837.9		33.6
Other investments (2)		143.0		92.7		—		13.4		36.9
Cash equivalents (3)		769.1		—		—		769.1		—
Sub-total excluding separate account assets		53,358.2		92.7		1,070.4		51,679.6		515.5
Separate account assets		103,662.0		—		79,462.9		16,972.8		7,226.3
Total assets	$	157,020.2	$	92.7	$	80,533.3	$	68,652.4	$	7,741.8
Liabilities
Investment contracts (4)	$	(130.8)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	(130.8)
Derivative liabilities (1)		(552.2)		—		—		(530.4)		(21.8)
Other liabilities (4)		(272.2)		—		—		(212.3)		(59.9)
Total liabilities	$	(955.2)	$	—	$	—	$	(742.7)	$	(212.5)
Net assets	$	156,065.0	$	92.7	$	80,533.3	$	67,909.7	$	7,529.3

(1) Within the consolidated statements of financial position, derivative assets are reported with other investments and derivative liabilities are reported with other liabilities. Refer to Note 7, Derivative Financial Instruments, for further information on fair value by class of derivative instruments.

(2) Primarily includes investment funds, equity method investments reported at fair value and commercial mortgage loans of consolidated VIEs.

(3) Includes money market instruments and short-term investments with a maturity date of three months or less when purchased.

(4) Includes bifurcated embedded derivatives that are reported at fair value within the same line item in the consolidated statements of financial position in which the host contract is reported. As of December 31, 2016, other liabilities also include obligations of consolidated VIEs reported at fair value.

(5)Certain investments are measured at fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient and have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. Other investments using the NAV practical expedient consist of certain fund interests that are restricted until maturity with unfunded commitments totaling $46.1 million and $57.6 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Separate account assets using the NAV practical expedient consist of hedge funds with varying investment strategies that also have a variety of redemption terms and conditions. We do not have unfunded commitments associated with these hedge funds.

244

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Changes in Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

The reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) was as follows:

			For the year ended December 31, 2017
																	Changes in
			Beginning		Total realized/unrealized				Net						Ending		unrealized
			asset/		gains (losses)				purchases,						asset/		gains (losses)
			(liability)						sales,						(liability)		included in
			balance		Included		Included in		issuances						balance		net income
			as of		in net		other		and		Transfers		Transfers		as of		relating to
			December 31,		income		comprehensive		settlements		into		out of		December 31,		positions still
			2016		(1)		income		(3)		Level 3		Level 3		2017		held (1)
			(in millions)
Assets
Fixed maturities,
	available-for-sale:
	Non-U.S.
		governments	$	7.6	$	—	$	(0.1)	$	(1.4)	$	—	$	—	$	6.1	$	—
	Corporate			145.6		(1.5)		4.4		(32.8)		22.2		(37.3)		100.6		—
	Commercial
		mortgage-backed
		securities		71.1		(12.7)		11.1		(0.7)		26.3		(84.5)		10.6		(4.0)
	Collateralized
		debt obligations		33.6		—		1.7		7.3		183.7		(101.3)		125.0		—
	Other debt
		obligations		91.5		—		(0.2)		(0.8)		0.1		(88.3)		2.3		—
Total fixed
	maturities,
	available-for-sale			349.4		(14.2)		16.9		(28.4)		232.3		(311.4)		244.6		(4.0)
Fixed maturities,
	trading			92.9		(0.5)		—		(92.4)		—		—		—		—
Equity securities,
	available-for-sale			2.7		—		—		—		—		—		2.7		—
Equity securities,
	trading			—		—		—		(0.7)		0.7		—		—		—
Derivative assets				33.6		(9.9)		—		0.5		—		—		24.2		(8.6)
Other investments				36.9		3.9		—		(34.3)		—		—		6.5		3.8
Separate account
	assets (2)			7,226.3		788.8		—		(493.2)		3.1		(38.7)		7,486.3		696.0
Liabilities
Investment contracts				(130.8)		6.8		—		4.4		—		—		(119.6)		4.0
Derivative liabilities				(21.8)		17.4		—		(0.2)		—		—		(4.6)		15.3
Other liabilities				(59.9)		(0.1)		—		60.0		—		—		—		—

245

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

			For the year ended December 31, 2016
																	Changes in
			Beginning		Total realized/unrealized				Net						Ending		unrealized
			asset/		gains (losses)				purchases,						asset/		gains (losses)
			(liability)						sales,						(liability)		included in
			balance		Included		Included in		issuances						balance		net income
			as of		in net		other		and		Transfers		Transfers		as of		relating to
			December 31,		income		comprehensive		settlements		into		out of		December 31,		positions still
			2015		(1)		income		(3)		Level 3		Level 3		2016		held (1)
			(in millions)
Assets
Fixed maturities,
	available-for-sale:
	Non-U.S.
		governments	$	39.5	$	—	$	2.1	$	(1.4)	$	—	$	(32.6)	$	7.6	$	—
	Corporate			156.3		(1.4)		(1.9)		(21.4)		15.7		(1.7)		145.6		(1.4)
	Commercial
		mortgage-backed
		securities		4.8		(8.3)		8.8		32.7		35.4		(2.3)		71.1		(8.3)
	Collateralized
		debt obligations		63.5		—		0.8		(30.7)		—		—		33.6		—
	Other debt
		obligations		7.5		—		0.5		100.1		—		(16.6)		91.5		—
Total fixed
	maturities,
	available-for-sale			271.6		(9.7)		10.3		79.3		51.1		(53.2)		349.4		(9.7)
Fixed maturities,
	trading			135.5		0.5		—		(43.1)		—		—		92.9		0.1
Equity securities,
	available-for-sale			4.1		(1.3)		(0.1)		—		—		—		2.7		(1.4)
Derivative assets				46.7		(13.5)		—		0.4		—		—		33.6		(13.0)
Other investments				35.1		1.5		—		0.3		—		—		36.9		1.5
Separate account
	assets (2)			6,891.5		748.2		—		(417.9)		5.3		(0.8)		7,226.3		669.7
Liabilities
Investment contracts				(151.1)		14.6		—		5.7		—		—		(130.8)		7.8
Derivative liabilities				(50.5)		27.3		0.5		0.9		—		—		(21.8)		23.9
Other liabilities				(68.1)		(9.2)		—		17.4		—		—		(59.9)		(7.5)

246

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

			For the year ended December 31, 2015
																	Changes in
			Beginning		Total realized/unrealized				Net						Ending		unrealized
			asset/		gains (losses)				purchases,						asset/		gains (losses)
			(liability)						sales,						(liability)		included in
			balance		Included		Included in		issuances						balance		net income
			as of		in net		other		and		Transfers		Transfers		as of		relating to
			December 31,		income		comprehensive		settlements		into		out of		December 31,		positions still
			2014		(1)		income		(3)		Level 3		Level 3		2015		held (1)
			(in millions)
Assets
Fixed maturities,
	available-for-sale:
	Non-U.S.
		governments	$	10.3	$	—	$	(0.7)	$	29.9	$	—	$	—	$	39.5	$	—
	Corporate			188.6		—		(4.8)		17.2		42.8		(87.5)		156.3		—
	Commercial
		mortgage-backed
		securities		—		0.1		—		12.3		—		(7.6)		4.8		—
	Collateralized
		debt obligations		64.2		—		(0.1)		(0.6)		—		—		63.5		—
	Other debt
		obligations		63.7		—		0.8		7.0		—		(64.0)		7.5		—
Total fixed
	maturities,
	available-for-sale			326.8		0.1		(4.8)		65.8		42.8		(159.1)		271.6		—
Fixed maturities,
	trading			139.7		(4.0)		—		(0.2)		—		—		135.5		(4.2)
Equity securities,
	available-for-sale			4.1		—		—		—		—		—		4.1		—
Derivative assets				53.7		(9.2)		—		2.2		—		—		46.7		(9.0)
Other investments				127.2		7.3		—		(64.4)		—		(35.0)		35.1		7.2
Separate account
	assets (2)			5,857.5		983.9		—		41.9		8.5		(0.3)		6,891.5		850.3
Liabilities
Investment contracts				(155.9)		(5.7)		—		10.5		—		—		(151.1)		(10.1)
Derivative liabilities				(35.5)		(17.4)		2.2		0.2		—		—		(50.5)		(18.0)
Other liabilities				(66.3)		(1.8)		—		—		—		—		(68.1)		(1.9)

(1) Both realized gains (losses) and mark-to-market unrealized gains (losses) are generally reported in net realized capital gains (losses) within the consolidated statements of operations. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on certain fixed maturities, trading and certain derivatives used in relation to certain trading portfolios are reported in net investment income within the consolidated statements of operations.

(2) Gains and losses for separate account assets do not impact net income as the change in value of separate account assets is offset by a change in value of separate account liabilities.

(3) Gross purchases, sales, issuances and settlements were:

247

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

		For the year ended December 31, 2017
										Net purchases,
										sales, issuances
		Purchases		Sales		Issuances		Settlements		and settlements
		(in millions)
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
	Non-U.S. governments	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	(1.4)	$	(1.4)
	Corporate		20.9		(1.6)		—		(52.1)		(32.8)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		—		—		—		(0.7)		(0.7)
	Collateralized debt obligations		22.9		—		—		(15.6)		7.3
	Other debt obligations		—		—		—		(0.8)		(0.8)
Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale			43.8		(1.6)		—		(70.6)		(28.4)
Fixed maturities, trading			—		—		—		(92.4)		(92.4)
Equity securities, trading			—		—		—		(0.7)		(0.7)
Derivative assets			1.0		(0.5)		—		—		0.5
Other investments			2.4		(36.7)		—		—		(34.3)
Separate account assets (4)			302.2		(580.6)		(284.6)		69.8		(493.2)
Liabilities
Investment contracts			—		—		—		4.4		4.4
Derivative liabilities			(0.2)		—		—		—		(0.2)
Other liabilities			—		—		—		60.0		60.0

		For the year ended December 31, 2016
										Net purchases,
										sales, issuances
		Purchases		Sales		Issuances		Settlements		and settlements
		(in millions)
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
	Non-U.S. governments	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	(1.4)	$	(1.4)
	Corporate		4.3		—		—		(25.7)		(21.4)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		35.7		—		—		(3.0)		32.7
	Collateralized debt obligations		—		—		—		(30.7)		(30.7)
	Other debt obligations		105.0		(2.3)		—		(2.6)		100.1
Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale			145.0		(2.3)		—		(63.4)		79.3
Fixed maturities, trading			—		(18.0)		—		(25.1)		(43.1)
Derivative assets			0.5		(0.1)		—		—		0.4
Other investments			0.7		(0.4)		—		—		0.3
Separate account assets (4)			453.3		(615.2)		(345.4)		89.4		(417.9)
Liabilities
Investment contracts			—		—		1.7		4.0		5.7
Derivative liabilities			—		0.9		—		—		0.9
Other liabilities			—		17.4		—		—		17.4

248

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

		For the year ended December 31, 2015
										Net purchases,
										sales, issuances
		Purchases		Sales		Issuances		Settlements		and settlements
		(in millions)
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
	Non-U.S. governments	$	31.2	$	—	$	—	$	(1.3)	$	29.9
	Corporate		34.6		—		—		(17.4)		17.2
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		12.4		—		—		(0.1)		12.3
	Collateralized debt obligations		—		—		—		(0.6)		(0.6)
	Other debt obligations		16.5		—		—		(9.5)		7.0
Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale			94.7		—		—		(28.9)		65.8
Fixed maturities, trading			—		(0.2)		—		—		(0.2)
Derivative assets			2.5		(0.3)		—		—		2.2
Other investments			4.4		(68.8)		—		—		(64.4)
Separate account assets (4)			739.2		(396.4)		(323.4)		22.5		41.9
Liabilities
Investment contracts			—		—		5.1		5.4		10.5
Derivative liabilities			—		0.2		—		—		0.2

(4) Issuances and settlements include amounts related to mortgage encumbrances associated with real estate in our separate accounts.

Transfers

Transfers of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis between fair value hierarchy levels were as follows:

			For the year ended December 31, 2017
			Transfers out		Transfers out		Transfers out		Transfers out		Transfers out		Transfers out
			of Level 1 into		of Level 1 into		of Level 2 into		of Level 2 into		of Level 3 into		of Level 3 into
			Level 2		Level 3		Level 1		Level 3		Level 1		Level 2
			(in millions)
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-
	sale:
	Corporate		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	22.2	$	—	$	37.3
	Commercial mortgage-backed
		securities		—		—		—		26.3		—		84.5
	Collateralized debt obligations			—		—		—		183.7		—		101.3
	Other debt obligations			—		—		—		0.1		—		88.3
Total fixed maturities,
	available-for-sale			—		—		—		232.3		—		311.4
Equity securities, trading				—		—		—		0.7		—		—
Separate account assets				12.5		—		5.9		3.1		—		38.7

249

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

			For the year ended December 31, 2016
			Transfers out		Transfers out		Transfers out		Transfers out		Transfers out		Transfers out
			of Level 1 into		of Level 1 into		of Level 2 into		of Level 2 into		of Level 3 into		of Level 3 into
			Level 2		Level 3		Level 1		Level 3		Level 1		Level 2
			(in millions)
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-
	sale:
	Non-U.S. governments		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	32.6
	Corporate			—		—		—		15.7		—		1.7
	Commercial mortgage-backed
		securities		—		—		—		35.4		—		2.3
	Other debt obligations			—		—		—		—		—		16.6
Total fixed maturities,
	available-for-sale			—		—		—		51.1		—		53.2
Separate account assets				45.4		—		4.9		5.3		—		0.8

			For the year ended December 31, 2015
			Transfers out		Transfers out		Transfers out		Transfers out		Transfers out		Transfers out
			of Level 1 into		of Level 1 into		of Level 2 into		of Level 2 into		of Level 3 into		of Level 3 into
			Level 2		Level 3		Level 1		Level 3		Level 1		Level 2
			(in millions)
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-
	sale:
	Corporate		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	42.8	$	—	$	87.5
	Commercial mortgage-backed
		securities		—		—		—		—		—		7.6
	Other debt obligations			—		—		—		—		—		64.0
Total fixed maturities,
	available-for-sale			—		—		—		42.8		—		159.1
Other investments				—		—		5.4		—		—		35.0
Separate account assets				26.9		—		8.1		8.5		—		0.3

Transfers between fair value hierarchy levels are recognized at the beginning of the reporting period.

Separate account assets transferred between Level 1 and Level 2 during 2017, 2016 and 2015, primarily related to foreign equity securities. When these securities are valued at the close price of the local exchange where the assets traded, they are reflected in Level 1. When events materially affecting the value occur between the close of the local exchange and the New York Stock Exchange, we use adjusted prices determined by a third party pricing vendor to update the foreign market closing prices and the fair value is reflected in Level 2.

Other investments transferred from Level 2 into Level 1 during 2015, primarily included assets valued using a NAV with a quoted price in an active market for identical assets as a result of additional analysis to clarify the source of the quoted price.

Assets transferred into Level 3 during 2017, 2016 and 2015, primarily included those assets for which we are now unable to obtain pricing from a recognized third party pricing vendor as well as assets that were previously priced using a matrix valuation approach that may no longer be relevant when applied to asset-specific situations.

250

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Assets transferred out of Level 3 during 2017, 2016 and 2015, included those for which we are now able to obtain pricing from a recognized third party pricing vendor or from internal models using substantially all market observable information. Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2015, assets transferred out of Level 3 included assets valued using the measurement alternative for CCFEs for which the corresponding liabilities have the more observable fair value and are reflected in Level 2.

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

The following table provides quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used for recurring fair value measurements categorized within Level 3, excluding assets and liabilities for which significant quantitative unobservable inputs are not developed internally, which primarily consists of those valued using broker quotes or the measurement alternative for CCFEs. Refer to “Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis” for a complete valuation hierarchy summary.

		December 31, 2017
		Assets /
		(liabilities)
		measured at		Valuation	Unobservable	Input/range		Weighted
		fair value		technique(s)	input description	of inputs		average
		(in millions)
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
	Non-U.S. governments	$	6.1	Discounted cash   flow	Discount rate (1)	2.7	%	2.7	%
					Illiquidity premium	50 basis points ("bps")		50bps
					Comparability   adjustment	(25)bps		(25)bps
	Corporate		51.0	Discounted cash   flow	Discount rate (1)	1.9%-7.5%		4.6	%
					Illiquidity premium	0bps-60bps		21bps
	Commercial mortgage-backed   securities		0.5	Discounted cash   flow	Discount rate (1)	6.0	%	6.0	%
					Probability of default	85.0	%	85.0	%
					Potential loss   severity	32.0%		32.0%
	Other debt obligations		2.3	Discounted cash   flow	Discount rate (1)	5.0	%	5.0	%
					Illiquidity premium	500bps		500bps
Separate account assets			7,484.6	Discounted cash   flow - mortgage   loans	Discount rate (1)	2.3%-8.0%		4.8	%
					Illiquidity premium	0bps-60bps		17bps
					Credit spread rate	62bps-690bps		293bps
				Discounted cash   flow - real estate	Discount rate (1)	5.8%-17.2%		6.9	%
					Terminal   capitalization rate	4.3%-9.3%		6.1%
					Average market rent   growth rate	0.5%-4.7%		2.9%
				Discounted cash   flow - real estate   debt	Loan to value	12.1%-71.4%		45.8	%
					Market interest rate	3.1%-4.5%		3.8	%

251

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

	December 31, 2017
	Assets /
	(liabilities)
	measured at		Valuation	Unobservable	Input/range	Weighted
	fair value		technique(s)	input description	of inputs	average
	(in millions)
Liabilities
Investment contracts		(119.60)	Discounted cash   flow	Long duration   interest rate	2.5% (2)
				Long-term equity   market volatility	18.7%-41.1%
				Non-performance risk	0.2%-1.2%
				Utilization rate	See note (3)
				Lapse rate	1.3%-9.3%
				Mortality rate	See note (4)

		December 31, 2016
		Assets /
		(liabilities)
		measured at		Valuation	Unobservable	Input/range		Weighted
		fair value		technique(s)	input description	of inputs		average
		(in millions)
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
	Non-U.S. governments	$	7.6	Discounted cash   flow	Discount rate (1)	2.3	%	2.3	%
					Illiquidity premium	50 bps		50bps
					Comparability   adjustment	(25)bps		(25)bps
	Corporate		49.8	Discounted cash   flow	Discount rate (1)	1.5%-7.6%		4.0	%
					Illiquidity premium	0bps-60bps		27bps
					Comparability   adjustment	0bps-20bps		6bps
	Commercial mortgage-backed   securities		49.3	Discounted cash   flow	Discount rate (1)	3.1%-12.8%		10.2	%
					Probability of default	0.0%-10.0%		7.8	%
					Potential loss   severity	0.0%-99.5%		39.5%
	Collateralized debt obligations		0.2	Discounted cash   flow	Discount rate (1)	95.1	%	95.1	%
					Probability of default	100.0	%	100.0	%
					Potential loss   severity	91.2%		91.2%
	Other debt obligations		6.8	Discounted cash   flow	Discount rate (1)	5.0	%	5.0	%
					Illiquidity premium	500bps		500bps
Fixed maturities, trading			10.5	Discounted cash   flow	Discount rate (1)	2.3%-9.0%		2.7	%
					Illiquidity premium	0bps-300bps		240bps

252

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

	December 31, 2016
	Assets /
	(liabilities)
	measured at		Valuation	Unobservable	Input/range		Weighted
	fair value		technique(s)	input description	of inputs		average
	(in millions)
Other investments		36.9	Discounted cash   flow - equity   method real estate   investments	Discount rate (1)	7.6	%	7.6	%
				Terminal   capitalization rate	6.8%		6.8%
				Average market rent   growth rate	2.9%		2.9%
			Discounted cash   flow - equity   method real estate   investments -   debt	Loan to value	52.5	%	52.5	%
				Credit spread rate	2.1	%	2.1	%
Separate account assets		7,225.4	Discounted cash   flow - mortgage   loans	Discount rate (1)	1.4%-5.3%		3.7	%
				Illiquidity premium	0bps-60bps		13bps
				Credit spread rate	83bps-472bps		227bps
			Discounted cash   flow - real estate	Discount rate (1)	5.8%-16.2%		7.0	%
				Terminal   capitalization rate	4.3%-9.3%		6.1%
				Average market rent   growth rate	1.8%-4.3%		2.9%
			Discounted cash   flow - real estate   debt	Loan to value	6.3%-69.7%		47.0	%
				Market interest rate	3.3%-4.6%		3.9	%
Liabilities
Investment contracts		(130.80)	Discounted cash   flow	Long duration   interest rate	2.6% (2)
				Long-term equity   market volatility	18.8%-45.9%
				Non-performance risk	0.3%-1.7%
				Utilization rate	See note (3)
				Lapse rate	0.5%-11.8%
				Mortality rate	See note (4)

(1) Represents market comparable interest rate or an index adjusted rate used as the base rate in the discounted cash flow analysis prior to any credit spread, illiquidity or other adjustments, where applicable.

(2) Represents the range of rate curves used in the valuation analysis that we have determined market participants would use when pricing the instrument. Derived from interpolation between various observable swap rates.

(3) This input factor is the number of contractholders taking withdrawals as well as the amount and timing of the withdrawals and a range does not provide a meaningful presentation.

(4) This input is based on an appropriate industry mortality table and a range does not provide a meaningful presentation.

Market comparable discount rates are used as the base rate in the discounted cash flows used to determine the fair value of certain assets. Increases or decreases in the credit spreads on the comparable assets could cause the fair value of the assets to significantly decrease or increase, respectively. Additionally, we may adjust the base discount rate or the modeled price by applying an illiquidity premium given the highly structured nature of certain assets. Increases or decreases in this illiquidity premium could cause significant decreases or increases, respectively, in the fair value of the asset.

253

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Embedded derivatives can be either assets or liabilities within the investment contracts line item, depending on certain inputs at the reporting date. Increases to an asset or decreases to a liability are described as increases to fair value. Increases or decreases in market volatilities could cause significant decreases or increases, respectively, in the fair value of embedded derivatives in investment contracts. Long duration interest rates are used as the mean return when projecting the growth in the value of associated account value and impact the discount rate used in the discounted future cash flows valuation. The amount of claims will increase if account value is not sufficient to cover guaranteed withdrawals. Increases or decreases in risk free rates could cause the fair value of the embedded derivative to significantly increase or decrease, respectively. Increases or decreases in our own credit risks, which impact the rates used to discount future cash flows, could significantly increase or decrease, respectively, the fair value of the embedded derivative. All of these changes in fair value would impact net income.

Decreases or increases in the mortality rate assumption could cause the fair value of the embedded derivative to decrease or increase, respectively. Decreases or increases in the overall lapse rate assumption could cause the fair value of the embedded derivative to decrease or increase, respectively. The lapse rate assumption varies dynamically based on the relationship of the guarantee and associated account value. A stronger or weaker dynamic lapse rate assumption could cause the fair value of the embedded derivative to decrease or increase, respectively. The utilization rate assumption includes how many contractholders will take withdrawals, when they will take them and how much of their benefit they will take. Increases or decreases in the assumption of the number of contractholders taking withdrawals could cause the fair value of the embedded derivative to decrease or increase, respectively. Assuming contractholders take withdrawals earlier or later could cause the fair value of the embedded derivative to decrease or increase, respectively. Assuming contractholders take more or less of their benefit could cause the fair value of the embedded derivative to decrease or increase, respectively.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. During 2017, certain mortgage loans had been marked to fair value of $0.7 million. The net impact of write-downs of loans reclassified to held-for-sale, impairments and improvements in estimated fair value of previously impaired loans resulted in a net loss of $0.3 million that was recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) as part of the mortgage loan valuation allowance. This includes the impact of certain loans no longer on our books. These collateral-dependent mortgage loans are a Level 3 fair value measurement, as fair value is based on the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral, which is estimated using appraised values that involve significant unobservable inputs.

During 2017, certain real estate had been written down to fair value of $2.1 million. This write down resulted in a loss of $1.1 million that was recorded in net realized capital gains (losses). This is a Level 3 fair value measurement, as the fair value of real estate is estimated based on a discounted cash flow valuation from an internal model. Significant inputs used in the discounted cash flow calculation include a discount rate, terminal capitalization rate and average market rent growth. The ranges of inputs used in the fair value measurements for the real estate marked to fair value during 2017 were:

Discount rate = 11.5%

Terminal capitalization rate = 9.0%

During 2016, certain mortgage loans had been marked to fair value of $2.7 million. The net impact of write-downs of loans reclassified to held-for-sale, impairments and improvements in estimated fair value of previously impaired loans resulted in a net loss of $2.4 million that was recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) as part of the mortgage loan valuation allowance. This includes the impact of certain loans no longer on our books. These collateral-dependent mortgage loans are a Level 3 fair value measurement, as fair value is based on the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral, which is estimated using appraised values that involve significant unobservable inputs.

254

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

During 2016, certain real estate had been written down to fair value of $13.9 million. This write down resulted in a loss of $5.3 million, of which $4.5 million was a lower of cost or market adjustment on held-for-sale real estate recorded in net investment income and the remaining $0.8 million was recorded in net realized capital gains (losses). This is a Level 3 fair value measurement, as the fair value of real estate is estimated based on a discounted cash flow valuation from an internal model. Significant inputs used in the discounted cash flow calculation include a discount rate, terminal capitalization rate and average market rent growth. The ranges of inputs used in the fair value measurements for the real estate marked to fair value during 2016 were:

Discount rate = 10.3%

Terminal capitalization rate = 9.0%

Average market rent growth = 0.0%

During 2015, certain mortgage loans had been marked to fair value of $8.5 million. The net impact of write-downs of loans reclassified to held-for-sale, impairments and improvements in estimated fair value of previously impaired loans resulted in a net loss of $3.5 million that was recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) as part of the mortgage loan valuation allowance. This includes the impact of certain loans no longer on our books. These collateral-dependent mortgage loans are a Level 3 fair value measurement, as fair value is based on the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral, which is estimated using appraised values that involve significant unobservable inputs.

During 2015, certain real estate had been written down to fair value of $30.9 million. This write down resulted in a loss of $2.9 million that was recorded in net realized capital gains (losses). This is a Level 3 fair value measurement, as the fair value of real estate is estimated based on a discounted cash flow valuation from an internal model. Significant inputs used in the discounted cash flow calculation include a discount rate, terminal capitalization rate and average market rent growth. The ranges of inputs used in the fair value measurements for the real estate marked to fair value during 2015 were:

Discount rate = 8.6% - 10.5%

Terminal capitalization rate = 7.3% - 8.5%

Average market rent growth = 2.7% - 3.0%

Fair Value Option

We elected fair value accounting for:

• Certain commercial mortgage loans of consolidated VIEs for which it was not practicable for us to determine the carrying value. In addition, as of December 31, 2016, we had certain obligations of consolidated VIEs for which it was not practicable for us to determine the carrying value. The synthetic entity that had these obligations matured in the first quarter of 2017.

• Certain real estate ventures that are subject to the equity method of accounting because the nature of the investments is to add value to the properties and generate income from the operations of the properties. Other equity method real estate investments are not fair valued because the investments mainly generate income from the operations of the underlying properties.

• Certain investment funds for which we do not have enough influence to account for under the equity method in order to reflect the economics of the investment in the financial statements. We do not elect the fair value option for other similar investments as these investments are generally accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

255

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

The following tables present information regarding the assets and liabilities for which the fair value option was elected.

		December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
		(in millions)
Commercial mortgage loans of consolidated VIEs (1) (2)
	Fair value	$	9.3	$	12.4
	Aggregate contractual principal		9.2		12.0
Obligations of consolidated VIEs (3)
	Fair value		—		59.9
	Aggregate unpaid principal		—		60.0
Real estate ventures (1)
	Fair value		6.5		36.9
Investment funds (1)
	Fair value		45.2		36.9

(1) Reported with other investments in the consolidated statements of financial position.

(2) None of the loans were more than 90 days past due or in non-accrual status.

(3) Reported with other liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position.

		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
Commercial mortgage loans of consolidated VIEs
	Change in fair value pre-tax loss (1) (2)	$	(0.4)	$	(0.1)	$	(2.0)
	Interest income (3)		0.9		1.2		3.6
Obligations of consolidated VIEs
	Change in fair value pre-tax loss - instrument-specific credit risk (2) (4)		(0.1)		(9.8)		(1.9)
	Change in fair value pre-tax loss (2)		(0.1)		(9.8)		(2.1)
	Interest expense (5)		0.3		1.1		1.1
Real estate ventures
	Change in fair value pre-tax gain (6)		3.8		1.5		7.2
Investment funds
	Change in fair value pre-tax gain (6) (7)		1.7		2.8		—
	Dividend income (6)		1.9		0.3		—

(1) None of the change in fair value related to instrument-specific credit risk.

(2) Reported in net realized capital gains (losses) on the consolidated statements of operations.

(3) Reported in net investment income on the consolidated statements of operations and recorded based on the effective interest rates as determined at the closing of the loan.

(4) Estimated based on credit spreads and quality ratings.

(5) Reported in operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.

(6) Reported in net investment income on the consolidated statements of operations.

(7) Absent the fair value election, the change in fair value on the investments would be reported in OCI

256

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value

The carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis but required to be disclosed at fair value were as follows:

	December 31, 2017
					Fair value hierarchy level
	Carrying amount		Fair value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(in millions)
Assets (liabilities)
Mortgage loans	$	13,452.1	$	13,744.8	$	—	$	—	$	13,744.8
Policy loans		765.7		952.4		—		—		952.4
Other investments		218.4		215.6		—		141.0		74.6
Cash and cash equivalents		549.2		549.2		549.2		—		—
Investment contracts		(30,223.7)		(29,700.2)		—		(4,736.0)		(24,964.2)
Long-term debt		(50.5)		(49.0)		—		—		(49.0)
Separate account liabilities		(104,011.7)		(103,049.7)		—		—		(103,049.7)
Bank deposits		(2,336.4)		(2,328.9)		(1,780.3)		(548.6)		—
Cash collateral payable		(106.6)		(106.6)		(106.6)		—		—

	December 31, 2016
					Fair value hierarchy level
	Carrying amount		Fair value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(in millions)
Assets (liabilities)
Mortgage loans	$	12,645.1	$	12,868.1	$	—	$	—	$	12,868.1
Policy loans		784.8		969.8		—		—		969.8
Other investments		193.6		200.1		—		121.0		79.1
Cash and cash equivalents		377.9		377.9		377.9		—		—
Investment contracts		(30,231.9)		(29,788.6)		—		(5,400.8)		(24,387.8)
Short-term debt		(76.5)		(76.5)		—		(76.5)		—
Separate account liabilities		(91,608.0)		(90,724.5)		—		—		(90,724.5)
Bank deposits		(2,199.8)		(2,204.1)		(1,585.1)		(619.0)		—
Cash collateral payable		(564.7)		(564.7)		(564.7)		—		—

Mortgage Loans

Fair values of commercial and residential mortgage loans are primarily determined by discounting the expected cash flows at current treasury rates plus an applicable risk spread, which reflects credit quality and maturity of the loans. The risk spread is based on market clearing levels for loans with comparable credit quality, maturities and risk. The fair value of mortgage loans may also be based on the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral less cost to sell, which is estimated using appraised values. These are reflected in Level 3.

Policy Loans

Fair values of policy loans are estimated by discounting expected cash flows using a risk-free rate based on the Treasury curve. The expected cash flows reflect an estimate of timing of the repayment of the loans. These are reflected in Level 3.

257

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Other Investments

The fair value of commercial loans and certain consumer loans included in other investments is calculated by discounting expected cash flows through the estimated maturity date using market interest rates that reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loans. The estimate of term to maturity is based on historical experience, adjusted as required, for current economic and lending conditions. The effect of non-performing loans is considered in assessing the credit risk inherent in the fair value estimate. These are reflected in Level 3. The fair value of certain tax credit investments are estimated by discounting expected future tax benefits using estimated investment return rates. These are reflected in Level 3. The carrying value of the remaining investments reported in this line item approximate their fair value. These are reflected in Level 2.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents not reported at fair value on a recurring basis approximates its fair value, which is reflected in Level 1 given the nature of cash.

Investment Contracts

The fair values of our reserves and liabilities for investment contracts are determined via a third party pricing vendor or using discounted cash flow analyses when we are unable to find a price from third party pricing vendors. Third party pricing on various outstanding medium-term notes and funding agreements is based on observable inputs such as benchmark yields and spreads based on reported trades for our medium-term notes and funding agreement issuances. These are reflected in Level 2. The discounted cash flow analyses for the remaining contracts is based on current interest rates, including non-performance risk, being offered for similar contracts with maturities consistent with those remaining for the investment contracts being valued. These are reflected in Level 3. Investment contracts include insurance, annuity and other contracts that do not involve significant mortality or morbidity risk and are only a portion of the policyholder liabilities appearing in the consolidated statements of financial position. Insurance contracts include insurance, annuity and other contracts that do involve significant mortality or morbidity risk. The fair values for our insurance contracts, other than investment contracts, are not required to be disclosed.

Short-Term Debt

The carrying amount of short-term debt approximates its fair value because of the relatively short time between origination of the debt instrument and its maturity, which is reflected in Level 2.

Long-Term Debt

Our long-term debt includes non-recourse mortgages and notes payable that are primarily financings for real estate developments for which the fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on our incremental borrowing rate for similar borrowing arrangements. These are reflected in Level 3.

Separate Account Liabilities

Fair values of separate account liabilities, excluding insurance-related elements, are estimated based on market assumptions around what a potential acquirer would pay for the associated block of business, including both the separate account assets and liabilities. As the applicable separate account assets are already reflected at fair value, any adjustment to the fair value of the block is an assumed adjustment to the separate account liabilities. To compute fair value, the separate account liabilities are originally set to equal separate account assets because these are pass-through contracts. The separate account liabilities are reduced by the amount of future fees expected to be collected that are intended to offset upfront acquisition costs already incurred that a potential acquirer would not have to pay. The estimated future fees are adjusted by an adverse deviation discount and the amount is then discounted at a risk-free rate as measured by the yield on Treasury securities at maturities aligned with the estimated timing of fee collection. These are reflected in Level 3.

258

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

Bank Deposits

The fair value of deposits of our Principal Bank subsidiary with no stated maturity is equal to the amount payable on demand (i.e., their carrying amounts). These are reflected in Level 1. The fair value of certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. These are reflected in Level 2.

Cash Collateral Payable

The carrying amount of the payable associated with our obligation to return the cash collateral received under derivative credit support annex (collateral) agreements approximates its fair value, which is reflected in Level 1.

17. Statutory Insurance Financial Information

We, the largest indirect subsidiary of PFG, prepare statutory financial statements in accordance with the accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce of the State of Iowa (the “State of Iowa”). The State of Iowa recognizes only statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the State of Iowa for determining and reporting the financial condition and results of operations of an insurance company to determine its solvency under the Iowa Insurance Law. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (“NAIC”) Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual has been adopted as a component of prescribed practices by the State of Iowa. The Commissioner has the right to permit other specific practices that deviate from prescribed practices. For the years ended, December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, our use of prescribed statutory accounting practices resulted in higher (lower) statutory net income of $12.2 million, $3.8 million and $(2.1) million, respectively, relative to the accounting practices and procedures of the NAIC due to its accounting for derivatives that hedge some of its equity indexed products. In addition, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, our permitted statutory accounting practice relating to variable annuities with a guaranteed living benefit rider resulted in lower statutory surplus of $123.9 million and $180.5 million, respectively, relative to carrying certain interest rate swaps at book value rather than fair value, as if they received hedge accounting treatment for statutory. Statutory accounting practices differ from U.S. GAAP primarily due to charging policy acquisition costs to expense as incurred, establishing reserves using different actuarial assumptions, valuing investments on a different basis and not admitting certain assets, including certain net deferred income tax assets.

We cede certain term and universal life insurance statutory reserves to our affiliated reinsurance subsidiaries on a funds withheld coinsurance basis. The reserves are secured by cash, invested assets and financing provided by highly rated third parties. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, our affiliated reinsurance subsidiaries assumed statutory reserves of $5,977.3 million and $4,734.0 million from us, respectively. In the states of Vermont and Delaware, the affiliated reinsurers had permitted and prescribed practices allowing for the admissibility of certain assets backing these reserves. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, assets admitted under these practices totaled $2,417.7 million and $1,809.0 million, respectively.   

Life and health insurance companies are subject to certain risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements as specified by the NAIC. Under those requirements, the amount of capital and surplus maintained by a life and health insurance company is to be determined based on the various risk factors related to it. As of December 31, 2017, we met the minimum RBC requirements.

Our statutory net income and statutory capital and surplus were as follows:

	As of or for the year ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(in millions)
Statutory net income	$	1,976.7	$	996.7	$	948.6
Statutory capital and surplus		4,946.8		4,643.8		4,496.7

259

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

18. Segment Information

We provide financial products and services through the following segments: 1) Retirement and Income Solutions and 2) U.S. Insurance Solutions. In addition, we have a Corporate segment. The segments are managed and reported separately because they provide different products and services, have different strategies or have different markets and distribution channels.

On May 1, 2017, we sold our ownership interest in PGI LLC to PFS as part of a common control transaction. PGI LLC comprised substantially our entire Principal Global Investors segment, which provided asset management services to our asset accumulation business, our insurance operations, the Corporate segment and third party clients. The results of PGI LLC are reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations, which are excluded from segment results. The remaining immaterial components of that segment are now reported in the Corporate segment. This reporting change was applied retrospectively to our segment information but did not impact our consolidated financial statements.

The Retirement and Income Solutions segment provides retirement and related financial products and services primarily to businesses, their employees and other individuals.

The U.S. Insurance Solutions segment provides specialty benefits insurance, which consists of group dental and vision insurance, individual and group disability insurance, group life insurance and non-medical fee-for-service claims administration, and individual life insurance, which provides solutions for the business market as well as our retail customers throughout the United States.

The Corporate segment manages the assets representing capital that has not been allocated to any other segment. Financial results of the Corporate segment primarily reflect income on capital not allocated to other segments, inter‑segment eliminations, income tax risks and certain income, expenses and other adjustments not allocated to other segments based on the nature of such items. Results of our exited group medical and long-term care insurance businesses are reported in this segment.

Management uses segment pre-tax operating earnings in evaluating performance, which is consistent with the financial results provided to and discussed with securities analysts. We determine segment pre-tax operating earnings by adjusting U.S. GAAP income before income taxes for pre-tax net realized capital gains (losses), as adjusted, pre-tax other adjustments that management believes are not indicative of overall operating trends and certain adjustments related to equity method investments and noncontrolling interest. Pre-tax net realized capital gains (losses), as adjusted, are net of related changes in the amortization pattern of DAC and related actuarial balances, recognition of deferred front-end fee revenues for sales charges on retirement and life insurance products and services, amortization of hedge accounting book value adjustments for certain discontinued hedges, net realized capital gains and losses distributed and certain market value adjustments to fee revenues. Pre-tax net realized capital gains (losses), as adjusted, exclude periodic settlements and accruals on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments and exclude certain market value adjustments of embedded derivatives and realized capital gains (losses) associated with our exited group medical insurance business. Segment operating revenues exclude net realized capital gains (losses) (except periodic settlements and accruals on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments), including their impact on recognition of front-end fee revenues, certain market value adjustments to fee revenues and amortization of hedge accounting book value adjustments for certain discontinued hedges, pre-tax other adjustments management believes are not indicative of overall operating trends and revenue from our exited group medical insurance business. While these items may be significant components in understanding and assessing the consolidated financial performance, management believes the presentation of segment pre-tax operating earnings enhances the understanding of our results of operations by highlighting pre-tax earnings attributable to the normal, ongoing operations of the business.

260

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

The accounting policies of the segments are consistent with the accounting policies for the consolidated financial statements, with the exception of (1) other postretirement employee benefit cost allocations and (2) income tax allocations. For purposes of determining pre-tax operating earnings, the segments are allocated the service component of other postretirement benefit costs. The Corporate segment reflects the non-service component of other postretirement benefit costs for the plans we sponsor as assumptions are established and funding decisions are managed from a company-wide perspective. The Corporate segment functions to absorb the risk inherent in interpreting and applying tax law. For purposes of determining non-GAAP operating earnings, the segments are allocated tax adjustments consistent with the positions we took on tax returns. The Corporate segment results reflect any differences between the tax returns and the estimated resolution of any disputes.

The following tables summarize select financial information by segment, including operating revenues for our products and services, and reconcile segment totals to those reported in the consolidated financial statements:

		December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
		(in millions)
Assets:
Retirement and Income Solutions		$	169,717.6	$	152,682.4
Principal Global Investors (discontinued operations)			—		760.6
U.S. Insurance Solutions			24,742.0		22,868.8
Corporate (1)			4,176.4		3,998.3
	Total consolidated assets	$	198,636.0	$	180,310.1
(1) The December 31, 2016, assets of the Corporate segment include $(90.7) million of inter-segment eliminations that are
related to assets of discontinued operations.

261

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

			For the year ended December 31,
			2017		2016		2015
			(in millions)
Operating revenues by segment:
Retirement and Income Solutions:
	Retirement and Income Solutions - Fee		$	1,821.0	$	1,743.2	$	1,774.0
	Retirement and Income Solutions - Spread			5,344.6		4,407.5		4,392.9
		Total Retirement and Income Solutions (1)		7,165.6		6,150.7		6,166.9
U.S. Insurance Solutions
	Specialty benefits insurance			2,169.6		2,009.1		1,866.0
	Individual life insurance			1,725.9		1,622.1		1,569.3
	Eliminations			(0.1)		(0.1)		(0.1)
		Total U.S. Insurance Solutions		3,895.4		3,631.1		3,435.2
Corporate				4.8		(6.7)		(21.1)
	Total segment operating revenues			11,065.8		9,775.1		9,581.0
Net realized capital gains (losses), net of related revenue adjustments				321.4		13.9		(125.6)
Other income on an indemnified uncertain tax position				—		—		60.2
Exited group medical insurance business				—		—		1.3
	Total revenues per consolidated statements of operations		$	11,387.2	$	9,789.0	$	9,516.9
Pre-tax operating earnings (losses) by segment:
Retirement and Income Solutions			$	899.8	$	794.5	$	740.1
U.S. Insurance Solutions				382.6		359.6		428.6
Corporate				45.0		24.6		(19.2)
	Total segment pre-tax operating earnings			1,327.4		1,178.7		1,149.5
Pre-tax net realized capital gains (losses), as adjusted (2)				424.6		(7.6)		(131.5)
Pre-tax other adjustments (3)				(35.0)		—		11.7
Adjustments related to equity method investments				1.0		22.5		7.1
	Income before income taxes per consolidated statements
		of operations	$	1,718.0	$	1,193.6	$	1,036.8

(1) Reflects inter-segment revenues of $402.8 million, $373.3 million and $422.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

(2) Pre-tax net realized capital gains (losses), as adjusted, is derived as follows:

		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(in millions)
Net realized capital gains (losses):
Net realized capital gains (losses)		$	372.0	$	97.9	$	(27.20)
Derivative and hedging-related adjustments			(50.30)		(81.70)		(97.20)
Market value adjustments to fee revenues			(0.10)		(2.50)		(1.10)
Recognition of front-end fee revenue			(0.20)		0.2		(0.10)
	Net realized capital gains (losses), net of related revenue adjustments		321.4		13.9		(125.60)
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and other actuarial balances			55.5		(77.00)		(13.60)
Capital (gains) losses distributed			(0.40)		5.5		7.9
Market value adjustments of embedded derivatives			48.1		50.0		(0.20)
	Pre-tax net realized capital gains (losses), as adjusted (a)	$	424.6	$	(7.60)	$	(131.50)

(a) As adjusted before noncontrolling interest capital gains (losses) and net realized capital gains (losses) associated with exited group medical insurance business.

(3) For the year ended December 31, 2017, pre-tax other adjustments included the negative effect of a contribution made to The Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc.

262

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

For the year ended December 31, 2015, pre-tax other adjustments included the positive effect of the impact of a court ruling on some uncertain tax positions ($15.1 million) and the negative effect of losses associated with our exited group medical insurance business that did not qualify for discontinued operations accounting treatment under U.S. GAAP ($3.4 million).

The following is a summary of income tax expense (benefit) allocated to our segments for purposes of determining non-GAAP operating earnings. Segment income taxes are reconciled to income taxes reported on our consolidated statements of operations.

		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(in millions)
Income tax expense (benefit) by segment:
Retirement and Income Solutions		$	109.5	$	98.6	$	76.1
U.S. Insurance Solutions			124.0		118.2		142.9
Corporate			(0.9)		(2.5)		(8.7)
Total segment income taxes from operating earnings			232.6		214.3		210.3
	Tax benefit related to net realized capital losses, as adjusted		188.8		(2.4)		(39.5)
	Tax expense (benefit) related to other after-tax adjustments (1)		(939.9)		—		44.2
	Certain adjustments related to equity method investments		0.1		—		—
Total income taxes (benefits) per consolidated statements of
	operations	$	(518.4)	$	211.9	$	215.0

(1) The 2017 tax benefit includes $927.7 million associated with the U.S. tax reform.

The following is a summary of depreciation and amortization expense allocated to our segments for purposes of determining pre-tax operating earnings. Segment depreciation and amortization is reconciled to depreciation and amortization included in operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.

		For the year ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(in millions)
Depreciation and amortization expense by segment:
Retirement and Income Solutions		$	30.6	$	30.4	$	28.3
U.S. Insurance Solutions			20.6		20.0		17.3
Corporate			5.2		4.8		4.4
Total depreciation and amortization expense included in our
	consolidated statements of operations	$	56.4	$	55.2	$	50.0

19. Stock-Based Compensation Plans

As of December 31, 2017, our ultimate parent, PFG, sponsored the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan, the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan and the Stock Incentive Plan ("Stock-Based Compensation Plans"), which resulted in expense to us. As of May 20, 2014, no new grants will be made under the Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. No grants have been made under the Stock Incentive Plan since at least 2005. Under the terms of the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan, grants may be nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options qualifying under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance shares, performance units or other stock-based awards. To date, PFG has not granted any incentive stock options, restricted stock or performance units under any plans. The following Stock-Based Compensation Plans information represents all share based compensation data related to us and our subsidiaries’ employees.

263

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

For awards with graded vesting, we use an accelerated expense attribution method. The compensation cost that was charged against income from continuing operations for stock-based awards granted under the Stock-Based Compensation Plans was as follows:

	For the year ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(in millions)
Compensation cost	$	28.4	$	28.4	$	26.0
Related income tax benefit		9.8		8.3		8.8
Capitalized as part of an asset		2.5		2.8		2.2

Nonqualified Stock Options

Nonqualified stock options were granted to certain employees under the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan, the Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan and the Stock Incentive Plan. Options outstanding were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of PFG common stock on the date of grant, and expire ten years after the grant date. These options have graded vesting over a three-year period, except in the case of specific types of terminations.

The fair value of stock options is estimated using the Black‑Scholes option pricing model. The following is a summary of the assumptions used in this model for the stock options granted during the period:

	For the year ended December 31,
Options	2017			2016			2015
Expected volatility		27.6	%		31.7	%		52.2	%
Expected term (in years)		7.0			6.5			6.5
Risk-free interest rate		2.2	%		1.5	%		1.8	%
Expected dividend yield		2.87	%		4.07	%		2.81	%
Weighted average estimated fair value	$	15.31		$	8.91		$	20.43

We determine expected volatility based on a combination of historical volatility using daily price observations and implied volatility from traded options on PFG common stock. We believe that incorporating both historical and implied volatility into our expected volatility assumption calculation better reflects market expectations. The expected term represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. We determine expected term using historical exercise and employee termination data. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury risk-free interest rate in effect at the time of grant. The dividend yield is based on historical dividend distributions compared to the closing price of PFG common shares on the grant date.

As of December 31, 2017, we had $2.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted‑average service period of approximately 1.3 years.

Performance Share Awards

Performance share awards were granted to certain employees under the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan and the Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. The performance share awards are treated as an equity award and are paid in shares. Whether the performance shares are earned depends upon the participant's continued employment through the performance period (except in the case of specific types of terminations) and PFG’s performance against three-year goals set at the beginning of the performance period. Performance goals based on various PFG factors must be achieved for any of the performance shares to be earned. If the performance requirements are not met, the performance shares will be forfeited, no compensation cost will be recognized and any previously recognized compensation cost will be reversed. These awards have no maximum contractual term. Dividend equivalents are credited on performance shares outstanding as of the record date. These dividend equivalents are only paid on the shares released.

264

Principal Life Insurance Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

The fair value of performance share awards is determined based on the closing stock price of PFG common shares on the grant date. The weighted‑average grant-date fair value of performance share awards granted during 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $62.78, $37.38 and $51.33, respectively.

As of December 31, 2017, we had $4.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested performance share awards granted. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted‑average service period of approximately 1.2 years.

Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock units were granted to certain employees and agents under the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan, the Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan and Stock Incentive Plan. Restricted stock units are treated as equity awards and are paid in shares. Under these plans, awards have graded or cliff vesting over a three-year service period. When service for PFG ceases (except in the case of specific types of terminations), all vesting stops and unvested units are forfeited. These awards have no maximum contractual term. Dividend equivalents are credited on restricted stock units outstanding as of the record date. These dividend equivalents are only paid on the shares released.

The fair value of restricted stock units is determined based on the closing stock price of PFG common shares on the grant date. The weighted‑average grant-date fair value of restricted stock units granted during 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $62.80, $37.45 and $51.31, respectively.

As of December 31, 2017, we had $18.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock unit awards granted under these plans. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted‑average period of approximately 1.7 years.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, participating employees have the opportunity to purchase shares of PFG common stock on a semi-annual basis. Beginning in 2018, offering periods will move to quarterly. Employees may purchase up to $25,000 worth of PFG common stock each year. Employees may purchase shares of PFG common stock at a price equal to 85% of the shares' fair market value as of the beginning or end of the purchase period, whichever is lower.

We recognize compensation expense for the fair value of the discount granted to employees participating in the employee stock purchase plan in the period of grant. Shares of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan are treated as an equity award. The weighted-average fair value of the discount on the stock purchased was $14.72, $14.00 and $7.30 during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

20. Subsequent Event

On March 28, 2018, we paid an extraordinary dividend of $200.0 million to PFS. The extraordinary dividend was approved by the Commissioner.

265

PART C

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 24.Financial Statements and Exhibits

(a) Financial Statements included in the Registration Statement

(1) Part A:

Condensed Financial Information for the 10 years ended December 31, 2017

(2) Part B:

Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Statements of Assets and Liabilities, December 31, 2017

Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017

Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

Notes to Financial Statements.

Principal Life Insurance Company:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31, 2017 and 2016

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(3) Part C

Principal Life Insurance Company

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Schedules *

Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties As of December 31, 2017 *

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 and for each of the years then ended *

Schedule IV - Reinsurance as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 and for each of the years then ended *

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

(b) Exhibits

(1)	Resolution of Board of Directors of the Depositor (filed with the Commission on 5/05/1999)
(3a)	Distribution Agreement (filed 3/01/1996)
(3b)	Selling Agreement (filed 4/20/1999)
(4a)	Form of Variable Annuity Contract (filed 3/01/1996)
(4b)	Form of Variable Annuity Contract (filed 3/01/1996)
(5)	Form of Variable Annuity Application (filed 3/01/1996)
(6a)	Articles of Incorporation of the Depositor (filed 3/01/1996)
(6b)	Bylaws of Depositor (filed 3/01/1996)

(8)	Participation Agreements
	a. AllianceBernstein
	(1)	Participation Agreement with AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, as amended (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 05/01/2008 0000950137-08-006515)
	(2)	AllianceBernstein Investment, Inc. Participation Agreement Amendment No. 1 dated 01/01/2008 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
	(3)	AllianceBernstein Investment, Inc. Participation Agreement Amendment No. 2 dated 05/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
	(4)	AllianceBernstein Investment Research and Management, Inc. Master Administrative Services Agreement Letter dated 12/15/2004 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
	(5)	Rule 22c-2 Agreement with AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 05/01/2008 0000950137-08-006515)

b. American Century
(1)	Shareholder Services Agreement with American Century Investment Management Inc., as amended (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 05/01/2008 0000950137-08-006515)
(2)	American Century Investment Services, Inc. Amendment No. 5 to Shareholder Services Agreement dated 06/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(3)	American Century Investment Services, Inc. Amendment No. 6 and Joinder to Shareholder Service Agreement dated 11/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(4)	American Century Investment Services, Inc. Amendment No. 7 to Shareholder Services Agreement dated 03/20/2014 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(5)	Rule 22c-2 Agreement with American Century Investment Management Inc., (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 05/01/2008 0000950137-08-006515)
(6)	American Century Investment Services, Inc. Amendment No. 1 to Rule 22c-2 Agreement dated 11/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
c. American Funds
(1)	American Funds Distributors, Inc. Participation and Service Agreement dated 05/01/2014 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-14-000086)
(2)	American Funds Distributors, Inc. Business Agreement dated 05/01/2014 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-14-000086)
(3)	American Funds Service Company Rule 22c-2 Agreement dated 05/19/2014 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-14-000086)
(4)	American Funds Form of First Amendment To Fund Participation and Service Agreement (filed with the Commission on 04/29/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000048)
d. BlackRock
(1)	BlackRock Variable Series Funds, Inc. Participation Agreement dated 05/19/2015 (filed with the commission on 04/29/2016 Accession No. 0000009713-16-000208)
(2)	BlackRock Advisors, LLC Administrative Services Agreement dated 05/19/2015 (filed with the commission on 04/29/2016 Accession No. 0000009713-16-000208)
(3)	BlackRock Variable Series Funds, Inc. Distribution Sub-Agreement dated 05/19/2015 (filed with the commission on 04/29/2016 Accession No. 0000009713-16-000208)
e. Columbia
(1)	Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II Participation Agreement dated 04/28/2015 (filed with the commission on 04/29/2016 Accession No. 0000009713-16-000208)
(2)	Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. Service Agreement dated 05/01/2015 (filed with the commission on 04/29/2016 Accession No. 0000009713-16-000208)

f. Delaware Distributors
(1)	Delaware VIP Trust & Delaware Distribution, L. P. Participation Agreement dated 04/26/2010 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(2)	Delaware VIP Trust & Delaware Distribution, L. P. Participation Agreement Amendment No. 1 dated 12/30/2010 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(3)	Delaware VIP Trust & Delaware Distribution, L. P. Participation Agreement Amendment No. 2 dated 04/04/2014 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(4)	Delaware VIP Trust & Delaware Distribution, L. P. Participation Agreement Amendment No. 3 dated 07/01/2015 (filed with the commission on 04/29/2016 Accession No. 0000009713-16-000208)
(5)	Delaware Distributions, L.P. Administrative Services Agreement dated 04/26/2010 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)

g. DWS
(1)	DWS Scudder Distributors, Inc. Participation Agreement dated 12/01/2007 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(2)	DWS Investments Distributors, Inc. Amendment No. 1 to Participation Agreement dated 01/05/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(3)	DWS Investments Distributors, Inc. Amendment No. 2 to Participation Agreement dated 05/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(4)	DWS Investments Distributors, Inc. Amendment No. 3 and Joinder to Participation Agreement dated 12/18/2012 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(5)	DWS Investments Distributors, Inc. Amendment No. 4 to Participation Agreement dated 04/10/2013 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)

h. Fidelity
(1)	Amended & Restated Participation Agreement with Fidelity Insurance Products Fund (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 05/01/2008 0000950137-08-006515)
(2)	Distribution Agreement with Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 05/01/2008 0000950137-08-006515)
(3)	Service Agreement dated 3/26/2002 with Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 05/01/2008 0000950137-08-006515)
(4)	Rule 22c-2 Agreement with Fidelity Insurance Products Fund (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 05/01/2008 0000950137-08-006515)

i. Franklin Templeton
(1)	Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated 11/01/2007 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(2)	Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated 09/10/2009 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(3)	Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated 08/16/2010 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(4)	Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. Amended and Restated Participation Agreement Addendum dated 05/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(5)	Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. Amendment No. 3 to Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated 11/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(6)	Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. Amendment No. 4 to Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated 09/16/2013 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(7)	Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. Amendment No. 5 to Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated 05/01/2014 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-14-000086)
(8)	Franklin Templeton Services, LLC Administrative Services Agreement dated 12/14/2007 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(9)	Franklin Templeton Services, LLC Amendment No. 1 to Administrative Services Agreement dated 09/10/2009 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(10)	Franklin Templeton Services, LLC Amendment No. 2 to Administrative Services Agreement dated 04/20/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(11)	Franklin Templeton Services, LLC Amendment No. 3 to Administrative Services Agreement dated 11/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(12)	Franklin Templeton Services, LLC Amendment No. 4 to Administrative Services Agreement dated 05/24/2013 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-14-000086)
(13)	Franklin Templeton Services, LLC Amendment 5 to Administrative Services Agreement dated May 1, 2014 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-17-000045)
(14)	Franklin Templeton Services, LLC Amendment 6 to Administrative Services Agreement dated August 30, 2016 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-17-000045)
(13)	Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. Rule 22c-2 Agreement dated 04/16/2007 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(14)	Franklin Templeton Amendment to Shareholder Information Agreement (22c-2) dated April 2015 (filed with the Commission on 04/29/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000048)
(15)	Franklin Templeton Amendment to Participation Agreement Addendum dated March 31, 2015 (filed with the Commission on 04/29/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000048)

j. Goldman Sachs
(1)	Participation Agreement with Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust, (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 05/01/2008 0000950137-08-006515)
(2)	Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust Participation Agreement Amendment No. 1 dated 06/20/2008 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(3)	Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust Participation Agreement Amendment No. 2 dated 04/07/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(4)	Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust Participation Agreement Amendment No. 3 dated 10/26/2012 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(5)	Administrative Services Agreement with Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 05/01/2008 0000950137-08-006515)
(6)	Goldman Sachs & Co. Administrative Services Agreement Amendment No. 1 dated 06/20/2008 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(7)	Goldman Sachs & Co. Administrative Services Agreement Amendment No. 2 dated 10/26/2012 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(8)	Rule 22c-2 Agreement with Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 05/01/2008 0000950137-08-006515)
(9)	Goldman Sachs & Co. Rule 22c-2 Agreement Amendment No. 1 dated 10/26/2012 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)

k. Guggenheim
(1)	Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust and Rydex Variable Trust Participation Agreement dated 05/01/2015 (filed with the commission on 04/29/2016 Accession No. 0000009713-16-000208)
(2)	Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC Variable Product Services Agreement for the Rydex Variable Trust dated 05/01/2015 (filed with the commission on 04/29/2016 Accession No. 0000009713-16-000208)
(3)	Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC Services Agreement dated 05/01/2015 (filed with the commission on 04/29/2016 Accession No. 0000009713-16-000208)
(4)	Guggenheim Distributors, LLC FUND/SERV and Networking Agreement dated 10/28/2014 (filed with the commission on 04/29/2016 Accession No. 0000009713-16-000208)
l. Invesco (formerly AIM Advisors, Inc.)
(1)	Participation Agreement with AIM Variable Insurance Funds, as amended (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 05/01/2008 0000950137-08-006515)
(2)	AIM Variable Insurance Funds Amendment to Participation Agreement dated 04/30/2010 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(3)	AIM Variable Insurance Funds Tenth Amendment to Participation Agreement dated 04/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(4)	AIM Variable Insurance Funds Eleventh Amendment & Joinder to Participation Agreement dated 11/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(5)	AIM Advisors, Inc. First Amendment to the Administrative Services Agreement dated 04/30/2004 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(6)	AIM Advisors, Inc. Second Amendment & Joinder to the Administrative Services Agreement dated 11/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(7)	Distribution Agreement with AIM Variable Insurance Funds, (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 05/01/2008 0000950137-08-006515)
(8)	Rule 22c-2 Agreement with AIM Variable Insurance Funds, (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 05/01/2008 0000950137-08-006515)
(9)	AIM Investment Services, Inc. First Amendment & Joinder to the Rule 22c-2 Agreement dated 11/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(10)	AIM Advisors, Inc. Administrative Services Agreement Second Amendment & Joinder dated 11/01/2011 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-14-000086)

m. Janus
(1)	Janus Aspen Series Participation Agreement (Service Shares) dated 04/28/2000, as amended 08/20/2007 (filed with the Commission for 033-74232 on 05/01/2008 Accession No. 0000950137-08-006521)
(2)	Janus Aspen Series Amendment No. 7 to Fund Participation Agreement (Service Shares) dated 11/01/2011 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-14-000086)
(3)	Janus Aspen Series Amendment No. 8 to Fund Participation Agreement (Service Shares) dated 02/24/2012 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-14-000086)
(4)	Janus Capital Management LLC Administrative Services Letter Agreement dated 05/06/2008 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-14-000086)
(5)	Janus Capital Management LLC Amendment to Administrative Services Letter Agreement (Service Shares) dated 11/01/2011 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-14-000086)
(6)	Janus Distributors, Inc. Distribution and Shareholder Services Agreement dated 08/28/2000 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-14-000086)
(7)	Janus Funds Distribution and Shareholder Services Agreement - Janus Aspen Series - Service Shares dated 10/19/2001 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-14-000086)
(8)	Janus Distributors, LLC letter amendment to Distribution, Shareholder Servicing, Administrative Servicing and Fund/SERV Agreements dated 08/14/2006 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-14-000086)
(9)	Janus Distributors LLC Amendment to Distribution and Shareholder Services Agreement dated 11/01/2011 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-14-000086)
(10)	Janus Aspen Series Rule 22c-2 Agreement dated 04/16/2007 (filed with the Commission for 033-74232 on 05/01/2008 Accession No. 0000950137-08-006521)
(11)	Janus Distributors LLC Amendment to Rule 22c-2 Agreement dated 11/01/2011 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-14-000086)
(12)	Janus Services LLC Supplemental Agreement - Letter Regarding handling of Mutual Fund Orders dated 05/20/2005 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-14-000086)

n. MFS
(1)	MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated 05/01/2013 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(2)	MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. Fund/Serv and Networking Agreement to Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated 05/01/2013 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(3)	MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. Amended & Restated Administrative Services Letter Agreement dated 04/01/2016 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-17-000045)
(4)	Website Regulatory Document Agreement with MFS Variable Insurance Trust dtd 03/06/08– (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 3/01/10 Accession No. 0000898745-10-000129)
(5)	Rule 22c-2 Shareholder Information Agreement with MFS Variable Insurance Trust dtd 03/06/07– (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 3/01/10 Accession No. 0000898745-10-000129)
(6)	MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. Amendment No. 1 to Rule 22c-2 Shareholder Information Agreement dated 11/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)

o. Oppenheimer
(1)	Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds Participation Agreement dated 12/21/2007 (filed with the Commission on 04/29/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000048)
(2)	Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds Participation Agreement Amendment No. 1 dated 11/09/2011 (filed with the Commission on 04/29/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000048)
(3)	Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. Administrative Services Agreement Letter dated 12/21/2007 (filed with the Commission on 04/29/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000048)
(4)	Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. Amendment No. 1 to Administrative Services Agreement Letter dated 11/09/2011 (filed with the Commission on 04/29/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000048)

p. PIMCO
(1)	Participation Agreement with PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust dtd 03/09/09– (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 as Ex-99.B (8k1) on 3/01/10 Accession No. 0000898745-10-000129)
(2)	PIMCO Participation Agreement Amendment and Novation dated 10/22/2010 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(3)	PIMCO Novation 1 dated 10/22/2010 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(4)	PIMCO Novation 2 dated 10/22/2010 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(5)	Administrative Services Agreement for Administrative Class Shares of PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust dtd 03/09/09 (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 as Ex-99.B (8k2) on 3/01/10 Accession No. 0000898745-10-000129)
(6)	Administrative Services Agreement for Administrative Class Shares of PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust amendment 1 dtd 04/22/09 (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 as Ex-99.B (8k3) on 3/01/10 Accession No. 0000898745-10-000129)
(7)	PIMCO Assignment and Amendment to Services Agreement dated 03/29/2012 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(8)	PIMCO Instrument of Accession and Amendment dated 08/29/2012 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)

q. Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc.
(1)	Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. Participation Agreement dated 01/05/2007 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(2)	Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. Participation Agreement Amendment No. 1 dated 06/01/2007 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(3)	Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. Participation Agreement Amendment No. 2 dated 01/01/2010 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(4)	Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. Participation Agreement Amendment No. 3 (Letter) dated 06/17/2010 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(5)	Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. Participation Agreement Amendment No. 4 and Joinder dated 11/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(6)	Principal Variable Contracts Fund, Inc. Participation Agreement Amendment No. 5 dated 02/09/2015 (filed with the Commission on 04/29/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000048)
(7)	Principal Variable Contracts Fund, Inc. Participation Agreement Amendment No. 6 dated 08/10/2016 (filed with the Commission on 10/07/2014 Accession No. 0000009713-17-000045)
(8)	Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. 12b-1 Letter dated 12/30/2009 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(9)	Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. 12b-1 Letter Amendment No. 1 dated 11/09/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(10)	Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. Rule 22c-2 dated 04/16/2007 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(11)	Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. Rule 22c-2 Agreement Amendment No. 1 and Joinder dated 11/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)

r. Van Eck
(1)	Participation Agreement with Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust dtd 11/28/07 (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 3/01/10 Accession No. 0000898745-10-000129)
(2)	Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust Participation Agreement Amendment No. 1 dated 04/24/2009 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(3)	Van Eck VIP Trust Participation Agreement Amendment No. 2 and Joinder dated 11/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(4)	Service Agreement with Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust dtd 11/28/07 (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 3/01/10 Accession No. 0000898745-10-000129)
(5)	Van Eck Securities Corporation Service Agreement Amendment No. 1 dated 04/24/2009 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(6)	Van Eck Securities Corporation Service Agreement Amendment No. 2 dated 05/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(7)	Van Eck Securities Corporation Service Agreement Amendment No. 2 and Joinder dated 11/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(8)	Van Eck Securities Corporation Service Agreement Amendment No.4 dated 05/01/2012 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)
(9)	Rule 22c-2 Agreement with Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust dtd 11/28/07 (filed with the Commission for 333-116220 on 3/01/10 Accession No. 0000898745-10-000129)
(10)	Van Eck Securities Corporation Shareholder Information Agreement (Rule 22c-2) Amendment No. 1 and Joinder dated 11/01/2011 (filed with the commission on 02/23/2015 Accession No. 0000009713-15-000007)

(9)	Opinion of Counsel (filed 3/1/1996)
(10a)	Consent of Ernst & Young LLP *
(10b)	Powers of Attorney *
(10c)	Consent of Counsel *
(11)	Financial Statement Schedules *
(13a)	Total Return Calculation (filed 12/16/1997)
(13b)	Annualized Yield for Separate Account B (filed 12/16/1997)

* Filed herein

** To be filed by Amendment.

Item 25. Officers and Directors of the Depositor

Principal Life Insurance Company is managed by a Board of Directors which is elected by its policyowners. The directors and executive officers of the Company, their positions with the Company, including Board Committee memberships, and their principal business address, are as follows:

DIRECTORS:

Name and Principal Business Address	Positions and Offices
BETSY J. BERNARD 28556 Chianti Terrace Bonita Springs, FL 34135	Director Member, Audit and Executive Committees
JOCELYN CARTER-MILLER 8701 Banyan Court Tamarac, FL 33321	Director Member, Nominating and Governance Committee
MICHAEL T. DAN 495 Rudder Road Naples, FL 34102	Director Chair, Human Resources Committee Member, Nominating and Governance Committee
DENNIS H. FERRO 21 Sago Palm Road Vero Beach, FL 32963	Director Chair, Nominating and Governance Committee
C. DANIEL GELATT, JR. NMT Corporation 2004 Kramer Street La Crosse, WI 54603	Director Member, Audit and Human Resources Committees
SANDRA L. HELTON 1040 North Lake Shore Drive #26A Chicago, IL 60611	Director Chair, Audit Committee Member, Executive Committee
ROGER C. HOCHSCHILD Discover Financial Services 2500 Lake Cook Road Riverwoods, IL 60015	Director Member, Audit and Human Resources Committees
DANIEL J. HOUSTON Principal Financial Group Des Moines, IA 50392	Director Chairman of the Board and Chair, Executive Committee Principal Life: Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
SCOTT M. MILLS BET Networks 1540 Broadway New York, NY 10036	Director Member, Audit and Human Resources Committees
DIANE C. NORDIN 140 Monument Street Concord, MA 01742	Director Member, Audit and Human Resources Committee
BLAIR C. PICKERELL Lower House 1 29 Mt. Kellett Road The Peak Hong Kong	Director Member, Nominating and Governance Committee
ELIZABETH E. TALLETT 21 Deepwater Point Moultonborough, NH 03254	Director Member, Executive, Human Resources and Nominating and Governance Committees

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (OTHER THAN DIRECTORS)

Name and Principal Business Address	Positions and Offices
DAVID M. BLAKE(1)	Senior Executive Director - Fixed Income
ELIZABETH S. BRADY(1)	Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
GREGORY J. BURROWS(1)	Senior Vice President Retirement and Income Solutions
NICHOLAS M. CECERE(1)	Senior Vice President - USIS Distribution
TIMOTHY M. DUNBAR(1)	Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer
NORA M. EVERETT(1)	President Retirement and Income Solutions
AMY C. FRIEDRICH(1)	President U.S. Insurance Solutions
GINA L. GRAHAM(1)	Vice President and Treasurer
PATRICK G. HALTER(1)	Chief Operating Officer - Principal Global Investors
MARK S. LAGOMARCINO(1)	Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel
JULIA M. LAWLER(1)	Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officers
GREGORY A. LINDE(1)	Senior Vice President Individual Life
JAMES P. MCCAUGHAN(1)	President - Global Asset Management
BARBARA A. MCKENZIE(1)	Senior Executive Director - Investments
DENNIS J. MENKEN(1)	Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer - Principal Life Insurance Company
GERALD W. PATTERSON(1)	Senior Vice President Retirement and Income Solutions
ANGELA R. SANDERS(1)	Senior Vice President and Controller
RENEE V. SCHAFF(1)	Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Principal International
GARY P. SCHOLTEN(1)	Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Chief Digital Officer
KAREN E. SHAFF(1)	Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
ELLEN W. SHUMWAY(1)	Senior Executive Director - Strategy and Investments
DEANNA D. STRABLE(1)	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
LUIS E. VALDES(1)	President - International Asset Management and Accumulation
LEANNE M. VALENTINE(1)	Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel
ROBERTO WALKER(2)	Senior Vice President and President, Principal Financial Group - Latin America
(1)	711 High Street
	Des Moines, IA 50392
(2)	Principal Vida Chile
	Av Apoquindo 3600
	Las Condes
	Santiago, Chile

Item 26. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Depositor or the Registrant

The Registrant is a separate account of Principal Life Insurance Company (the "Depositor") and is operated as a unit investment trust. Registrant supports benefits payable under Depositor's variable life contracts by investing assets allocated to various investment options in shares of Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. and other mutual funds registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as open-end management investment companies of the "series" type. No person is directly or indirectly controlled by the Registrant.

The Depositor is wholly-owned by Principal Financial Services, Inc. Principal Financial Services, Inc. (an Iowa corporation) an intermediate holding company organized pursuant to Section 512A.14 of the Iowa Code. In turn, Principal Financial Services, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Principal Financial Group, Inc., a publicly traded company that filed consolidated financial statements with the SEC. A list of persons directly or indirectly controlled by or under common control with Depositor as of December 31, 2017 appears below:

None of the companies listed in such organization chart is a subsidiary of the Registrant; therefore, only the separate financial statements of Registrant and the consolidated financial statements of Depositor are being filed with this Registration Statement.

Principal Life Insurance Company - Organizational Structure
(December 31, 2017)
							Organized in	% Owned
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.							Delaware	Publicly Held
	-->Principal Financial Services, Inc.*#						Iowa	100
		-->PFG DO Brasil LTDA*#					Brazil	100
			-->Brasilprev Seguros E Previdencia S.A.*				Brazil	50
			-->Principal Global Investors Participacoes, LTDA*#				Brazil	100
			-->Claritas Investments LTD*#				Cayman Islands	100
			-->Claritas Administracao de Recursos LTDA*#				Brazil	73.75
			-->PFG Do Brasil 2 Participacoes LTDA*#				Brazil	100
				-->Ciclic Corretora de Seguros S.A.*#			Brazil	100
		-->Principal International, LLC.*#					Iowa	100
			-->Principal International (Asia) Limited*#				Hong Kong	100
				-->Principal Asia Pacific Investment Consulting (Beijing) Limited*#			China	100
				-->Principal International (South Asia) SDN, BHD*#			Malaysia	100
				-->Principal Global Investors (Asia) Limited*#			Hong Kong	100
				-->Principal Nominee Company (Hong Kong) Limited*#			Hong Kong	100
				-->Principal Asset Management Company (Asia) Limited*#			Hong Kong	100
				-->Principal Trust Company (Hong Kong) Limited*			Hong Kong	100
				-->Principal Insurance Company (Hong Kong) Limited*#			Hong Kong	100
					-->Principal Trust Company (Bermuda) Limited*#		Bermuda	100
				-->CIMB - Principal Asset Management Berhad*			Malaysia	40
					-->CIMB Wealth Advisors Berhad*		Malaysia	100
					-->CIMB - Principal Asset Management (S) PTE LTD*#		Singapore	100
					-->CIMB - Principal Asset Management Company Limited*		Thailand	99.99
						-->Finansa Asset Management Limited *#<	Thailand	100
					-->PT CIMB Principal Asset Management*		Indonesia	99
				-->Principal Trust Company (Asia) Limited*#			Hong Kong	100
				-->Principal Investment & Retirement Services Limited*#			Hong Kong	100
			-->Principal Consulting (India) Private Limited*#				India	100
		-->Principal Global Investors Holding Company, LLC*#					Delaware	100
			-->Principal Global Investors (Ireland) Limited*#				Ireland	100
			-->Principal Global Financial Services (Europe) II LTD*#				United Kingdom	100
				-->Principal Global Investors (Europe) Limited*			Wales/United Kingdom	100
					-->Principal Global Investors (Switzerland) GMBH*		Switzerland	100
				-->PGI Origin Holding Company LTD*#<			Wales/United Kingdom	100
					-->Origin Asset Management LLP*#<		Wales/United Kingdom	76.6
				-->PGI Finisterre Holding Company LTD*			Wales/United Kingdom	100
				-->Finisterre Holdings Limited*			Malta	82.5
					-->Finisterre Capital UK Limited*		Wales/United Kingdom	100
						-->Finisterre Capital LLP*	Wales/United Kingdom	86
					-->Finisterre Malta Limited*		Malta	100
					-->Finisterre USA, Inc.*		Delaware	100
			-->Principal Global Investors (Singapore) Limited*#				Singapore	100
			-->Principal Global Investors (Japan) Limited*#				Japan	100
			-->Principal Global Investors (Hong Kong) Limited*#				Hong Kong	100
		-->Principal Global Investors Holding Company (US), LLC*#					Delaware	100
		-->CIMB Principal Islamic Asset Management SDN. BHD*#					Malaysia	50

-->Principal Financial Group (Mauritius) LTD*#					Mauritius	100
	-->Principal PNB Asset Management Company Private Limited*#				India	78.6
	-->Principal Trustee Company Private Limited*#				India	70
	-->Principal Retirement Advisors Private Limited*#				India	100
-->Principal Life Insurance Company+#					Iowa	100
	-->Principal Real Estate Fund Investors, LLC*#<				Delaware	100
	-->Principal Development Investors, LLC*#<				Delaware	100
	-->Principal Real Estate Holding Company, LLC*#<				Delaware	100
		-->GAVI PREHC HC, LLC*#<			Delaware	100
	-->Principal Global Investors, LLC*#<				Delaware	100
		-->Principal Real Estate Investors, LLC*#			Delaware	100
		-->Principal Enterprise Capital, LLC*#			Delaware	100
		-->Principal Commercial Funding, LLC*#<			Delaware	100
		-->Principal Global Columbus Circle, LLC*#<			Delaware	100
			-->CCI Capital Partners, LLC *#<		Delaware	100
		-->Post Advisory Group, LLC*#<			Delaware	80
			-->Post Advisory Europe Limited*#<		Wales/United Kingdom	100
		-->Principal Global Investors Trust*#<			Delaware	100
		-->Spectrum Asset Management, Inc.*#<			Connecticut	100
		-->CCIP, LLC*#<			Delaware	100
			-->Columbus Circle Investors*#<		Delaware	100
	-->Principal Holding Company, LLC*#<				Iowa	100
		-->Petula Associates, LLC*<			Iowa	100
			-->Principal Real Estate Portfolio, Inc.*#<		Delaware	100
				-->GAVI PREPI HC, LLC*#<	Delaware	100
			-->Petula Prolix Development Company*#<		Iowa	100
			-->Principal Commercial Acceptance, LLC*#<		Delaware	100
		-->Principal Generation Plant, LLC*#<			Delaware	100
		-->Principal Bank*#<			Iowa	100
		-->Equity FC, LTD*#<			Iowa	100
		-->Principal Dental Services, Inc.*#<			Arizona	100
			-->Employers Dental Services, Inc.*#<		Arizona	100
		-->First Dental Health*#<			California	100
		-->Delaware Charter Guarantee & Trust Company*#<			Delaware	100
		-->Preferred Product Network, Inc.*#<			Delaware	100
	-->Principal Reinsurance Company of Vermont*#				Vermont	100
	-->Principal Life Insurance Company of Iowa*#<				Iowa	100
		-->Principal Reinsurance Company of Delaware*#<			Delaware	100
		-->Principal Reinsurance Company of Delaware II*#<			Delaware	100
-->Principal Financial Services (Australia), Inc.*#					Iowa	100
	-->Principal Global Investors (Australia) Service Company Pty Limited*#				Australia	100
		-->Principal Global Investors (Australia) Limited*#			Australia	100
-->Principal International Holding Company, LLC*#					Delaware	100
-->Principal Management Corporation*#					Iowa	100
	-->Principal Financial Advisors, Inc.*#				Iowa	100
	-->Principal Shareholder Services, Inc.*#				Washington	100
	-->Edge Asset Management, Inc.*#				Washington	100
	-->Principal Funds Distributor, Inc.*#				Washington	100
-->Principal Global Services Private Limited*#					India	100
-->CCB Principal Asset Management Company, LTD*					China	25
-->Principal Financial Services I (US), LLC*#					Delaware	100
	-->Principal Financial Services II (US), LLC*#				Delaware	100
	-->Principal Financial Services I (UK) LLP *#				Wales/United Kingdom	100
		-->Principal Financial Services IV (UK) LLP*#			United Kingdom	100
			-->Principal Financial Services V (UK) LTD.*#		United Kingdom	100
		-->Principal Financial Services II (UK) LTD.*#			Wales/United Kingdom	100
			-->D102Principal Financial Services III (UK) LTD.*#		Wales/United Kingdom	100
				-->Principal Financial Services Asia LTD*#	United Kingdom	100

-->Principal International India LTD*#

United Kingdom

100

-->Principal Financial Services VI (UK) LTD*#

United Kingdom

100

-->Principal Global Financial Services (Europe) LTD*#

United Kingdom

100

-->Liongate Capital Management LLP*

Wales/United Kingdom

55

-->LGCM (Cayman) Limited*

Cayman Islands

100

-->LG Capital (UK) Limited*

Wales/United Kingdom

100

-->Liongate Limited*

Malta

55

-->Liongate Capital Management (Cayman) Limited*

Cayman Islands

100

-->Liongate Capital Management (UK) Limited*

Wales/United Kingdom

100

-->Liongate Capital Management Limited*

Malta

100

-->Liongate Capital Management (India) Private Limited*

India

100

-->Liongate Capital Management Inc.*

Delaware

100

-->Liongate Capital Management (US) LP*

Delaware

100

-->Principal Financial Services Latin America LTD.*#

Wales/United Kingdom

100

-->Principal International Latin America LTD.*#

United Kingdom

100

-->Principal International Mexico, LLC*#

Delaware

100

-->Principal Mexico Servicios, S.A. de C.V.*#

Mexico

100

-->Distribuidora Principal Mexico, S.A. de C.V.*#

Mexico

100

-->Principal Financial Group, S.A. de C. V. Grupo Financiero*#

Mexico

100

-->Principal Afore, S. A. de C.V., Principal Grupo Financiero*#

Mexico

100

-->Principal Fondos de Inversion S.A. de C.V., Operadora de Fondos de Inversion, Principal Grupo Financiero*#

Mexico

100

-->Principal Seguros, S.A. de C.V., Principal Grupo Financiero*#

Mexico

100

-->Principal Pensiones, S.A. de C.V., Principal Grupo Financiero*#

Mexico

100

-->Principal International South America I LTD.*#

Wales/United Kingdom

100

-->Principal International South America II LTD.*#

Wales/United Kingdom

100

-->Principal International South America II LTD., Agencia En Chile*#

Chile/United Kingdom

100

-->Principal International de Chile, S.A.*#

Chile

100

-->Principal Compania de Seguros de Vida Chile S.A.*#

Chile

100

-->Principal Administradora General de Fondos S.A.*#

Chile

100

-->Principal Asset Management Chile S.A.*#

Chile

100

-->Principal Servicios Corporativos Chile LTDA*#

Chile

100

-->Principal Servicios de Administracion S.A.*#

Chile

100

-->Hipotecaria Security Principal, S.A.*

Chile

49

-->Principal Holding Company Chile S.A.*#

Chile

100

-->Principal Chile Limitada*#

Chile

100

-->Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones Cuprum S.A.*#

Chile

97

-->Inversiones Cuprum Internacional S.A.*#

Chile

100

-->Principal National Life Insurance Company+#

Iowa

100

-->Diversified Dental Services, Inc.*#

Nevada

100

-->Morley Financial Services, Inc.*#

Oregon

100

-->Morley Capital Management, Inc.*#

Oregon

100

-->Principal Global Investors Trust Company*#

Oregon

100

-->Principal Investors Corporation*#

New Jersey

100

+ Consolidated financial statements are filed with the SEC.

* Not required to file financial statements with the SEC.

# Included in the consolidated financial statements of Principal Financial Group, Inc. filed with the SEC.

= Separate Financial statements are filed with SEC.

< Included in the financial statements of Principal Life Insurance Company filed with the SEC.

Item 27. Number of Contractowners - As of March 31, 2018

(1)	(2)
	Number of
Title of Class	Contractowners
BFA Variable Annuity Contracts	6
Pension Builder Plus Contracts	71
Personal Variable Contracts	9
Premier Variable Contracts	20
Flexible Variable Annuity Contract	16,189
Freedom Variable Annuity Contract	710
Freedom 2 Variable Annuity Contract	226
Investment Plus Variable Annuity Contract	53,663
Principal Lifetime Income Solutions	1,001
Principal Pivot Series Variable Annuity	1,031
Principal Lifetime Income Solutions II	1,991

Item 28. Indemnification

Sections 490.851 through 490.859 of the Iowa Business Corporation Act permit corporations to indemnify directors and officers where (A) all of the following apply: the director or officer (i) acted in good faith; (ii) reasonably believed that (a) in the case of conduct in the individual's official capacity, that the individual's conduct was in the best interests of the corporation or (b) in all other cases, that the individual's conduct was at least not opposed to the best interests of the corporation; and (iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the individual had no reasonable cause to believe the individual's conduct was unlawful; and (B) the individual engaged in conduct for which broader indemnification has been made permissible or obligatory under a provision of the corporation's articles of incorporation.

Unless ordered by a court pursuant to the Iowa Business Corporation Act, a corporation shall not indemnify a director or officer in either of the following circumstances: (A) in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation, except for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding if it is determined that the director has met the relevant standard of conduct (above) or (B) in connection with any proceeding with respect to conduct for which the director was adjudged liable on the basis that the director receive a financial benefit to which he or she was not entitled, whether or not involving action in the director's official capacity.

Registrant's By-Laws provide that it shall indemnify directors and officers against damages, awards, settlements and costs reasonably incurred or imposed in connection with any suit or proceeding to which such person is or may be made a party by reason of being a director or officer of the Registrant. Such rights of indemnification are in addition to any rights to indemnity to which the person may be entitled under Iowa law and are subject to any limitations imposed by the Board of Directors. The Board has provided that certain procedures must be followed for indemnification of officers, and that there is no indemnity of officers when there is a final adjudication of liability based upon acts which constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

Item 29. Principal Underwriters

(a)Other Activity

Principal Securities, Inc. (formerly Princor Financial Services Corporation) acts as principal underwriter for variable annuity contracts issued by Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B, a registered unit investment trust and for variable life insurance contracts issued by Principal Life Insurance Company Variable Life Separate Account, a registered unit investment trust.

(b)Management

(b1)	(b2)
Name and principal	Positions and offices
business address	with principal underwriter
Deborah J. Barnhart	Director/Distribution (PPN)
Principal Financial Group(1)
Nicholas M. Cecere	Senior Vice President and Director
Principal Financial Group(1)
Scott A. Christensen	Chief Financial Officer
Principal Financial Group(1)
William Dunker	AML Officer
Principal Financial Group(1)
Nora M. Everett	Director
Principal Financial Group(1)
Stephen G. Gallaher	Assistant General Counsel/Assistant Corporate Secretary
Principal Financial Group(1)
Gina L. Graham	Vice President and Treasurer
Principal Financial Group(1)
Lee M. Harms	Chief Information Security Officer
Principal Financial Group(1)
Grady Holt	Vice President - Advisory Services
Principal Financial Group(1)
Kara Hoogensen	Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Principal Financial Group(1)
Jennifer Litchfield	Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer
Principal Financial Group(1)
Julie LeClere	Senior Vice President/Managing Director
Principal Financial Group(1)
Martin R. Richardson	Vice President - Broker Dealer Operations
Principal Financial Group(1)
Karen E. Shaff	Executive Vice President/General Counsel/Corporate Secretary
Principal Financial Group(1)
Deanna D. Strable-Soethout	Director
Principal Financial Group(1)
Jeffrey A. Van Baale	Chief Information Officer
Principal Financial Group(1)

(b1)	(b2)
Name and principal	Positions and offices
business address	with principal underwriter
Traci L. Weldon	Senior Vice President
Principal Financial Group(1)
Dan L. Westholm	Assistant Vice President - Treasury
Principal Financial Group(1)
(1)   655 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50392

(c)Compensation from the Registrant

(1) Name of Principal Underwriter	(2) Net Underwriting Discounts & Commissions	(3) Compensation on Events Occasioning the Deduction of a Deferred Sales Load	(4) Brokerage Commissions	(5) Compensation
Principal Securities, Inc. (formerly Princor Financial Services Corporation)	$38,532,142.03	0	0	0

Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records

All accounts, books or other documents of the Registrant are located at the offices of the Depositor, The Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392.

Item 31. Management Services

N/A

Item 32. Undertakings

The Registrant undertakes that in restricting cash withdrawals from Tax Sheltered Annuities to prohibit cash withdrawals before the Participant attains age 59½, separates from service, dies, or becomes disabled or in the case of hardship, Registrant acts in reliance on SEC No Action Letter addressed to American Counsel of Life Insurance (available November 28, 1988). Registrant further undertakes that:

1. Registrant has included appropriate disclosure regarding the redemption restrictions imposed by Section 403(b)(11) in its registration statement, including the prospectus, used in connection with the offer of the contract;

2. Registrant will include appropriate disclosure regarding the redemption restrictions imposed by Section 403(b)(11) in any sales literature used in connection with the offer of the contract;

3. Registrant will instruct sales representatives who solicit Plan Participants to purchase the contract specifically to bring the redemption restrictions imposed by Section 403(b)(11) to the attention of the potential Plan Participants; and

4. Registrant will obtain from each Plan Participant who purchases a Section 403(b) annuity contract, prior to or at the time of such purchase, a signed statement acknowledging the Plan Participant's understanding of (a) the restrictions on redemption imposed by Section 403(b)(11), and (b) the investment alternatives available under the employer's Section 403(b) arrangement, to which the Plan Participant may elect to transfer his contract value.

Fee Representation

Principal Life Insurance Company represents the fees and charges deducted under the Policy, in the aggregate, are reasonable in relation to the services rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and the risks assumed by the Company.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant, Principal Life Insurance Company Variable Life Separate Account, has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereto duly authorized, and its seal to be hereunto affixed and attested, in the City of Des Moines and State of Iowa, on the 27th day of April, 2018.

	PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
	SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
	(Registrant)
	By :	/s/ D. J. Houston
		D. J. Houston
		Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
	PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
	(Depositor)
	By :	/s/ D. J. Houston
		D. J. Houston
		Chairman of the Board
		Director, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Attest:
/s/ Clint Woods
Clint Woods
Assistant Corporate Secretary and Governance Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this amendment to the registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

Signature	Title	Date
/s/ D. J. Houston	Director, Chairman of the Board	April 27, 2018
D. J. Houston	Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ A. R. Sanders	Senior Vice President and Controller	April 27, 2018
A. R. Sanders	(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ D. D. Strable-Soethout	Executive Vice President and	April 27, 2018
D. D. Strable-Soethout	Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial Officer)
(B. J. Bernard)*	Director	April 27, 2018
B. J. Bernard
(J. Carter-Miller)*	Director	April 27, 2018
J. Carter-Miller
(M. T. Dan)*	Director	April 27, 2018
M. T. Dan
(D. H. Ferro)*	Director	April 27, 2018
D. H. Ferro
(C. D. Gelatt, Jr.)*	Director	April 27, 2018
C. D. Gelatt, Jr.
(S. L. Helton)*	Director	April 27, 2018
S. L. Helton
(R. C. Hochschild)*	Director	April 27, 2018
R. C. Hochschild
(S. M. Mills)*	Director	April 27, 2018
S. M. Mills
(D. C. Nordin)*	Director	April 27, 2018
D. C. Nordin
(B. C. Pickerell)*	Director	April 27, 2018
B. C. Pickerell
(E. E. Tallett)*	Director	April 27, 2018
E. E. Tallett
*By	/s/ D. J. Houston
	D. J. Houston
	Director, Chairman of the Board
	Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
*	Powers of Attorney filed herein