Principal Financial Group Inc

Price formed a blow-off top near its 52-week high and has retraced into the rising EMA/SMA band, signaling medium-term exhaustion despite an intact uptrend. The blow-off top pattern argues for a bearish medium-term bias, while short-term conditions remain indecisive as price holds above the 9/20 EMA without clear rejection. Trim (deferred sell) is advised—stalk rallies into the rising 9/20 EMA and 50 SMA support zone for best execution.

• ↑Adjusted EPS climbed to $2.50 in Q2, up 17% YoY, beating guidance.
• ↑YTD capital returns reached $800 M, including $375 M repurchased in Q2.
• ↓Negative net cash flows of $11 B in Q2 threaten liquidity and FCF.