Principal Variable Contracts Funds Inc.

09/20/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/20/2021 09:06

Filing by Investment Company (SEC Filing - 497)


Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc.
Supplement dated September 20, 2021
to the Statement of Additional Information dated May 1, 2021
(as previously supplemented)
(Not all Accounts are offered in all variable annuity and variable life contracts.)
This supplement updates information currently in the Statement of Additional Information. Please retain this supplement for future reference.
On or about May 1, 2022, the International Emerging Markets Account will change its name to the Global Emerging Markets Account. At that time, delete all references in this statement of additional information to International Emerging Markets Account, and replace with Global Emerging Markets Account.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS' INVESTMENTS AND RISKS
In the Other Investment Strategies and Risks section, after Short Sales, add the following:
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies ("SPACs")
The Accounts may invest in securities of special purpose acquisition companies ("SPACs") or similar special purpose entities that pool funds to seek potential acquisition opportunities. Unless and until an acquisition is completed, a SPAC or similar entity generally maintains assets (less a portion retained to cover expenses) in a trust account comprised of U.S. Government securities, money market securities, and cash, and similar investments whose returns or yields may be significantly lower than those of the Account's other investments. Because SPACs and similar entities are in essence blank-check companies without an operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the entity's management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition, which may not occur. For example, even if an acquisition or merger target is identified, the Account may elect not to participate in, or vote to approve, the proposed transaction. Moreover, an acquisition or merger once effected may prove unsuccessful and an investment in the SPAC may lose value.
SPACs are also subject to the following additional risks:
•The risk that, in the case of SPACs used as an opportunity for startups to go public without going through the traditional IPO process, such startups may become publicly traded with potentially less due diligence than what is typical in a traditional IPO through an underwriter.
•Since SPAC sponsors often stand to earn equity in the company if a deal is completed, SPAC sponsors may have a potential conflict of interest in completing a deal that may be unfavorable for other investors in the SPAC.
•A SPAC may allow shareholders to redeem their pro rata investment immediately after the SPAC announces a proposed acquisition, sometimes including interest, which may prevent the entity's management from completing the transaction.
•Some SPACs may pursue acquisitions only within certain industries or regions, which may increase the volatility of their prices.
•Only a thinly traded market for shares of or interests in a SPAC may develop, or there may be no market at all, leaving the Account unable to sell its interest in a SPAC or to sell its interest only at a lower price. Investments in SPACs may include private placements, including PIPEs, and, accordingly, may be considered illiquid and/or be subject to restrictions on resale.
•Values of investments in SPACs may be highly volatile and may depreciate significantly over time.
•Changes in regulatory oversight and/or requirements related to SPACs could adversely affect the value of an Account's interest in a SPAC.
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LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND BOARD
Delete the first two paragraphs and replace with the following:
PVC's Board has overall responsibility for overseeing PVC's operations in accordance with the 1940 Act, other applicable laws, and PVC's charter. Each Board Member serves on the Boards of the following investment companies sponsored by Principal Life Insurance Company: Principal Funds, Inc. ("PFI"), Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. ("PVC"), Principal Exchange-Traded Funds ("PETF"), and Principal Diversified Select Real Asset Fund ("PDSRA"), which are collectively referred to in this SAI as the "Fund Complex." Board Members that are affiliated persons of any investment advisor, the principal distributor, or the principal underwriter of the Fund Complex are considered "interested persons" of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act) and are referred to in this SAI as "Interested Board Members." Board Members who are not Interested Board Members are referred to as "Independent Board Members."
Each Board Member generally serves until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until such Board Member's earlier death, resignation, or removal. Independent Board Members have a 72-year age limit and, for Independent Board Members elected on or after September 14, 2021, a 72-year age limit or a 15-year term limit, whichever occurs first. The Board may waive the age or term limits in the Board's discretion. The Board elects officers to supervise the day-to-day operations of the Fund Complex. Officers serve at the pleasure of the Board, and each officer has the same position with each investment company in the Fund Complex.
In theCommittee and Independent Board Memberstable, delete the Primary Purpose and Responsibilities in the Nominating and Governance Committee row and replace with the following:
The Committee's primary purpose is to oversee the structure and efficiency of the Board and the committees. The Committee is responsible for evaluating Board membership and functions, committee membership and functions, insurance coverage, and legal matters. The Committee's nominating functions include selecting and nominating Independent Board Member candidates for election to the Board. Generally, the Committee requests nominee suggestions from Board Members and management. In addition, the Committee considers candidates recommended by shareholders of the Fund Complex. Recommendations should be submitted in writing to the Principal Funds Complex Secretary, in care of the Principal Funds Complex, 711 High Street, Des Moines, IA 50392. Such recommendations must include all information specified in the Committee's charter and must conform with the procedures set forth in Appendix A thereto, which can be found at https://www.principalglobal.com/documentdownload/160950. Examples of such information include the nominee's biographical information; relevant educational and professional background of the nominee; the number of shares of each Account owned of record and beneficially by the nominee and by the recommending shareholder; any other information regarding the nominee that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of board members; whether the nominee is an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act; and the written consent of the nominee to be named as a nominee and serve as a board member if elected.
When evaluating a potential nominee for Independent Board Member, the Committee may consider, among other factors: educational background; relevant business and industry experience; whether the person is an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act; and whether the person is willing to serve, and willing and able to commit the time necessary to attend meetings and perform the duties of an Independent Board Member. In addition, the Committee may consider whether a candidate's background, experience, skills and views would complement the background, experience, skills and views of other Board Members and would contribute to the diversity of the Board. The Committee meets with nominees and conducts a reference check. The final decision is based on a combination of factors, including the strengths and the experience an individual may bring to the Board. The Board does not regularly use the services of professional search firms to identify or evaluate potential candidates or nominees.

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INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
Effective January 1, 2022, under Management Agreement, delete the row for International Emerging Markets in the first table and replace with the following:
Net Asset Value of Account
Account
First
$250 million
Next
$250 million
Next
$250 million
Next
$250 million
Thereafter
International Emerging Markets
1.00%
0.98%
0.96%
0.95%
0.90%
Effective January 1, 2022, under Management Agreement, delete the row for LargeCap S&P 500 Index in the second table and add the following after the fourth table:
Net Asset Value of Account
Account
First
$3 billion
Over
$3 billion
LargeCap S&P 500 Index 0.24% 0.23%
Effective January 1, 2022, under Management Agreement, delete the row for Real Estate Securities in the last table and replace with the following:
Net Asset Value of Account
Account
First
$100 million
Next
$100 million
Next
$100 million
Next
$100 million
Thereafter
Real Estate Securities 0.79%
0.77%
0.73%
0.70%
0.68%
PORTFOLIO MANAGER DISCLOSURE
Effective September 30, 2021, delete all references to Alan Wang.
Effective September 30, 2021, in the Advisor: Principal Global Investors, LLC (Equity Portfolio Managers)Ownership of Securitiestable, delete Paul H. Blankenhagen, and add the following in alphabetical order:
Ownership of Securities
Portfolio Manager
PVC Accounts Managed by Portfolio Manager
Dollar Range of Securities Owned by the Portfolio Manager
Paul H. Blankenhagen Diversified International None
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