Principal Financial Group Inc. was one of fewer than 100 companies selected as the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” in 2007 by Ethisphere Magazine, a publication that looks at the correlation between ethics and profits. Other companies with strong ties to Greater Des Moines that also made the list were Sauer-Danfoss Inc. and Deere &Co.

The companies were selected from more than 5,000 companies across 30 industries for strong leadership in ethics and compliance, advancement in industry discourse on social and ethical issues and positive engagement in the communities in which they operate. Researchers and editors of Ethisphere looked at areas such as companies’ codes of ethics, activities to improve corporate citizenship and feedback from consumer action groups.

Principal especially has been focused on corporate citizenship, contributing more than $12.2 million to more than 800 community agencies through its grant program last year. It has the oldest corporate volunteer program in Iowa and allows employees to take eight hours of time to support a nonprofit organization of their choice.

For the complete list, visit www.ethisphere.com.