Capped S&P 500 index-linked notes from Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS)
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
GS Finance Corp., guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., is offering Digital S&P 500 Index-Linked Notes due 2028 under its medium-term note program. The notes pay no interest and the amount repaid at maturity depends on the S&P 500 Index level on the determination date versus its initial level on the trade date.
If the final index level is at or above 80% of the initial level (the trigger buffer level), holders receive a maximum settlement amount of at least $1,140 per $1,000 face amount, capping upside even if the index more than doubles. If the final level falls below the trigger buffer, principal is reduced 1% for each 1% decline from the initial level, so investors can lose up to their entire investment.
The notes are unsecured obligations subject to the credit risk of GS Finance Corp. and the guarantor, may have limited or no secondary market, and carry uncertain U.S. tax treatment, which counsel currently characterizes as a prepaid derivative contract on the index.
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FAQ
What are the GS (Goldman Sachs) Digital S&P 500 Index-Linked Notes due 2028?
The notes are unsecured debt of GS Finance Corp., guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., whose repayment is linked to the performance of the S&P 500 Index rather than a fixed interest rate. They are part of the issuer's Medium-Term Notes, Series F program and pay a cash amount at maturity based on index performance.
How is the payoff on the GS Digital S&P 500 notes calculated at maturity?
For each $1,000 face amount, the cash settlement amount on the stated maturity date equals: if the final S&P 500 level is greater than or equal to the 80% trigger buffer level, investors receive the maximum settlement amount of at least $1,140; if the final level is below the trigger buffer, the payment is $1,000 plus $1,000 times the underlier return, which can reduce principal to zero.
What is the trigger buffer level and maximum settlement amount on these GS notes?
The trigger buffer level is 80% of the initial S&P 500 level, representing a 20% buffer against index declines. The maximum settlement amount is at least $1,140 per $1,000 face amount, meaning upside is capped at a 14% return at maturity, even if the index increases substantially above its initial level.
Do the GS Digital S&P 500 Index-Linked Notes pay interest before maturity?
No. The notes explicitly do not bear interest. Investors receive no periodic coupon payments; all return, positive or negative, is realized only at maturity through the cash settlement amount linked to the S&P 500 performance.
What are the main risks of investing in the GS Digital S&P 500 notes?
Key risks include potential loss of up to 100% of principal if the final index level is below 80% of the initial level, capped upside at the maximum settlement amount, lack of shareholder rights or dividends on index stocks, uncertain and potentially unfavorable secondary market pricing, and full exposure to the credit risk of GS Finance Corp. and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
What are the important dates for the GS Digital S&P 500 Index-Linked Notes?
The expected trade date is February 26, 2026, the original issue date is March 3, 2026, the determination date is February 28, 2028, and the stated maturity date is March 2, 2028, each subject to adjustment as described in the accompanying general terms supplement.
How are these GS Digital S&P 500 notes treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes?
According to the opinion of Sidley Austin LLP, investors will be required to treat each note as a pre-paid derivative contract on the S&P 500 for U.S. federal income tax purposes. On sale, exchange or maturity, it would be reasonable to recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the cash received and tax basis, though the IRS could assert a different treatment.


