Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) launches Russell 2000 buffered notes with 200% upside and 127% cap
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
GS Finance Corp., guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., is offering medium-term leveraged buffered notes linked to the Russell 2000 Index, maturing in January 2028. These notes do not pay interest; instead, the payoff at maturity depends on index performance between the trade date and the determination date.
If the index rises, holders receive 200% of the index gain, capped at a maximum cash payment of 127% of face amount. If the index is flat or down but not by more than the 10% buffer, investors receive their full principal. Losses begin if the index falls more than 10%, with dollar-for-dollar downside beyond that level, so a large decline in the index can cause a substantial loss of principal.
The notes are unsecured obligations subject to the credit risk of both GS Finance Corp. and its parent guarantor. The estimated value at pricing is disclosed as being below the original issue price, and liquidity may be limited because the notes will not be listed on an exchange and any market-making by affiliates is discretionary. The tax treatment is uncertain, though the issuer intends to treat the notes as prepaid derivative contracts for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
FAQ
What are GS (Goldman Sachs) Leveraged Buffered Russell 2000 Index-Linked Notes?
These notes are medium-term structured securities issued by GS Finance Corp. and guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Their value at maturity is tied to the performance of the Russell 2000 Index rather than a fixed interest rate. They offer leveraged upside exposure to the index with a limited buffer against moderate losses, but they are unsecured obligations and expose holders to the issuer’s and guarantor’s credit risk.
How is the payoff on the GS Russell 2000 buffered notes calculated at maturity?
For each $1,000 face amount, if the final Russell 2000 Index level is above the initial level, holders receive $1,000 plus 200% of the index gain, capped at a maximum settlement amount of $1,270. If the final level is between 90% and 100% of the initial level, holders receive $1,000. If the final level is below 90% of the initial level, the payoff is $1,000 plus 100% of the index return plus the 10% buffer, which can reduce the payment significantly.
What downside protection and upside cap do these GS structured notes provide?
The notes include a 10% buffer on the downside: as long as the Russell 2000 Index does not fall more than 10% from its initial level, principal is returned at maturity. Beyond this, losses are one-for-one with further index declines. On the upside, the notes provide 200% participation in index gains, but the total payment is capped at 127% of face value, so investors do not benefit from index increases above approximately 113.5% of the initial level.
Do the GS Leveraged Buffered Russell 2000 notes pay interest or dividends?
No. The notes do not bear interest, and investors receive no periodic coupon payments. Holders also have no rights to dividends or other distributions from the Russell 2000 Index constituent stocks. All value comes from the single cash payment at maturity, which depends on index performance and is subject to the stated leverage, cap, and buffer features.
What are the main risks of investing in these GS Russell 2000 index-linked notes?
Key risks include the possibility of substantial principal loss if the Russell 2000 Index falls more than 10%, the lack of interest payments, and the fact that the estimated value at pricing is lower than the original issue price because of fees and structuring costs. The notes are subject to the credit risk of GS Finance Corp. and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Liquidity may be limited since the notes will not be listed on an exchange and any secondary market making by affiliates is discretionary and may be discontinued.
How are these GS Russell 2000 notes expected to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes?
According to tax counsel, it is reasonable to treat the notes as pre-paid derivative contracts on the underlier. Under this approach, investors generally recognize capital gain or loss upon sale, exchange or maturity, equal to the difference between the cash received and their tax basis. However, the tax consequences are uncertain, and the Internal Revenue Service could assert a different treatment. The issuer also states that the notes are not expected to be subject to dividend equivalent withholding under Section 871(m), and that they will generally be subject to FATCA withholding rules.
Will there be an active trading market for the GS Leveraged Buffered Russell 2000 notes?
The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or interdealer quotation system. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC has indicated it intends to make a market, but is not obligated to do so and may stop at any time. Secondary market prices will be influenced by many factors, including underlier performance, interest rates, volatility, time to maturity and the perceived creditworthiness of the issuer and guarantor, and may be significantly below the original issue price.


