GS Finance offers Nasdaq‑100‑linked notes with 138% upside
GS Finance Corp. offers structured notes linked to the Nasdaq-100 Index under a Pricing Supplement dated May 18, 2026.
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
GS Finance Corp. offers structured notes linked to the Nasdaq-100 Index under a Pricing Supplement dated May 18, 2026. The offering has an aggregate face amount of $1,261,000 and an original issue price equal to 100% of face amount. The notes pay no interest, carry a 138% upside participation rate, and feature an automatic call on May 21, 2027 if the closing level of the Nasdaq-100 is greater than or equal to the initial level. If called, holders receive $1,150 per $1,000 face amount; if not called, maturity payoff on May 22, 2031 depends on the final underlier level relative to the initial level and an 80% trigger buffer. The notes are senior unsecured obligations of GS Finance Corp., fully and unconditionally guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., and are subject to issuer and guarantor credit risk.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Insights
The notes are a prepaid derivative with material structural and tax uncertainties.
The document states the notes will be characterized as a pre‑paid derivative contract for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but notes that tax treatment is uncertain and could change if the IRS or courts decide otherwise. The pricing supplement cites Sidley Austin LLP's opinion on this treatment.
The notes include an automatic call feature, capped call payoff, and an 80% trigger buffer; counsel opinion and FATCA withholding language are disclosed. Relevant monitorable items for holders include any administrative or tax guidance that affects the derivative characterization.
Payoff profile is asymmetric: capped early call and leveraged upside versus full downside exposure below the 80% buffer.
The notes pay no interest and use a 138% upside participation rate on positive underlier returns; automatic call pays $1,150 per $1,000 if the underlier on the call observation date is >= the initial level. If final underlier < 80% of initial, loss equals underlier return × $1,000, potentially a 100% loss.
Market/value drivers include underlier level, volatility, interest rates, and issuer/guarantor creditworthiness. Secondary‑market liquidity is not guaranteed and GS&Co. may cease market‑making at any time.
Key Figures
Key Terms
Upside participation rate financial
Trigger buffer level financial
Pre‑paid derivative contract regulatory
Automatic call financial
Offering Details
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What is the payoff if the Nasdaq-100 is at or above the initial level on the call observation date for GS notes?
What happens at maturity if the final underlier level is below the 80% trigger buffer?
Do these GS notes pay periodic interest or dividends?
Who bears credit risk for payments on the notes (GS)?
What is the stated maturity and key dates for these notes?
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.


