GS Finance (GS) issues leveraged buffered Russell 2000 Index notes due 2028
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
GS Finance Corp., guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., is offering leveraged buffered notes linked to the Russell 2000® Index, maturing in February 2028. The notes do not pay interest and repay an amount at maturity based on index performance from the January 30, 2026 trade date to the January 31, 2028 determination date.
If the final index level is above the initial level, investors receive $1,000 plus 200% of the index gain, but the payoff is capped at a maximum settlement amount of at least $1,250 per $1,000 note. If the index falls by up to the 10% buffer (down to a buffer level of 90% of the initial level), investors receive back the $1,000 face amount.
If the index finishes below the 90% buffer level, principal is reduced 1-for-1 with further declines, so investors can lose a substantial portion of their investment. The notes are subject to the credit risk of GS Finance Corp. and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., have uncertain U.S. tax treatment, and may have limited or no secondary market liquidity.
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FAQ
What are the GS (GS) Leveraged Buffered Russell 2000 Index-Linked Notes due 2028?
These notes are unsecured debt of GS Finance Corp., fully and unconditionally guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.. The repayment at maturity depends on the performance of the Russell 2000® Index over a term running from the January 30, 2026 trade date to the February 3, 2028 stated maturity date and is paid in cash.
How is the maturity payment on the GS Russell 2000 leveraged buffered notes calculated?
For each $1,000 note, if the final index level is above the initial level, the holder receives $1,000 + ($1,000 × 200% × underlier return), subject to a maximum settlement amount of at least $1,250. If the final level is between the initial level and the 90% buffer level, the holder gets $1,000. If the final level is below the 90% buffer, the payoff is $1,000 + ($1,000 × 100% × (underlier return + 10%)), which can lead to substantial principal loss.
Do the GS Russell 2000 buffered notes pay interest?
No. The notes explicitly state that they do not bear interest. Investor return comes only from the cash settlement amount at maturity, which depends on the Russell 2000® Index level on the determination date.
What is the buffer and maximum return on these GS Russell 2000 notes?
The notes have a buffer amount of 10%, meaning declines in the Russell 2000® Index of up to 10% at maturity do not reduce repayment below the $1,000 face amount. Upside is leveraged with a 200% upside participation rate but is capped by a maximum settlement amount of at least $1,250 per $1,000 note, so gains beyond a certain index level do not increase the payoff further.
What are the main risks of investing in the GS (GS) Russell 2000 leveraged buffered notes?
Key risks include the possibility of losing a substantial portion of principal if the Russell 2000® Index ends below the 90% buffer level, lack of any interest payments, and potential secondary market illiquidity. The notes are subject to the credit risk of both GS Finance Corp. and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., and their market value can be affected by index volatility, interest rates, and credit perceptions. The issuer also notes that the estimated value at pricing is less than the original issue price.
How are these GS Russell 2000 notes expected to be 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 linked to the underlier. Under this approach, on sale, exchange or maturity, investors generally recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the cash received and their tax basis. The tax consequences are described as uncertain, and the notes are generally subject to FATCA withholding rules.


