Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) launches S&P 500‑linked notes, $10.4M size, May 2031
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
GS Finance Corp. priced S&P 500®-linked, principal-at-risk notes with an aggregate face amount of $10,416,000. The notes pay no interest and mature on May 19, 2031. At maturity the cash payment per $1,000 face is capped at $1,421 if the final S&P 500 level is >= the buffer level (80%); if below the buffer the investor loses 1% of principal for each 1% decline below the buffer (20% downside cushion).
The notes were issued at 100% of face with a 0.75% underwriting discount (net proceeds 99.25% of face). They are senior obligations of GS Finance Corp., fully guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., exposed to both index performance and the issuer/guarantor credit risk.
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Insights
Capped, principal‑at‑risk note links payoff to S&P 500 with a 20% buffer and a fixed cap.
The notes deliver no coupons and provide a maturity payout per $1,000 face equal to the maximum settlement amount $1,421 if the final underlier level is at or above the buffer level (80% of initial). If the final underlier is below the buffer, the payoff declines dollar‑for‑dollar beyond the 20% buffer at a 100% buffer rate.
The instrument combines downside principal exposure with an upside cap, so holders trade unlimited downside beyond the buffer for a capped upside; market value prior to maturity will reflect underlier levels, volatility and issuer credit spreads.
Tax treatment is uncertain; counsel opinion treats notes as pre‑paid derivative contracts.
Sidley Austin LLP expresses the view that the notes are reasonably characterized as a pre‑paid derivative contract for U.S. federal income tax purposes, producing capital gain or loss on sale or maturity. The opinion acknowledges that the IRS could take a different position.
The pricing supplement also states the notes are generally subject to FATCA withholding and are not subject to section 871(m) dividend equivalence withholding as of the issue date; holders should consult tax advisors for their circumstances.
Key Figures
Key Terms
Buffer level financial
Underlier financial
Pre‑paid derivative contract regulatory
FATCA withholding regulatory
Section 871(m) regulatory
Offering Details
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