Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) sells buffered S&P 500-linked notes with capped upside
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
GS Finance Corp., fully guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., is issuing medium-term notes linked to the S&P 500 Index with an aggregate face amount of $1,331,000. Payment at maturity in August 2031 depends on index performance from the August 7, 2026 trade date to the determination date.
For each $1,000 note, if the final index level is at or above the initial level of 7,757.64, holders receive a capped maximum settlement amount of $1,523. If the index falls but stays at or above the 85% buffer level (a 15% decline), investors receive the full face amount. Below the buffer, principal loss amplifies at approximately 117.65% of index losses beyond the 15% buffer, down to a potential 100% loss of invested principal, and the notes pay no interest.
The notes are unsecured obligations subject to the credit risk of GS Finance Corp. and the guarantor. The initial issue price is 100% of face amount, with a 0.5% underwriting discount and 99.5% of face amount in net proceeds to the issuer. Tax treatment is uncertain and described as a pre-paid derivative contract in respect of the S&P 500 Index.
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Key Figures
Key Terms
buffer level financial
maximum settlement amount financial
pre-paid derivative contract financial
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) financial
market disruption event financial
section 871(m) financial
Offering Details
FAQ
What are the basic terms of the new GS (GS) S&P 500-linked notes?
The notes are medium-term unsecured obligations of GS Finance Corp., guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., with an aggregate face amount of $1,331,000. They mature in August 2031 and their payoff is linked to the performance of the S&P 500 Index.
How is the cash settlement amount on the GS (GS) notes calculated at maturity?
For each $1,000 note, if the final S&P 500 level is at or above the initial level, investors receive the $1,523 maximum settlement amount. Between the initial level and the 85% buffer level, they receive $1,000; below the buffer, principal losses increase at about 117.65% of excess index loss.
What downside protection and risks do the GS (GS) buffered notes offer?
The notes include a 15% buffer: if the S&P 500 falls by up to 15%, investors still receive full principal. Below the 85% buffer level, losses accelerate using a 117.65% buffer rate, and investors could lose their entire investment.
Do the GS (GS) S&P 500-linked notes pay interest or dividends?
No. The notes do not bear interest, and investors receive no dividends from S&P 500 companies. The total return comes solely from the cash settlement amount at maturity, subject to the cap of $1,523 per $1,000 and full downside exposure below the buffer.
What are the key dates for the GS (GS) buffered notes linked to the S&P 500?
The trade date is August 7, 2026, the original issue date is August 12, 2026, the determination date is August 7, 2031, and the stated maturity date is August 12, 2031, each subject to adjustment under the program’s terms.
What fees and proceeds are associated with the GS (GS) structured notes offering?
The notes are initially offered at 100% of face amount, with an underwriting discount of 0.5% of face amount. Net proceeds to GS Finance Corp. are 99.5% of the face amount, excluding additional concessions and marketing fees described in the distribution section.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.


