Goldman Sachs (GS) offers S&P 500 buffer notes: 150% upside, 10% buffer
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
The pricing supplement describes offered notes issued by GS Finance Corp., guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., linked to the S&P 500® Index. The offering has an aggregate face amount of $2,841,000 and $1,000 face amount per note. The notes pay no interest and mature on June 21, 2027, with the final cash payment determined from the arithmetic average of the S&P 500 closing level on ten averaging dates in June 2027, measured from an initial underlier level of 7,501.24 set on May 14, 2026.
At maturity the holder receives: (1) if the final underlier level is above the initial level, a positive return equal to the 150% upside participation rate of the underlier return subject to a $1,131.50 maximum settlement amount; (2) if the final level is between the initial level and the 90% buffer level, the face amount of $1,000; or (3) if the final level is below the buffer level, a loss equal to the decline beyond the buffer (buffer amount 10%, buffer rate 100%), which can materially reduce principal. The notes are part of the Medium-Term Notes, Series F program and are subject to the issuer and guarantor credit risk, limited secondary-market liquidity, distribution conflicts of interest, and uncertain U.S. federal income tax treatment.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Notes provide leveraged upside to the S&P 500 with a 10% downside buffer and a capped payout.
The notes link cash settlement to the arithmetic average of the S&P 500 across ten averaging dates in June 2027, with an $1,131.50 cap per $1,000 face amount and an 150% upside participation rate. The structure gives magnified upside up to the cap and preserves principal only if the final underlier level stays above the 90% buffer level.
Key dependencies include the initial underlier level of 7,501.24, issuer and guarantor creditworthiness, and market liquidity. The tax characterization is uncertain; counsel treats the notes as a pre-paid derivative contract. Monitor periodic disclosures for adjustments to averaging dates or tax guidance.


