GS Finance priced 121%‑participation, 15%‑buffer notes
GS Finance Corp. priced buffered, upside-participation notes linked to the S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index.
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
GS Finance Corp. priced buffered, upside-participation notes linked to the S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index. Each note has a $1,000 face amount, an upside participation rate of 121%, a 15% buffer (buffer level 85%), and pays no interest. The notes are issued at 100% of face with a 1% underwriting discount (net proceeds 99%).
Payment at maturity on Decem ber 4, 2028 is cash-settled based on the underlier return measured from the trade date to the determination date. If the final underlier level is >= initial level, you receive 1,000 plus participation × return; if the decline is within the 15% buffer you receive the absolute underlier loss as a positive return; if the decline exceeds the buffer you suffer a proportional loss to face amount. The notes are senior unsecured obligations of GS Finance Corp., guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., and carry issuer/guarantor credit risk and limited secondary-market liquidity.
Insights
Mechanics balance enhanced upside with a discrete downside buffer and issuer credit exposure.
The structure offers 121% participation in positive underlier returns and a 15% buffer that turns some underlier declines into positive note returns (absolute-return treatment for declines up to the buffer). Losses occur if the final level falls below the buffer level, producing direct principal exposure.
Price sensitivity depends on the underlier futures dynamics, negative roll yields, and volatility; secondary market liquidity and issuer/guarantor credit will materially affect market prices prior to maturity. The stated maturity is December 4, 2028.
Tax characterization is uncertain; counsel views notes as pre-paid derivatives for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Sidley Austin LLP opines it is reasonable to treat these notes as pre-paid derivative contracts, with capital gain or loss on sale or maturity. The tax treatment is not settled and the IRS could assert a different characterization.
FATCA and 871(m) withholding rules are addressed; non-U.S. holders should consult advisors for withholding risk and timing of income recognition.
Key Figures
Key Terms
S&P 500® Futures Excess Return Index financial
Negative roll yield financial
Buffer level / Buffer amount financial
Pre‑paid derivative contract regulatory
Cash settlement financial
FAQ
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What payoff do GS Finance Corp. (GS) buffered upside notes provide at maturity?
When do these notes mature and what are the key dates for GS (symbol GS)?
What is the buffer and how does it affect losses on the GS notes?
What fees and issuance economics are disclosed for the GS offering?
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

