GS Finance issues S&P 500‑linked notes with 15% buffer
GS Finance Corp. priced a two-year market-linked note tied to the S&P 500® Index.
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
GS Finance Corp. priced a two-year market-linked note tied to the S&P 500® Index. The notes have an aggregate face amount of $3,744,000 and pay no interest. At maturity you receive a cash payment per $1,000 face amount that depends on the index performance, subject to a $1,275 cap and an 85% buffer level.
If the final index level is at or above the initial level you receive the index return up to the cap. If the final level is down but within the 15% buffer you receive the absolute decline as a positive return. If the final level is more than 15% below the initial level you suffer a proportional loss of principal. Trade date is May 19, 2026, original issue date May 22, 2026, determination date May 19, 2028, and stated maturity May 24, 2028.
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Insights
Terms create asymmetric payoff with a fixed upside cap and a downside that can erode principal.
The notes are structured with a 15% buffer and a $1,275 maximum cash settlement per $1,000 face amount, and are payable in cash only. The offering is documented as a supplement to the issuer's medium-term note program and is guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
Tax characterization is uncertain: counsel opines these are a pre-paid derivative contract for U.S. federal tax purposes, but the IRS could take a different view. FATCA and 871(m) considerations are disclosed; purchasers should seek tax advice.
This is a non‑interest‑bearing structured note offering limited upside and material downside exposure tied to the S&P 500®.
The notes pay no coupons; return at maturity depends on the S&P 500 closing level relative to the initial level (7,353.61) and is capped at 127.5% of face amount. If the index declines beyond the 15% buffer, losses are linear and can be substantial.
Market liquidity is not assured, and the issuer discloses model-based pricing that exceeds estimated secondary market value at issuance. Credit risk is that of GS Finance Corp. and its guarantor.
Key Figures
Key Terms
Buffer level financial
Maximum upside settlement amount financial
Pre‑paid derivative contract regulatory
FATCA withholding regulatory
Offering Details
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What payoff does GS (GS) offer at maturity for these S&P 500‑linked notes?
How does the 15% buffer for GS notes work and when do I lose principal?
What are the key dates and issue size for the GS structured notes?
Who bears credit and liquidity risk for these GS notes (symbol: GS)?
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

